My cat has a strange lump or bug under its skin. What could it be?

I would definitely take him to the vet to have this checked. From what you say I wonder if this is a tissue reaction to a little piece of the bug left behind. It looks more like reaction and infection than a tumour, but that is always a possibility. I wouldn't let that put you off, head to the vet and see what they think.

A cuterebra, or bot fly larva, could be underneath the skin but typically you would see a swelling and not be able to feel the larva underneath. Maggots or fly larvae can contaminate open wounds but you would see an obvious wound with the larvae present. There are no other types of worms that could migrate beneath the skin that would be in your area. It's possible that you're feeling something in the muscle. You might want to have your vet take a look to determine what it is that you are feeling.

Although some intestinal parasites can migrate under the skin in people, this doesn't usually happen in animals. Assuming you've been using a good quality dewormer that gets tapeworms, roundworms, hookworms, I doubt that what you're seeing are worms. Certainly cats do have veins under the skin, so perhaps that's what you're seeing, but I'd have to say I don't think I've seen anything that sounds exactly like what you're describing. I commend you on your efforts to get rid of the fleas and tapeworms - that must have been a nightmare! - but I think you're going to have to show these lesions to your vet for a definitive diagnosis. Alternatively, you could request a consult with us, which would allow you to post pictures, so that we can take a look.

If it is hard a raised (try looking underneath if it is red as well) it could be an allergic reaction, an infection or possibly an autoimmune disease that is quite common in cats (EG granuloma). If this line seems to get worse or doesn't get any better within a week give or take, I would recommend having it checked by your vet, it might need medical treatment (either steroids, antibiotics or anti-fungal therapy).

Hello and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It's usually nearly impossible to tell 100% what is going on with just a picture. However, that looks like it could be a couple things on Kala's back. It could be a skin infection of infected cyst. It could also be related to a parasite below the skin called a cuterebra. Finally, it could also be a skin tumor. It would be best for you to take Kala to your veterinarian to have the area examined. Your veterinarian will be able to take samples and decide on a treatment. Good luck to you and Kala!

Hello. It is very unlikely that this is cancerous, but what it actually requires is a hands-on examination. My first inclination is the presence of a single fly larva under each swelling. Warble flystrike is a common problem in young cats during the summer. This may also just be what you described, some type of benign cyst, but It is unusual enough that I really recommend letting your vet take a look at this. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I am not quite sure what is. It could be a small abscess, infection, ringworm, a wound from fighting or caused by itching, mites, or even a small tumor. I would recommend that Winsky be checked out by a vet to figure out what this spot could be.

Unfortunately, it's impossible to tell what is going on with a skin problem by just looking at the skin since most skin problems look very similar. My best recommendation would be to have your veterinarian perform some simple skin tests to get a sample of the area to examine under the microscope. They will be able to evaluate for bacteria, yeast, mites, fungus and abnormal cells. Hopefully that will determine what is causing the problem and how to treat it. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Poor Murphy! This could be a parasite, an infection, or a tumor that has ruptured. Since it is getting larger, I would have your vet take a look at it. If it is a parasite, they will be able to remove the parasite for you. They will also be able to get him on some antibiotics if needed. If it looks like a tumor, your vet will be able to see whether or not it needs to be surgically removed or just continued to watch. I hope this helps.

This is likely a mass and it should be examined by a veterinarian. Since it is apparently growing and bleeding because the skin is overstretching, it should also be removed surgically, whether it is benign or malignant. this should happen very soon, as the wound will be prone to bacterial infection. This is not heartworm. Please make an appointment with your veterinarian. She is a beautiful cat!