My cat has a lump on his tail

Saraaa
Saraaa Icon representing the flag French
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Hi everyone,

I’m looking for some advice regarding my cat.

Back in early December, he got into a scrap with another cat and was injured near his tail. I took him to the vet around the 3rd of December, where they gave him stitches.

The problem was that the stitches ended up coming out and the wound reopened. I had to book another appointment, and this time the vet used staples. The wound finally healed up well around the 18th of December.

Then, around the beginning of March or April, I noticed a small lump in the same place. I went back to the vet, who prescribed some antibiotics, and the lump disappeared.

But now, at the end of April, I’ve just noticed that the area has swollen up massively, much more than before. I’ve booked an appointment for tomorrow.

I’m quite worried; I’m scared he might need an operation. I’m thinking it might be an abscess, but I’m not sure.

Has anyone else dealt with something like this before?

Thanks in advance for your replies.

Translated from French
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1 answer
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    Chatzen Icon representing the flag French
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    Hi Saraaa,

    You’ve definitely done the right thing booking another appointment, especially as the swelling is getting bigger so quickly.

    Based on what you’ve described (bite → stitches → reopening → new lump → disappeared with antibiotics → recurred and even bigger), it sounds very much like a recurring abscess. This is quite common after cat fights, especially on the tail where deep tissue doesn’t always heal properly.

    👉 What often happens:

    • a small infection remains “trapped” under the skin

    • it might clear up temporarily with antibiotics

    • then it comes back if the pocket isn't fully drained

    The fact that the area is now much more swollen points to this.

    💡 Tomorrow, the vet might:

    • drain and clean the abscess (flushing it out)

    • put in a temporary drain

    • change the course of antibiotics

    • and only in certain cases consider surgery (but it’s not always necessary at all)

    👉 Reassuring point:
    In the vast majority of cases, this kind of problem clears up well once it's been properly drained. Major surgery is actually quite rare.

    Keep a close eye on it in the meantime:

    • if the area feels hot

    • pain when touched

    • any discharge

    • if they seem lethargic or lose their appetite

    You’ve reacted at just the right time, so your timing is spot on 👍

    Please let us know how the appointment goes.

    Chatzen 🐾

    Translated from French

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