Cat advice please-swollen gland?

[PennywithHenry]

Hi all, sorry but I didn't know where exactly to post a kitty related question...

I noticed this morning that my 10 month old ragdoll cat had what looked like a swelling/lump under her jawbone, kind of where the jawbone goes up to the ear, if that makes sense?

I first thought infected back tooth, but I had a poke, prod and squeeze with no reaction whatsoever from her, (I would have thought infection from a tooth, another cat bit etc would be warm and painful?) I opened her mouth and had a good look, all her teeth seem secure, intact and in good condition. I also had a sniff (aren't I just a doll lol) and nothing smells untoward in there.

Which leads me to the conclusion that it must be her gland up, but the other side feels fine. It's not sore or hard to the touch, but is noticable. She's long haired and I noticed it on sight rather than touch.

Another thought was that it might be a blocked saliva duct? Would that cause that lump there or would it be painful? She's no more dribbly than usual, but has always been a 'wet' cat anyway in the chin region so it's hard to tell. She's eating and drinking as normal....

Any suggestions before I incur a saturday vet charge?

 

[Hullabaloo]

My initial thought reading this was maybe an abscess that hasn't burst yet, although you might expect some discomfort.
You could try calling the vet to have a chat over the phone - then they can decide whether she needs a visit or not. I've found my vets really helpful when I've done that in the past.

 

[Box_Of_Frogs]

Hi PwH - we need a Cat forum here! I'd have immediately thought abscess too. And moggie showing no discomfort when it's prodded could be giving the wrong picture. Some mogs can be very stoic over this sort of stuff - is it my imagination or have I read somewhere that ragdoll cats are truly and terminally laid back??? So it could still be an abscess. Watch for her going off her food, running a fever, dehydrated, oozy disgusting hole appearing. Dunno why I'm saying this coz you'll know it all anyway lol!!! Blocked salivary glands: I know people can get them but I think they come and go, worse when you've just eaten. Could be wrong. If she's a dribble-puss anyway, it could be something related to that. I'd keep a very close eye on it, watch for any changes in behaviour etc and if in any doubt whatsoever, take El Dribbly One down to the vet!

 

[Dressagebabe]

I too thought it sounded like an abcess forming however, a consultation charge for saturday will be far less than for sunday!! If it is an abcess you don't really want all that poision in the blood stream over the weekend

 

[PennywithHenry]

Thanks guys, they're running an afternoon surgery at their other surgery in town and she's booked in for 2pm.

I knew I'd end up taking her anyway lol I'm such a worrier! She's fine in herself and is currently playing with the dogs as per. She does love the doggies!

And there was me thinking I'd gone the week without seeing the vet! Still, maybe it's for the best, I'm sure he thinks I've fallen out with him if he doesn't hear from me for a few days!

 

[pottamus]

I would go for an abcess too. My cat had one that developed over the last day or so and burst this morning....nice! I was the one that had to 'deal' with it and ensure the rest came out! He is now looking very sorry for himself with a big hole in his neck and demanding tuna because he is so poorly!!!