My cat has a hard ring on his lip. What is it? Should I worry?

This appears to be what is commonly referred to as a 'rodent ulcer'. The most common cause for these to pop up in cats is an allergy, typically to something in the food. Sometimes these will resolve in their own, however sometimes they can become infected, long lasting, and problematic. If they become very large and painful it can discourage the cat from wanting to eat. If this ulcer has been present for more than 2 weeks it is probably not going to go away on its own. At that time I would recommend taking you cat to the vet for treatment. Nathaniel may need antibiotics and an immunsuppresive drug like steroids or Atopica. If the lesions keep coming back he may need to be on an immunosuppressive long term and/or a hypoallergenic diet. I hope this helps. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Best of luck.

Hi there, This appears very similar to something called a "rodent ulcer" or Eosinophilic Granuloma Complex, but it may be something different, like an infection or a growth. Eosinophilic granulomas are often thought to stem from an overreactive immune system or allergies to insects, a protein in their food, or their environment. Many cases resolve with a course of medication. Some cats need to have strict flea control or a prescription diet. Your vet can tell you more about Chibi's specific case after they do a physical exam. Just in case it is an Eosinophilic Granuloma, here is a link to learn more: https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/feline-eosinophilic-granuloma-complex-in-cats I hope this helps! Thanks for using PetCoach.

Looks like a condition called esosinophilic granuloma complex which can occur in cats. It appears like it should be very painful. If you notice he is eating or grooming less, these are signs he is uncomfortable. Sometimes this is caused by an allergy. I would recommend changing food bowls and try a hypoallergenic diet. Ultimately seeing your veterinarian to have a biopsy performed to confirm the diagnose and starting some medications will be needed to help resolve the swelling. Good luck !

The lesion on Bamboo's lip is quite prominent. It could be due to infected hair follicles, an indolent lip ulcer (although the photo does not quite look typical of this), or a benign or malignant mass. Since this lesion has grown fairly rapidly over just a day or two, she should be examined by a vet sooner rather than later. The vet will likely need to perform a fine needle aspirate, whereby they will draw out a sample of cells with a needle (it's quick and relatively painless!) so that they can be examined microscopically. From there, the vet will be able to determine if Bamboo should be started on a course of antibiotics or if she will need to have this lesion surgically excised. I hope that all goes well!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Cleo. I recommend that she sees her veterinarian. Her lip lesion appears similar to a condition known as an indolent ulcer. This can be the result of an allergic disease such as to her diet or fleas. She needs to be treated soon as if this is the case, the lesion can be harder to heal the larger it gets. I hope this information helps!

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!

That looks like some sort of an ulcer on Mickey’s lip. This is generally related to an allergic reaction, a tooth root abscess or an immune mediated disease. Have Mickey examined by his veterinarian who may get a clue to the cause from the rest of the physical exam. He will likely get medications to heal the ulcer quickly. He does need to wear an Elizabethan collar at all times to protect the wound from any further trauma. I hope this helps and best of luck.