19 Year Old Cat Help?!?!?

Question

So I have a really old cat, she is 19, and she has this weird growth thing. I think it might be where her nipple is because the lump has a nipple. Me and my parents don't really want to take her to a vet because if she needs surgery and has to have an anesthetic she might not wake up.

It's a round lump that's full of something, and when she scratches it she bleeds so I know that the outside is skin.

So if you have any idea what could possibly be wrong I would really appreciate it.

Answer 1

You may want to try to apply a warm compress on the affected area to see if after a few repeated treatment the mammory gland expresses itself.  Obviously be careful about the temperature of the compress. I understand your concern about an anesthetic but your vet would certainly take her age and health into consideration. They may determine that she just needs a local and lance. Best of luck.  

Answer 2

tumor, cysts, cancer.

i know it's a hard decision, but what if it's something serious?  would you want her to suffer, or take a chance and getting it removed?

it's something to seriously talk about and take into consideration

Answer 3

She needs to see the vet. It may be a sore that is infected that can be cured with antibiotics. It could be something more serious. Because of her age, her system is more fragile.  

Answer 4

You still need to take her to the vet and make sure she is not suffering. If she is then it would be in her best interest to be put to sleep. If it is not a big problem they may still be able to prescribe something to make it more comfortable or whatever else. It is not likely that they would suggest doing surgery on a really old cat like that.

Answer 5

It may be a tumor, but shes 19 and at that age it could be just about anything...don't be afraid 2 take her 2 the vet.  Uve had her this long give her a fighting chance...

Answer 6

it could be as good as a benign growth or as bad as cancer. if she's a 19 year old cat and gets a blood panel to make sure her organs are fine, then anesthesia (though still a big risk) should be fine. obviously if she scratches it and it bleeds, she's in pain. so would you rather have her be painful for the rest of her life. or risk anesthesia and solve the problem,

Answer 7

So you guys just pretend that lump isn't there?

Would you do the same for yourself?

Come on already.......the cat depends on you folks for its care.

And instead of being in denial, face the music and take her to the vet.

It could be an abscess. The puss from that could kill her.

It could also be a benign tumor, and medications could be used to shrink it versus having to go through surgery.

And if it is cancer, she's probably in a lot of pain.

Be responsible pet owners. Do what's right for the cat, not your feelings.

Answer 8

At the very least its a cyst and at the very worst its a tumor. I understand your concern about what may happen during treatment. However, it sounds like your cat could benefit from a visit to the vet and then you could discuss the treatment options and possible risks with the vet. Good luck!  I hope everything turns out fine!