My cat has a wound that isn't healing and is actually getting larger.
The vet tried to close it with stitches (on 9th March) without success; the wound just opened up again.
He then tried staples... same thing happened.
So now he's telling me to keep up with the dressings, but the wound is spreading.
He's mentioned a skin graft or a biopsy to investigate further...
My cat is 14, she's a Sphynx – quite an old girl!
I'm wondering if it's a pressure sore or an ulcer...
My neighbour is a nurse and is helping me with the dressings.
Does anyone recognise this kind of wound?
Do you have any advice that could help me?
I'm thinking of seeing a different vet and asking for blood tests...
I've read a lot of articles about using medical-grade honey for treatment...
I'm at my wits' end... though she doesn't actually seem to be in any pain.
I've attached a photo of this nasty wound.
Sorry to anyone who's a bit squeamish.
Looking forward to your replies.
Translated from French
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Hi, could you give us an update? I’m writing because my cat has a similar issue and the "tumour" kept coming back after several operations. Recently, the vet had to amputate all the toes on one paw, folding a paw pad underneath. But when he went to take the stitches out, we realised it hadn't held, leaving a gaping wound. I’m having to apply antiseptic and change the dressing every day, but it just isn't healing. I really don't know what to do anymore. I should mention that my cat is 17 and has kidney disease and a heart murmur. He’s eating less and less... thank you for sharing.
Hi there,
I'm also so sorry for you and your girl.
It's crazy that the first vet didn't look into things further. But as Docline said, the main thing is that it’s localised and hasn't spread.
As for the amputation, mine had a back leg removed when he was 9. He got used to it so quickly. I know yours is a bit older, but she'll no doubt adapt really well too. Animals are lucky in that they just live in the moment.
Anyway, I'm rooting for you both and hope everything goes well.
Feel free to keep us updated every now and then.
Best of luck.
I’m so sorry to hear about your poor girl – and for you as well, of course.
If the tumour remains localised and there’s no risk of the surgery causing it to spread, then yes, you should go ahead with the amputation. She’ll adapt to the new situation very quickly, so don’t you worry.
Hi, you're right, that sort of wound isn't anything to ignore given its size. It could potentially be a keloid, though, which is a type of scar tissue from a healed injury—for instance, from excessive licking caused by an itch. Whether you go for a second opinion or not, it’s vital that your cat leaves it alone, so putting a cone on her would be a good idea while you wait for the vet's advice. If you can keep a close eye on her while you're at home, that’s also a good way to monitor her behaviour around the wound, bearing in mind that the cone will probably make her act a bit differently. Best regards, Vincent
Hi,
She’s currently got a dressing and a splint on 👍 I’m waiting for the biopsy results.
The X-ray didn't show anything.
Her bloods came back spot on, except for the liver...
According to the vets (both the GP and the dermatologist), it’s not a wound that isn't healing, but rather a growth that’s appearing...
Hi there,
You're right, a wound like that is nothing to ignore given how large it is. However, it could potentially be a keloid, which is a type of scar that forms over a healed injury—for example, if she's been licking the area constantly because it’s itchy. Whether you decide to get a second opinion from another vet or not, it’s vital that your cat leaves it alone. Putting a cone on her would be a good idea until you can get a vet to look at it. If you can keep a close eye on her while you're at home, that’s also a good way to monitor how she’s acting regarding the wound, though keep in mind that wearing a cone will probably change her behaviour a little bit.
Best,
Vincent
