#MiddleburyCT #StrangeGrowth #Pets #Lump
DEAR PAW’S CORNER: I inherited my aunt’s cat, Tabitha, late last year. When Tabbi came to live with me, I noticed that she had six toes, but only on one paw. Her other front paw was normal. I thought that was unusual but not dangerous, or my aunt would have done something about it. However, on our first visit to the veterinarian, when I pointed out the toe as a strange genetic anomaly, the vet got very concerned. The “toe” was actually a lump! Tabbi had surgery to remove it.
Fortunately, it was benign, and she recovered completely. Please tell your readers to contact the vet when they notice any strange growth. – Joe in Portland, Oregon
DEAR JOE: Thank you for sharing your story! Cats, dogs and other pets can develop strange growths or lumps during their lifetime. It’s not always easy to determine whether a growth is harmless or needs to be removed. The vet will do a needle biopsy and can often examine the cells under a microscope right in their office, so they can report their findings to you almost immediately. Sometimes, they will send a sample to a veterinary pathologist, who can provide a clearer picture of what’s going on with a lump or mass.
Having new lumps and bumps checked out as soon as possible is important, because the vet can treat them while they’re still small, so your pet suffers less pain and discomfort. If a mass turns out to be cancerous, the faster the treatment happens, the better.
So, just as a change in behavior or energy signals that it’s time to visit the vet, a new lump or bump (or any strange new growth) should be checked out as soon as possible.
Send your tips, comments or questions to ask@pawscorner.com.
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