Reptile & Amphibian Forums

My Tiv is one and a half. She is a very clean (and pampered ) indoor cat. We have another cat, one-year-old Bama. Recently Tiv has developed a fat lower lip. It appears to have a white spot on the outside and a small canker sore looking abrasion on the inside of her lip. We have switched to ceramic bowls within the last 2 months, although neither seemed to have problems with the old plastic ones. The only change I can think of is a food switch. Once Bama turned 1, we started giving them Purina Indoor Cat Complete Formula (in the blue bag). We switched from Iams Kitten food and Iams Indoor food. Back in March Tiv had an obstruction, but it passed with a laxative (in case, by a long shot, this is relevant).

What could this be???
She let's me look at and touch the lip, so it can't be causing much pain and I haven't noticed any change in her attitude or habits.
Any advise would be greatly appreciated!
Tiv's Mommy

It sounds like a granuloma. These can be brought on by allergies or immune system problems. You need to see the vet for treatment.

The puffiness on Tiv's lip has no discoloring. It just looks fat. Is granuloma dangerous?

Thank you so muuch for your help!

This site has pictures of granulomas, also on the lower lip.

http://www.marvistavet.com/html/body_eosinophilic_granuloma.html

Best wishes,
Tilda

Hi,

This sounds like it might be the beginning of a rodent ulcer, otherwise called esosinophilic granuloma. It was once thought to be caused by contact with rodents, but is actually an allergic condition. Eosinophils are white cells present in high numbers with allergies.

Rodent ulcers are usually treated with steroid injections and tend to recur in some cats. They do become worse if not treated.

Regards,
AshleyElla

Hello,

Our cat Sidney (neutered male, 2.5 yrs old) has been treated for rodent ulcers three times. The last time was a year ago - I keep checking his mouth for signs. The vet mentioned that if they saw him again he may have to have a biopsy to determine what the cause is. A couple of his were strange as they were located inside his mouth - our vet had never seen this before and took a picture so that she could consult with a dermatologist. It is thought that he has an allergy to bug parts - he is an indoor cat but lord knows what he finds in the basement.

For his first visit he was given a shot of some steriod - it took a number of weeks before it was completely gone. Our vet assured us that it was not painful to him - even before treatment he continued playing with his feline brothers, eating normally and biting on his toys. She also recommended that we replace all of our plastic dishes with stainless steel/ceramic.

The second visit he had one on his lip and the one in his mouth. The one in his mouth seemed to bother him a little (he would chew on the side of his mouth). He was given a shot of steriod and also an antibiotic (clavamox).

It cleared up but about a mouth later I noticed him chewing on the side of his mouth again and there was an odor coming from his mouth. He was given another prescription for clavamox and after taking this for two weeks has not had another episode.

I am keeping my fingers crossed that it does not occur again.

The vet also said it is more common in females.

Here is hoping it clears up soon.

Kristen

Hi,

Sidney is such a precious baby! I just love the pic!

I'm hoping along with you that his rodent ulcer days are behind him.

Take care,
AshleyElla