Feline Panniculitis

Feline pannniculitis occurs when the fat beneath a cat's skin swells and forms a mass. The condition has a number of possible causes, and in most cases, is treatable.

  1. Symptoms

    • The most common symptom of feline pannniculitis is the formation of a lump or mass in the affected area that is movable under your cat's skin, explains Vet Connect. In some cases, a sore or ulcer forms over the area of the lump and cats develop bald spots around the sores.

    Causes

    • Feline pannniculitis may develop after a cat receives an injection or vaccine, due to a bacterial or viral infection or as a result of another illness like pancreatic inflammation, lupus or some types of cancers. In some cases, no cause can be determined.

    Types

    • Localized feline panniculitis is found only in one spot on a cat's body, while multi-focal panniculitis develops in different, distant spots.

    Diagnosis

    • To diagnose the condition, veterinarians take a sample of fluid from the inside of the lump using a needle and then send the fluid to a laboratory for analysis. Occasionally, vets may surgically remove one of the masses and send it away for biopsy.

    Treatment

    • For cats with just one nodule, veterinarians usually use surgery to remove the lump and treat the condition. For multiple nodules, prescription medications like the glucocorticoid prednisone are typically used, reports Vet Connect.