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What's this large swelling under my cat's ear? Abscess or hematoma?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed

Severe ear infection in my cat portia's over 2 years/ polyps... treating unsucessfully with antibiotics. But yesterday within 7 hpurs a huge ping pong ball size swelling has appeared under her ear, so cheek/ neck. Get said he doesnt know what it is. Waste of time going. Is it an abcess or a haemotoma... I am frightened and having already been to vets who wants me to pay 800 pounds for examining and treatment. Any ideas?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jenna Beyer, DVM, MBA, cVMA

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on September 11th, 2017

I would be very suspicious of an abscess. This is not a common area for a hematoma, although it could be possible. There is also a possibility for it being an enlarged lymph node. I would recommend that you have a vet check out this new lump. If it is an abscess, then Portia should have it lanced and drained and get systemic antibiotics to help it heal. If it ruptures on its own, it can cause more damage than if it were lanced.

If the polyps haven't been surgically removed (and even if they are removed, they can grow back) then antibiotics won't cure the problem, unfortunately. Polyps are so frustrating, and I am so sorry that Portia has them!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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