Why is the cat's cheek swollen?

2024 Author: Priscilla Miln | [email protected]. Last modified: 2023-12-16 00:21

Many people love cats. No wonder these graceful, beautiful, fluffy pets bring comfort and peace to any home. Alas, any animal can get sick. And cats are no exception. For example, breeders often have a question why the cat's cheek is swollen. Sometimes this problem goes away on its own. And sometimes it requires prompt medical intervention in order to avoid serious complications that pose a danger to the pet. Let's take a look at the most common cases.

Acne

If you are wondering why a cat's cheek is swollen, then the reason may lie precisely in this disease.

On the lips and chin of a cat are large sebaceous glands that produce keratin. If its amount becomes too large (usually due to other diseases or malnutrition), then the element clogs the sebaceous glands, in place of which blackheads appear. They look like normal bumps, causing the cat's cheek to swell.

Usually identify pathology easily by eye. The treatment is quite simple, and if you start it on time, then no problems will arise later. Need to treat the skinantibacterial cream. In the most advanced cases or recurrent illness, antibiotics may also be needed. At the same time, the therapy becomes more complex and lasts up to three weeks.

Insect bite

Quite often, cats get injured by their own fault. For example, by arranging a hunt for a bee or a wasp and achieving success at the same time. Of course, the poison contained in the sting leads to an inflammatory reaction. As a result, the cat's cheek was swollen and the eye was swollen. It looks really creepy. But it usually goes away in a few days or even hours, without causing unnecessary trouble to either the cat or the owners.

The situation is much worse with several bites or allergies. This can lead to the most unfortunate consequences. To avoid them, you need to use an anti-allergic drug - Claritin or Suprastin.

Snake bite

It is also not uncommon for cats to become victims of snake bites. Of course, for pets living in an apartment and not going outside, this is not typical. But for cats who live in the house or came to the country in the warm season - quite.

Of course, the greatest danger is the bites of poisonous reptiles. This may well lead to shock and even death of the animal. However, even the bite of non-venomous snakes carries a certain threat. First of all, due to the fact that during the bite a wound is formed into which the infection from the teeth of the snake gets. Because of this, there is a focus of inflammation, which can lead to sad consequences.

To prevent this from happening,antibiotics should be used. But there is no particular rush here - it is enough to take action in the next few hours.

But when bitten by a poisonous snake, you need to act as quickly as possible. Alas, not every home medicine cabinet has an antidote, so it is advisable to immediately visit the veterinarian. Together with the antidote, he can inject Diphenhydramine. After the shock has been relieved and the effects of the poison removed, the doctor may also prescribe broad-spectrum antibiotics to rule out the possibility of inflammation.

Cancers

One of the most difficult reasons for a cat to have a swollen cheek is cancer. Moreover, about 3% of tumors appear in the oral cavity. Of course, this leads to difficulties with food intake, and in some cases does not allow the animal to breathe normally. At the same time, the cat's mouth is drooling heavily.

You need to act quickly and decisively. Otherwise, the risk of lung damage remains - the tumor throws out metastases, which makes treatment almost impossible.

Most often, these problems occur in animals living with owners who have a habit of smoking at home. Alas, furry pets are very sensitive to poisonous substances contained in cigarette smoke.

Another factor that increases the risk of malignant tumors is the excessive consumption of canned food. Yes, according to veterinarians, if more than 50% of the diet is canned, the animal may well develop cancer.

In most cases, these problems occur in older cats - 10 years and older. But sometimes it can happen to younger animals as well.

Treatment is determined by the doctor depending on a number of factors. Surgical removal of the tumor with radiation and chemotherapy is usually prescribed.

Abscess

If the cat has a swollen cheek and under the eye, and there is a swelling here, quite hot, but soft, then most likely you are dealing with an abscess. The skin was struck by an animal or insect bite, and the wound became infected. The body begins an inflammatory process - the wound is filled with pus. In general, such a tumor causes a lot of problems for the animal, reducing immunity and worsening well-being. Sometimes it becomes painful - the cat breaks out when the owner touches the problem area.

In advanced cases, the infection can develop, affecting the entire body, starting with the ears and joints.

An experienced veterinarian will easily clean the wound, removing pus and draining the site of infection. Special drainage will avoid the re-accumulation of pus. At the same time, antibiotics and pain medication may be prescribed.

Flux

Another problem that can lead to swelling on a cat's muzzle is flux or a dental abscess. This phenomenon is quite common, primarily causing problems for older cats. Usually caused by a broken or decayed tooth, harmful bacteria enter the gum through the wound, causing swelling and pain.

This can be done easilyavoid with regular hygiene - brush your cat's teeth at least a few times a month.

At the same time, the animal loses its appetite, the muzzle swells, the state of he alth worsens, and a sharp unpleasant odor comes from the mouth.

Properly selected antibiotics can reduce swelling, at the same time removing pus. But you also need to deal with the cause of the problem. The tooth is usually removed to avoid reinfection.

Conclusion

Our article is coming to an end. From it, you learned about the most common reasons why a cat's cheek swells. And at the same time found out what to do in such situations to help him.