My cat has a hard lump on her belly a week after hernia repair?

Question

On March 2 my 7.5 year old cat had exploratory surgery to determine the cause of her vomiting and occasional diarrhea. It turned out she has Inflammatory Bowel Disease. She is now on a strict diet of Venison and green pea canned cat food only (which is not on the recall list, thank goodness). However, last week she had a second surgery b/c there was a large golfball sized lump on her belly. Turned out it was a hernia, most likely caused by the last surgery. So last Wednesday, she had it fixed.... NOW, 8 days later, the lump is there... still. Only this time it feels harder. Two days after surgery she did try jumping on the table, and fell, and I know that was not good.

The vet said it was a seroma. BUT, I have this bad feeling it is another hernia. It does not hurt her.... at least it does not seem to. Apparently a seroma is liquid filled and this feels hard... does anyone have input??

Answer 1

A seroma can or should be able to be drained or aspirated, I am not sure what the correct term would be in this case. However, if you are worried that this is may be another hernia express those concerns to your vet. Be sure to ask them about anything else it could be and why he/she did not suggest any solutions for the seroma if that is what they thought it was. If you don't get any satisfactory answers I would get a second opinion immediately. Nobody is going to be able to give you truly helpful advise without examine your cat but I would defiantly make sure you get her taken care of soon.

Answer 2

Hard Lump After Hernia Surgery

Answer 3

If your vet said it's a seroma, no one on here can say it isn't because we haven't seen it. A seroma is:

"...... a pocket of clear serous fluid that sometimes develops in the body after surgery. When small blood vessels are ruptured, blood plasma can seep out; inflammation caused by dying injured cells also contributes to the fluid."

So there you go. If the vet recognised a hernia the first time round, I think it's fairly likely he knows what he's talking about. If the seroma is not gone when you go to have her stitches out, ask the vet about this. If your cat develops any untoward symptoms, obviously contact the vet at once (not Yahoo Answers :-)

Chalice

Answer 4

If it is a seroma the vet should have drained this out with a syringe! Sometimes a drainage tube should be put in to help with the draining. I would see another vet for their advice and if they both tell you the same thing then ask what can be dne to fix it!

Answer 5

Okay trust your gut on this.......Call another vet, make an appointment as soon as possible. Explain to the new vet that you have concerns, and your current vet just dismissed them.

Vets are always happy to receive new clients, even the busiest ones. They do not mind giving a second opinion. They are like doctors, some have more experience, some have a specialty, and some won't admit they have no clue.

Good Luck!!!!!
I hope you find a good one.

Answer 6

If the vet is correct, the fluid will reabsorb in time and the lump will disappear. If the cat is acting OK and not vomiting, or having diarrhea, I think she will be all right. Good luck

Answer 7

My cat had that too. Probably a fibroid tumor in her uterus. Don't let her eat anymore dairy or fast foods. Lay her in your lap and massage her belly while she purrs.

Answer 8

well i dont know what it is but my dog has a huge lump on her back but i dont know what it is we think it might be cancer but she doesnt act sick or anything good luk

Answer 9

Your vet should know...
Ask him if it should be hard or soft and if you should do anything for it.

Answer 10

maybe its a sitsed... (sp?) a lump... does she itch at it a lot.?