My cat's swollen paw: Vet says tumor/arthritis. Is waiting dangerous?

Question

Hello, yesterday I went to the vet because I realized that my cats left foot was swollen, she doesn't limp and still jumps. Suki is seven years old. They did X-rays and the vet told me it could either be arthritis or a tumour. Now I'll have to wait eight weeks for a second X-ray, if she starts to limp I should come in sooner. Is it really wise to wait this long if its potentially dangerous? I attached photos of the X-rays, maybe someone can tell me more. I am really scared. Thank you in advance. Pet's info: Cat | Scottish Fold | Female | spayed | 7 years and 2 months old | 7 lbs

Tomasz Wnuk · Accepted Answer

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You are right, waiting for 8 weeks and then repeating the x-ray does not make much sense. The joint looks very abnormal. It may be a tumor. Arthritis or bone infection is also a possibility bu less likely. In my opinion the course of treatment should be as follow: - x-ray of the other bones (front legs, pelvis, chest) to look for a spread - bone biopsy from the left hind leg - the biopsy often will give the answer if it is infection, inflammation or bone tumor. - if it comes to the worse and it is a bone tumor you will have to consider amputation, I am afraid. Time is of the essence, so please get back to your vets to discuss changing the treatment plan or ask your vet to be referred to a specialist in orthopedics.

My cat's swollen paw: Vet says tumor/arthritis. Is waiting dangerous?

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