My cat with leukemia has a scabbed bump. Is it serious or chin acne?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good night!

Poor Norbert. Since you know that he has feline leukemia, I would get him started on some l-lysine if you haven't already. There is a paste and chew formulas. This helps to boost their immune system. See links below for options. I would also be concerned that he has an abscess or infection or even a tumor where those swellings are. He could be avoiding you because he is uncomfortable. I would have your vet take a look at him. Your vet will be able to determine what the swellings are and even do blood work if needed. They should be able to get him starts on some antibiotics, pain meds and even an appetite stimulant if needed. I would be sure to ask the vet for an estimate before they do any diagnostics. The vet should be able to come up with a treatment plan that will help Norbert but also fit your needs. I do not recommend to give any human pain meds as most of these are toxic to cats. I hope this helps and he starts to feel better soon! L-Lysine chews: https://www.petco.com/brand/vetriscience-120-count-2215443?utm_source=google&utm_medium=cpc&adpos=1o2&scid=scplp2215443&sc_intid=2215443&cm_mmc=PLA-GG-_-PTC_P_BND_PLA-GG_FY17_SCShopping-TM-_-Non+VIP-_-92700026086767577&kwid=p26086767577&device=c&gclid=EAIaIQobChMIgMSVktCj2AIVw7XACh2AZgaGEAQYAiABEgLRp_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds L-lysine paste: https://www.chewy.com/vetoquinol-viralys-l-lysine-oral-gel/dp/102542?utm_source=google-product&utm_medium=cpc&utm_campaign=hg&utm_content=Vetoquinol&utm_term=&gclid=EAIaIQobChMI_ozrr9Cj2AIVgbrACh2ykg-REAQYASABEgLx2_D_BwE&gclsrc=aw.ds

This looks like it could be a scab or potentially feline acne. Feline acne can be related to using a plastic or dirty food bowl so you may want to switch to glass or ceramic if you have a plastic bowl. It does not typically require treatment and does not bother the cat. If this lesion is getting bigger, if you notice redness or discharge or if it seems to be bothering Lydia I would recommend having your vet examine it.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Skin lesions like you are describing can have a variety of causes, including skin parasites (fleas or mites), an infection (bacterial or fungal), allergies, or another underlying medical issue. I would recommend he be evaluated by his regular veterinarian to determine the underlying cause for his skin lesions, so he could start any treatment (antibiotics, anti-itch medications, parasiticide) that he may need. In the meantime, I would clean the area will diluted betadine if possible and then keep it dry, and trim his nails back as much as possible to keep him from scratching at it. Good luck!

This lump/growth should be ideally examined by your veterinarian to have a definitive diagnosis. Your vet will examine it and possibly perform with an FNA (fine needle aspiration) or a biopsy. Differentials would include skin cyst, infections or benign or malignant type of tumors. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

It is difficult to definitively say what is going on with Alvin's back without seeing him. I would recommend making an appointment with your veterinarian. They can fully evaluate Alvin and make sure it is nothing to worry about. The scab under his chin are most likely chin acne. I would recommend making sure that Alvin is eating and drinking out of ceramic or stainless steel bowls. If the bowls are plastic there can be bacteria that gets on your cats chin creating acne. I would also make sure you clean the bowls daily. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This is chin acne. I would make sure you are feeding Peaches out of stainless steel or ceramic bowls and they are being cleaned daily. Even the water bowl should be cleaned daily or even multiple times a day. I would recommend wiping her chin clean also. Sometimes these cases need antibiotics, so if it doesn't resolve with cleaning everything then I would recommend taking her to a veterinarian. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.