I'm feeling a bit stressed and hoping for some advice. I recently got my cat, Luna, spayed about a week ago, and I just noticed a small, firm bump near the incision site. It wasn't there before and it doesn't seem to be bothering her, but I can't help but worry. She's my first pet and I absolutely adore her, so I'm really anxious about any post-surgery complications. She's eating and playing as usual, but I can't shake the feeling that something might be wrong. I called the vet and they said to keep an eye on it, but I'd really appreciate hearing from anyone who has experienced something similar. Is this normal, and how long before it goes away?
Hello there! It sounds like you’re taking great care of your cat, and it’s understandable to be concerned about a new bump after surgery. Post-operative lumps can occur and are sometimes part of the normal healing process. Here are a few possibilities:
1. **Seroma:** This fluid-filled pocket sometimes appears near the incision site. It’s usually soft, painless, and might go away on its own.
2. **Suture Reaction:** Occasionally, the body reacts to the stitches, causing a small bump. This can resolve as healing continues.
3. **Infection or Abscess:** If the lump feels warm, is red, swollen, or if your cat seems uncomfortable or has a fever, it might be an infection.
Keep an eye on the bump. If it grows, doesn’t improve over a few days, or if you notice any discharge, your cat becomes lethargic, stops eating, or seems in pain, those could be signs of a more serious issue needing veterinary attention.
At home, make sure your cat isn’t licking or scratching the incision, which might mean using an e-collar briefly. Keep the area clean and dry, and follow any post-op care instructions your vet has provided.
If the bump looks concerning or you're unsure about what you're seeing, it might be a good idea to book a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet for peace of mind. Take care!
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