Senior cat has a lump on her face...

I just noticed it a few mins ago....I dont see her often ..As she lives with my mother in an apartment attached to my house...she came in for  a short visit and I noticed her cheek is very swollen below her eye above her mouth...My mother didn't even notice it ...its like it just grew today...BUT I dont believe thats possible...It doesn't seem to bother her at all..she is eating the same as she always has...she was even rubbing it on the corner ..I am able to touch it ...seems more on the firmer side ..her breath is very bad as well..

Of course first thing I thought of was an abscess..but I've dealt with them b4  on another one of my cats and it was very painful...I think could be teeth related cause she is 17...I am going to take her to the vets tomorrow if I can get her in cause its Sat and they are only open 4 hrs ..

Just wondering if there is anything I should be doing for her this evening ? Any other ideas on what that could be ?

Nancy

Hi Nance!

Just a quick answer for you.......and, you're not new here, so you won't be expecting any diagnosis.

Two thoughts would cross my mind if she were here.....yes, an infection that, fortunately hasn't been causing her what is often extreme pain - that could be a dental issue or of soft tissue.......the other possibility, of course, is some type of growth. Only a competent examiner can tell.
 

Because you're established here, I'm hoping you're aware of the latest senior/geriatric care recommendations of 2 Vet exams yearly: one, very comprehensive and a second basic checkup six months later.

The bad breath is often a sign that dental attention is overdue, whether the attention is regular brushing or periodic cleaning.

At her age, there are a number of points that need to be covered off for any procedure requiring anesthesia. Please use this as a checklist and ensure that each point will be actioned by your Vet: http://www.felinecrf.org/dental_problems.htm#dental_surgery (see:"During Surgery") (ignore references to kidney disease, these requirements apply to any cat "going under")

As for this evening? If she's happy - there's probably no need for anything....except, maybe, and without her knowing, set out her carrier with the door open - near where she usually sleeps...could well make things easier in the AM!

Hope this helps.

It has gotten larger over night so I think its an abscess tooth...vet opens  30 mins so I will call and get her in today... I hate this part of owning a pet....how far do you go for an 17/18 year old cat...her kidney's have been failing for the past 2 yrs....To me its not time yet ..since she is eating/drinking and still has quailty in her life..she loves her family and attention...Has a pretty cushy life living in my mothers apartment..I guess we will see what the vet suggests...

Nancy

Back from the vet...all she felt comfy doing was giving her an injectable antibiotic...no pain meds cause of her kidney issues...She also has a very fast heart rate was 240

beats per min....and she thinks she  has hyperthyroidism...

So  she said if it pops that would be a good thing....she said if it goes down at all will most likely come back ...but to keep her comfy she said she would give her than injectable antibiotic every 2 weeks..

She isnt a candidate for dental sugery because of her under lying medical diseases...she doesn't seem to be in pain...however I can't believe that she isn't...so we just play it by ear for the next little while....

Nancy