My cat's neck lump broke open and spread. Is it healing or worsening?

Even though a picture would help to understand better the underlying cause, this presentation could be due to a trauma (bite wound) and/or localized spot of skin infection (likely to be caused by bacteria). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching. 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.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Stormy! If Stormy goes outside the lump was probably an abscess that ruptured. If he is older than it could be a ruptured tumor. I wouldn't suggest bandaging it, cats dislike bandages and it sounds like it is in a awkward location to bandage. I would use an E-collar to prevent licking. Warm compress the swelling and wound 2-3 times per day to promote drainage. Clean the wound twice daily with warm water and a mild soap. I would avoid salt because it likely stings. Then apply a triple antibiotic ointment to the open area twice daily. He really needs to area evaluated and if it is an abscess antibiotics prescribed. I would be sure to get him to the Vet this week. I hope this helps and I wish you and Stormy the best!

Mammary growths in cats have a high chance of being a malignant cancer. Since they are open and draining, they may also be infected It would be best to have a vet check the area to see if surgery is an option to remove them or at least medication to help clean them and clear the infection. Peroxide can actually delay healing after the first use. You are safer with mild soap and water to wipe it clean

Hi there and thanks for posting! If you cat has a lump or mass that has appeared to have ruptured, I would visit your veterinarian right away. The mass may need to be removed or treated with antibiotics. Your veterinarian may also take a sample of the mass to determine what it is and if it needs to be removed. I hope this helps and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

This is an abscess and the white substance is puss. These are often caused by something under the skin that gets infected. It could be a thorn or from a bite. It's best if a vet examines this and explores the wound, because if the cause of the infection is not removed, then the infection will never clear. Sometimes these infections have potential to cause infections elsewhere, or can get worse, so a vet may need to prescribe medication to prevent this. For now, keep the area clean by flushing with water twice a day. I hope that helps and Mittens gets better soon.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the picture, this could be a ruptured abscess or secondary to self trauma from him scratching at the area. I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. He will need the hair clipped from around the wound and the wound cleaned. I would also recommend an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. I hope this helps. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Poor Murphy! This could be a parasite, an infection, or a tumor that has ruptured. Since it is getting larger, I would have your vet take a look at it. If it is a parasite, they will be able to remove the parasite for you. They will also be able to get him on some antibiotics if needed. If it looks like a tumor, your vet will be able to see whether or not it needs to be surgically removed or just continued to watch. I hope this helps.