My cat's gums look weird: sore, spike, no pain. Is it serious?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This looks like it is due to the tooth causing pressure on the gum causing this ulcer/lesion. I would agree with your veterinarian in that they probably need to sedate or put under anesthesia to be able to better evaluate this region. Then they can treat it accordingly. If it is found to be dental disease, they can correct it then. Best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is very likely a malignant tumor unfortunately. Cats are very well known for having a mouth tumor called squamous cell carcinoma which carries a poor prognosis. However, it could still be something else. The only way to know is by doing some sampling via fine needle aspiration or possibly a biopsy. If squamous cell carcinoma is confirmed, it is not likely to respond to medications much other than mild decrease in inflammation. Treatment for squamous cell carcinoma is limited by how aggressive this tumor is though sometimes surgery, radiation therapy and chemotherapy are options. Sorry for the sad news. Let's hope it is more on the benign side. Good luck and have a great day!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From the blurry picture, it is tough to say for sure what this is but it looks as though there is a ulcerated sore on the upper right lip. This looks as though it could be consistent with an indolent ulcer, which is part of a disease known as Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex (EGC). The cause of EGC is typically unknown but treatment is generally steroid therapy (topical and systemic). Generally, an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory are used to treat these. Also, if Leo is drinking / eating out of plastic bowls, switch to metal or ceramic to see if this helps. Many times, these lesions pop up for no known reason and go away after treatment. These lesions may not show up for months to years later once initially resolved. If this sore is not improving, I would have a veterinarian take a look at it so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! in a young kitten, this is likely just a change in pigmentation and not a big concern. I would not be too concerned about this unless you ever notice a mass effect or it seems to be causing any discomfort. Best of luck!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At this point this would warrant reevaluation. This could be something else such as a mass which is why it has not resolved or perhaps an abscess that is not sensitive to the antibiotics that were used. Your veterinarian can reevaluate this and treat according to that. Good luck and have a great day!

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It sounds like Nero has severe gingivitis. This condition can be caused by a condition that causes the tooth roots to be resorbed by the body, or a build up of bacteria and tartar around the gum line. This results in chronic infections an inflammation, which can be very painful and even result in Nero not wanting to eat. I recommend having Nero looked at by a vet as soon as possible to determine the cause of this condition and begin the appropriate treatment. He may need to have some of the teeth removed under general anesthesia. I hope this helps and that Nero gets better soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing for sure without an examination though this represents a reason to seek veterinary care. This is usually determined with an examination and a fine needle aspirate (FNA) or a biopsy. Treatment depends on the findings up to that point. I recommend you have Panda evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good day!