Why is there a lump on my cat's neck after tick removal with oil?

YEs this is quite likely a tick bite reaction and there may be part of the tick still there causing irritation. Bathing with warm saline soaked cotton wool will help to keep the area clean if she allows you, monitor closely for increasing redness, pain, lameness or fever which may indicate a widespread infection which would require additional treatment. I recommend using a tick prevention such as bravecto every 3months to prevent further incidents

A small amount of localized swelling and redness is a normal inflammatory reaction after tick removal. However, if the swelling and redness persists then you should have your vet take a look at it. You could clean the area with a wound wash and then apply a topical OTC antibiotic cream to the area. Make sure to use a good flea and tick prevention, NexGard, Bravecto, Credelio. Also, talk to your vet about vaccinating for Lyme disease is she isn't vaccinated. Monitor for any abnormal signs and talk your vet about yearly testing for tick borne diseases and heartworms.

If it was a tick that you removed, that will commonly leave an inflammatory bump that takes weeks sometimes to completely go away. I would continue to monitor the area and make sure it does not get larger, start to drain fluid or change color. It should gradually go away but it can take weeks. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi Emily! Secretions from the tick's feeding parts can cause skin reactions, such as raised areas, lumps and growths called granulomas. I would keep an eye on this area, and if it doesn't go away in a few days, have Jensen seen by a vet. I hope this helps!

Hi ! Yes it is normal for a lump to be still there as the tick causes quite a bit of local inflammation. It is normal for a lump also to remain from now onwards, it is a normal reaction of the body. It would be important to know if the head of the tick has been removed or if it has been left under the skin. If left, it will contribute to inflammation and further treatment might be required. As this is the second time Joshie gets a tick this year I would recommend to use a product that prevents Joshie from getting ticks, I have used Seresto collars quite successfully for example. Hope this helps !

At this point, there may not be much you can do other than monitor it closely and keep it clean and dry. Protect the lump from scratching or other trauma. Your normal vet may also be able to provide some guidance via telehealth. Make sure to have it checked out as soon as your veterinarian opens again. If the mass starts getting worse, call and see if any emergency clinics are still open. Also, it's likely there are still some normal veterinary clinics that are open and I recommend to call around and look. You need to make arrangements for an appointment ahead of time and follow the assigned protocols. I hope this helps.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Ace. It is common to have a small swollen area where the tick was. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian though to determine if any treatment is needed. Ticks are capable of spreading diseases to dogs. He should also be started on a flea and tick preventive. I hope this information helps!