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My cat's swollen paw: Vet says tumor/arthritis. Is waiting dangerous?

Updated on September 23, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Scottish Fold | Female | spayed | 7 years and 2 months old | 7 lbs

Hello, yesterday I went to the vet because I realized that my cats left foot was swollen, she doesn't limp and still jumps. Suki is seven years old. They did X-rays and the vet told me it could either be arthritis or a tumour. Now I'll have to wait eight weeks for a second X-ray, if she starts to limp I should come in sooner. Is it really wise to wait this long if its potentially dangerous? I attached photos of the X-rays, maybe someone can tell me more. I am really scared. Thank you in advance.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Tomasz Wnuk

Veterinarian

Published on June 19, 2020

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You are right, waiting for 8 weeks and then repeating the x-ray does not make much sense.
The joint looks very abnormal. It may be a tumor. Arthritis or bone infection is also a possibility bu less likely. In my opinion the course of treatment should be as follow:
- x-ray of the other bones (front legs, pelvis, chest) to look for a spread
- bone biopsy from the left hind leg - the biopsy often will give the answer if it is infection, inflammation or bone tumor.
- if it comes to the worse and it is a bone tumor you will have to consider amputation, I am afraid.
Time is of the essence, so please get back to your vets to discuss changing the treatment plan or ask your vet to be referred to a specialist in orthopedics.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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