My kitten has a lip sore or scab. When should I see a vet?

I am very sorry that Kitty has his sore near her lip. Thank you for proving pictures, it is difficult to know precisely what caused this lesion it may have been a cat scratch, a traumatic puncture from for example a fence, or possible a primary skin like feline acne, or allergic disease. At this stage it appears to be slightly crusted and inflamed and I would suggest a trip to the veterinarian. The vet will most likely clean the wound and debris any necrotic material. The vet may also send home pain relief, anti inflammatory medications and / or antibiotics. The vet will also be able examine the area and reach a diagnosis. Best of luck to you both and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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!

Poor guy. You can try an over the counter oral rinse or water additive from your local pet store for a few days to a week to see if there is improvement. These products typically provide a really good antiseptic cleanse of the area and can help heal minor lesions around or in the mouth. However, if you notice any swelling, or no improvement within that time frame, its best to have Pete looked at by your vet. He likely will need antibiotics to help it heal if that is the case. Also it is not normal for a pet to loose teeth, so it is best to have Pete a complete oral exam and assessment to ensure he doesn't need further care. I hope that your furry friend gets better soon! Best wishes and take care. : )

Hi there, yes there certainly is a wound above his lip. Sounds can happen very easily, even if he just got caught on something, I doubt it was the bird but it is possible. I would clean the wound with salt water. If it is a superficial wound I would continue this for a few days. If the wound is deep, swollen, or looks red or pussy I would visit the vet in case of infection.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oreo. I recommend that he sees his veterinarian. His upper lip appears very sore. He could have a skin infection or have the beginnings of a disease known as indolent ulcers. This is a serious condition that is typically triggered by an allergy. His veterinarian will examine him and may recommend a skin biopsy. I hope this information helps!

It is difficult to tell form the picture alone what is going on with your cat's lips unfortunately. It almost looks like she/he has a sore or even infection in her/his whiskers and commissure of the mouth. I would recommend you take your cat to your vet for an exam. She/he may need antibiotics to resolve this and possibly pain medication is she/he is is uncomfortable. I would also be concerned there may be sores in the mouth that need to be addressed if you are seeing them along the outside. It is possible your cat licked something toxic or caustic causing these problems. I would look around your home to see if there is anything she/he could have gotten in to. I hope your cat improves quickly!

The pictures attached this time! That sore on Bear's lip looks pretty red and sore. I would be concerned that it could possibly be infected. Likely it's hard to get that to heal given he will probably be licking it with his tongue a lot since it will bother him. I would have him seen by a vet. He will need oral antibiotics if there is an infection to help the sore heal correctly. I hope this helps!