My cat has a neck mass, reactive lymph node. What should I do?

Yes, the mass should be cause for concern, especially since Pip has other symptoms. Have him examined by your veterinarian. A fine needle aspirate can be done in the clinic to collect samples for pathology. This may diagnose infection, a benign mass or a malignancy. Treatment may depend on the results of the aspirate. If an aspirate is inconclusive, an excisional biopsy or complete resection under anesthesia may be indicated.

It sounds like Lil Man's lymph nodes are swelling up. This happens when there is an infection in that area of the body. I would take him into the vet tomorrow for an exam. The vet can do a physical exam, routine blood tests, and a urinalysis to diagnose what is causing his lymph nodes to swell, and can treat accordingly.

Thanks is for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Your veterinarian may be suspicious of a thyroid tumor. The next step before considering surgery would be proceeding with a CT scan to check on how invasive the tumor appears to be. Then the next treatment option can be determined. A FNA can be performed at the time to determine the tumor type. If not too invasive, surgery may be possible. If too invasive, and this is a thyroid carcinoma (the most common tumor in that region), radiation therapy or chemotherapy may be next best options. The prognosis with these tumors depends on the type which is why that needs to be tested. Also, it depends on how invasive it is and if it can be resected. If you think you have more information on the case that you did not describe in the question, feel free to request a consultation with me and I can continue to help. Best of luck and have a blessed day!

Hi. I would recommend getting the cytology either redone again, or do a biopst to try to find the cause. The fact that it responds to antibiotics concerns me there is an infection somewhere that node is draining. I would be suspicious of the mouth/teeth. If cytology or biopsy comes back as reactive or unhelpful, I would plan a dental cleaning and dental xrays to look closer in mouth.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Scruffy. He appears to have a wound on his neck. I would recommend that he sees his veterinarian. He will need the hair around the wound shaved so it can be fully evaluated. Then his veterinarian will likely prescribe an antibiotic and possibly a topical disinfectant solution to help keep the skin clean as it heals. I am glad it is not painful to him, but it will still require treatment. I hope this information helps!

I would recommend at least having the lump evaluated with a physical exam. The vet may be able to do a fine needle aspirate to get some cells to assess what this may be. Draining masses can potential he be abscessed or infected also which should be addressed. Once you have more information after an exam and possible cytology you and your vet can discuss if you would like to pursue removal or anythig further for Cruzee. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor guy. It is hard to saw if this is more likely a tumor than inection without seeing the mass itself. However, if the antibiotics were effective they would have shown much improvement within 4-5 days after starting them. Drooling could just indicate he is nauseous. Also if the swelling has gone down tremendously since starting the medication, then this is more likely not a tumor. I hope that things work out well for your pet G moving forward. Best of luck and take care : )