Recurrent swelling

[Catnapper2965]

Hello All!
I'm completely stumped with some swelling issues my cat has had. She is about 11 mos old. I started noticing around January that she was having some strange swelling in her face. It started on one side, that side went down, then began on the other side. Called vet, started prednisone, not sure if it helped because it still took it about 2 or 3 days to go away. Then on the last day of the steroids I come home and find her right leg/paw was completely swollen. Long story short, kept an eye on it, went down by the next morning. Then about 2 weeks later the other leg did the exact same thing. Now she has had swelling (which seems to be itchy) on the backside of her ear and down along her jaw and even between her front legs. Each time the swelling only lasts about 2 days. As of last night she now has a back leg/paw that is swelling. Each time the paws have swollen they get hhuuggee and the skin gets red and they seem to get damp and ooze some. Not pus, just a clear, slightly wet spot, especially between the toes. And so far, along with that she always looses a patch of hair on top of them. It's almost like wherever they get damp the hair clumps and hardens and she will of course lick it. Once the swelling goes down she doesn't mess with it anymore. I'm completely lost as to what in the world is going on. She plays like a crazy kitten and appetite and the litter box usage is normal and has never changed. Any input?? I'm calling today to make an appointment. I'm trying to attach some pics but haven't been able to yet.

 

[Catnapper2965]

 

[FeebysOwner]

Hi there! I have no idea what the cause might be. But, by all means, get the vet involved again. How it is happening randomly in different places on her body seems very strange. And if the vet just wants to do nothing more than steroids again, please ask them to get an internal medicine/specialist vet involved - or a vet university - either of which may have additional thoughts on testing for various culprits.

It looks like edema and that could explain the clear liquid you see, as the excess fluid is seeping from her pores. The swelling is likely uncomfortable and that could be why she licks the swollen areas looking for some relief. The seeping could be causing the hair to feel matted, but unless she is literally licking the hair off, I have no clue as to why it would fall out.

It might also be worth it to ask the vet to take a needle aspiration from a location that is swollen and test the fluid for various bacterial/viral issues. A starting point maybe anyway.

Please keep us posted.

 

[Catnapper2965]

Update: last night I noticed that the spots that had swollen on her head, which are now no longer swollen, the hair can be pulled out in clumps. It's only coming off where there was swelling.

 

[cat nap]

Hello All!
I'm completely stumped with some swelling issues my cat has had. She is about 11 mos old. I started noticing around January that she was having some strange swelling in her face. It started on one side, that side went down, then began on the other side. Called vet, started prednisone, not sure if it helped because it still took it about 2 or 3 days to go away. Then on the last day of the steroids I come home and find her right leg/paw was completely swollen. Long story short, kept an eye on it, went down by the next morning. Then about 2 weeks later the other leg did the exact same thing. Now she has had swelling (which seems to be itchy) on the backside of her ear and down along her jaw and even between her front legs. Each time the swelling only lasts about 2 days. As of last night she now has a back leg/paw that is swelling. Each time the paws have swollen they get hhuuggee and the skin gets red and they seem to get damp and ooze some. Not pus, just a clear, slightly wet spot, especially between the toes. And so far, along with that she always looses a patch of hair on top of them. It's almost like wherever they get damp the hair clumps and hardens and she will of course lick it. Once the swelling goes down she doesn't mess with it anymore. I'm completely lost as to what in the world is going on. She plays like a crazy kitten and appetite and the litter box usage is normal and has never changed. Any input?? I'm calling today to make an appointment. I'm trying to attach some pics but haven't been able to yet.

Did your Vet do any type of Blood work, urinalysis, or fecal stool test?

Have you given your cat any 'flea/tick treatments' or any 'internal parasite treatments' for worms?

Anything that you can think of to cause her a wide immune reaction...fleas, ticks, parasites, chemical contact, even neighbours using 'weed control' products that may have drifted into the air, and your cat is sensitive to?

It really does look and sound like 'edema', like FeebysOwner mentioned.
Almost like your cat is having an "immune reaction"...or it's going through her "lymphatic system" somehow.
I looked up 'lymphedema in cats' but it wasn't too helpful. There were too many causes, and not straight forward treatments.

**You definitely will have to get your Vet, or a Vet Specialist involved, to do more testing to 'Rule out' any issues, concerning her kidneys, heart, or liver. Perhaps testing her thyroid levels, too.
Testing a 'fluid sample' should be helpful, to know what the inflammatory cells actually are.

It's just strange that no other symptoms are present.
But the swelling and inflammation must be painful for her.
Does she stop walking on her legs, or starts to limp on the leg, while the leg is so inflamed?

 

[Catnapper2965]

Did your Vet do any type of Blood work, urinalysis, or fecal stool test?

Have you given your cat any 'flea/tick treatments' or any 'internal parasite treatments' for worms?

Anything that you can think of to cause her a wide immune reaction...fleas, ticks, parasites, chemical contact, even neighbours using 'weed control' products that may have drifted into the air, and your cat is sensitive to?

It really does look and sound like 'edema', like FeebysOwner mentioned.
Almost like your cat is having an "immune reaction"...or it's going through her "lymphatic system" somehow.
I looked up 'lymphedema in cats' but it wasn't too helpful. There were too many causes, and not straight forward treatments.

**You definitely will have to get your Vet, or a Vet Specialist involved, to do more testing to 'Rule out' any issues, concerning her kidneys, heart, or liver. Perhaps testing her thyroid levels, too.
Testing a 'fluid sample' should be helpful, to know what the inflammatory cells actually are.

It's just strange that no other symptoms are present.
But the swelling and inflammation must be painful for her.
Does she stop walking on her legs, or starts to limp on the leg, while the leg is so inflamed?

They haven't done any bloodwork yet or any other testing since it was as reoccurring until recently. I have an appointment for the 15th so I'm sure that some testing will be done then.
She was dewormed but that's been back in the fall. Flea meds were given for the first time AFTER the first episode of swelling had subsided.
The only things I can think of that have changed since around January would be the floor cleaner I had been using. I didnt realize I was using one that had pine essential oil in it and have since changed to Bona. I did only use the essential oil one about 3x before I realized. The other thing is, we've been opening the windows but we live on several acres and don't have anything around really. But we do live in East TN which of course has loads of outdoor allergens. So maybe that could have something to do with it? She is an indoor only cat but we do have a dog that comes in and out.
It does seem like an immune response to me as well.
As far as when she has the leg swelling she doesn't favor it or hold it up. She still runs and plays and acts like nothing is wrong, other than stopping to scratch it or lick it occasionally but that isn't super obvious either.
I'm leaning more towards some sort of allergen but just can't figure out what's causing the swelling....

 

[cat nap]

They haven't done any bloodwork yet or any other testing since it was as reoccurring until recently. I have an appointment for the 15th so I'm sure that some testing will be done then.
She was dewormed but that's been back in the fall. Flea meds were given for the first time AFTER the first episode of swelling had subsided.
The only things I can think of that have changed since around January would be the floor cleaner I had been using. I didnt realize I was using one that had pine essential oil in it and have since changed to Bona. I did only use the essential oil one about 3x before I realized. The other thing is, we've been opening the windows but we live on several acres and don't have anything around really. But we do live in East TN which of course has loads of outdoor allergens. So maybe that could have something to do with it? She is an indoor only cat but we do have a dog that comes in and out.
It does seem like an immune response to me as well.
As far as when she has the leg swelling she doesn't favor it or hold it up. She still runs and plays and acts like nothing is wrong, other than stopping to scratch it or lick it occasionally but that isn't super obvious either.
I'm leaning more towards some sort of allergen but just can't figure out what's causing the swelling....

Yes, what I find strange is that the 'swelling is transient', and moves from place to place.

(it reminds me of when I used to give my previous 14yr old, rainbow cat, sub-q fluids, and the fluids would move from the scruff of his neck, to one of his paw legs. It totally freaked me out, until I went online and saw that it was common.)

Your cat is so young, though, so I would not expect any real major things to be wrong with her.
So, yes, perhaps it is due to some type of 'allergic reaction'...but it seems to come and go.

Not sure about the pine essential oil cleaner, but that could very well have some type of systemic effect, on cats. Especially if getting into their Scent glands, and paw pads, plus licking their paw pads, could introduce some of this pine oil. I would hope that it would go away, and that her system would manage to clear it, then.

*(EDIT to add: Make sure to mention the floor cleaner use, with the pine essential oil, to your Vet, especially since s/he will be running blood tests to check your cat's liver and kidneys, and knowing this, even if previously used, might help them to run the proper tests, and what to look for.) Since pine oil, and most essential oils are toxic to cats, it's good that you knew to remove this.

I would think, that you would have seen other 'worrying symptoms' such as vomiting or not eating, at the time, though.
Unless it was so minor, of an exposure, and her system needs to clear it, now.
Anyway, it's good that you noticed it, and changed it out.

I'm really glad that she's not feeling major pain from the legs.

Allergens are really difficult to determine.
I was looking at the photos, most recent of your cat's ear, and had also wondered if anything in her food, would cause such a huge reaction, if she were scratching at both ears and they looked symmetrically balding, but then I figured "no", probably not, since she must be eating similar to what she was eating before.

You also mentioned that she uses her litter box normally?
So there is not any straining, or constipation, the stool looks the same?
And her pee clumps, don't look smaller than before?
No increase in drinking, thirst?

What is your cat's name?
So I could send her loads of Health Vibes, and that she just overcomes this most strange inflammatory issue.
I'm just going to be hoping that her system just gets rid of whatever is bothering her, or causing the inflammation,...or that her system goes back into Balance, and fights off anything that is disrupting it, to begin with.

 

[Catnapper2965]

Litterbox use appears to be normal and she's always been a pretty could water drinker but it doesn't appear to be excessive or have lessened. When we came in on Friday her skin above her eye had swollen and by Saturday morning it had moved down to her check area. Poor thing looked pitiful! But again, she was still rambunctious and playful and it didn't seem to be painful or itchy. Ate/drank/litterbox all normal. Here is a pic. As of this morning her face was back to normal. It's the strangest thing!

 

[Catnapper2965]

I did get to thinking however, around the time I noticed the itching and the first issue with swelling I had switched the flavor of her food. I've always given her Nulo chicken and I switched it to Nulo turkey. However, when I looked at the ingredients on the chicken, it has turkey listed as a secondary protein source as well. I thought....maybe by some chance this COULD be a food allergy but I doubt it since the turkey was in both.

 

[cat nap]

Litterbox use appears to be normal and she's always been a pretty could water drinker but it doesn't appear to be excessive or have lessened. When we came in on Friday her skin above her eye had swollen and by Saturday morning it had moved down to her check area. Poor thing looked pitiful! But again, she was still rambunctious and playful and it didn't seem to be painful or itchy. Ate/drank/litterbox all normal. Here is a pic. As of this morning her face was back to normal. It's the strangest thing!View attachment 416532

I did get to thinking however, around the time I noticed the itching and the first issue with swelling I had switched the flavor of her food. I've always given her Nulo chicken and I switched it to Nulo turkey. However, when I looked at the ingredients on the chicken, it has turkey listed as a secondary protein source as well. I thought....maybe by some chance this COULD be a food allergy but I doubt it since the turkey was in both.

Wow. April 15 cannot come soon enough.
It is strange, since it's such a huge reaction, and then it just settles down.

***I think you may be on to something, though,...concerning her food.
Could you find a LID (limited ingredient food)...that is not in the poultry or chicken/turkey family? Not duck, either.
Something like venison, rabbit, lamb?

**Also, when you are looking at the ingredients, then make a list of all the ones that are similar or different, regarding the 'fillers', gums, and even added ingredients.
(I cannot remember, off hand, the website, that has a listing of many commercial foods...and they use 'colors' to rate the 'questionable ingredients'. Something like that would help you, to read up on those 'ingredients', too.)

*Another thing...is could you keep a "Log Book"...or notebook...and note the "times that you feed her...what was eaten"...and then the "times that you notice the swelling"...and "the time that it has gone down".
This way...you will have an easy 'record of Times...concerning the swelling'...and might even see a "pattern"...if one actually exists.
(I would include times of drinking and using the litterbox, and pooping, too.)

I really hope she gets over this on her own, but I figure your Vet will still know what to look for, and it's good that they will check her out.
Not sure if things like 'flea bites', spider bites, bee stings,...can create such huge reactions in cats...but I would think that they would eventually settle down...so it is very possible that your 'food theory cause'...is worth checking out, and experimenting with.

Thank you so much for this update and photo.
So glad that she is still active, eating, playing and doing things normally
She is beautiful and amazing...Now you just have to get her all healthy again.
Wishing your girl the Best, and that she gets over this strange swelling.

Oh...one last thing...Could you open her mouth...and check her teeth, gums, tongue, inside of cheeks,roof of mouth,...and look for any redness, cuts, ulcers, or paleness, too?
Also, check the inside of her ears.

 

[Catnapper2965]

Sorry for all the grammar errors in the last post. I was posting quickly from my phone. Anyways, I also forgot to mention that her name is Annie (I know you had asked in the prior post). I have always had her and my other cat on Nulo since adopting them at 9 weeks old. they are not of the same litter. They have always done great on it as I was looking for a lower carb cat food. I did a lot of research on food before getting them and I'm really happy with Nulo brand. I did check and they do offer some limited ingredient foods as well. However, I really wonder if its most of an environmental allergy simply because she wont have any issues or flair ups sometimes for days or a week or so at a time. However, I have noticed swelling the day after having the windows open. I agree that the random swelling is what is so strange. As far as her mouth and ears, she doesn't seem to have any issues or itching of the ears or ulcers or paleness in her mouth. This is the most mind boggling situation. Also, recently she seems to have tiny hives (possibly) on her chest and shoulders. And the strange part is the spots that have had any swelling the hair can be pulled out in huge tufts, leaving bear spots on her fur. Once all the hair is gone she doesn't seem to be itchy in that area any longer. Ugh, she is a complete mystery

 

[cat nap]

Sorry for all the grammar errors in the last post. I was posting quickly from my phone. Anyways, I also forgot to mention that her name is Annie (I know you had asked in the prior post). I have always had her and my other cat on Nulo since adopting them at 9 weeks old. they are not of the same litter. They have always done great on it as I was looking for a lower carb cat food. I did a lot of research on food before getting them and I'm really happy with Nulo brand. I did check and they do offer some limited ingredient foods as well. However, I really wonder if its most of an environmental allergy simply because she wont have any issues or flair ups sometimes for days or a week or so at a time. However, I have noticed swelling the day after having the windows open. I agree that the random swelling is what is so strange. As far as her mouth and ears, she doesn't seem to have any issues or itching of the ears or ulcers or paleness in her mouth. This is the most mind boggling situation. Also, recently she seems to have tiny hives (possibly) on her chest and shoulders. And the strange part is the spots that have had any swelling the hair can be pulled out in huge tufts, leaving bear spots on her fur. Once all the hair is gone she doesn't seem to be itchy in that area any longer. Ugh, she is a complete mystery

No flare ups for days or weeks at a time...and you did say that where you live in TN, there are a lot of outside allergens right now.
Hmm. Your Vet will most likely know of all the common allergens, and will probably prescribe something for it. Since s/he has already tried the pred, then it will more likely be a trial of some allergy meds.

I do hope that the Vet does a blood test, and urine analysis...just to rule out issues with kidneys, heart, or liver,...though, like I mentioned before,...your Annie being only 11 mths old...I'm going to Hope and guess that everything comes back normal.
In that case, you just spend money, but have 'peace of mind' and assurance.

Also, recently she seems to have tiny hives (possibly) on her chest and shoulders. And the strange part is the spots that have had any swelling the hair can be pulled out in huge tufts, leaving bear spots on her fur. Once all the hair is gone she doesn't seem to be itchy in that area any longer.

This part does sound like an allergy.
The part with the 'fur being easily pulled out, on the swelling spots', does sound like it is due to the 'inflammatory process' causing the fur to fall out.
In Annie's case, the inflammation in her sub-cutaneous layer must be causing the follicle roots to release.
Structure of the Skin in Cats - Cat Owners - Merck Veterinary Manual

Sending you more Health Vibes for your Annie cat...that her transient swelling goes down, and that no more flare-ups occur.

 

[MaggieMeow]

Hi, wondering if you have an update? My 2yr old cat is having this random swelling also, but only on the body and limbs, not face or paws, I’m seeking out answers. She is otherwise healthy, energetic, using the litterbox, no food allergy, and so far unable to pinpoint the “trigger”...would love any insight before resorting to a barrage of uncomfortable and expensive testing

Hello All!
I'm completely stumped with some swelling issues my cat has had. She is about 11 mos old. I started noticing around January that she was having some strange swelling in her face. It started on one side, that side went down, then began on the other side. Called vet, started prednisone, not sure if it helped because it still took it about 2 or 3 days to go away. Then on the last day of the steroids I come home and find her right leg/paw was completely swollen. Long story short, kept an eye on it, went down by the next morning. Then about 2 weeks later the other leg did the exact same thing. Now she has had swelling (which seems to be itchy) on the backside of her ear and down along her jaw and even between her front legs. Each time the swelling only lasts about 2 days. As of last night she now has a back leg/paw that is swelling. Each time the paws have swollen they get hhuuggee and the skin gets red and they seem to get damp and ooze some. Not pus, just a clear, slightly wet spot, especially between the toes. And so far, along with that she always looses a patch of hair on top of them. It's almost like wherever they get damp the hair clumps and hardens and she will of course lick it. Once the swelling goes down she doesn't mess with it anymore. I'm completely lost as to what in the world is going on. She plays like a crazy kitten and appetite and the litter box usage is normal and has never changed. Any input?? I'm calling today to make an appointment. I'm trying to attach some pics but haven't been able to yet.

 

[fionasmom]

OP was last here in June of this year, so you may or may not get a response from them.
Catnapper2965

 

[Catnapper2965]

Hi, wondering if you have an update? My 2yr old cat is having this random swelling also, but only on the body and limbs, not face or paws, I’m seeking out answers. She is otherwise healthy, energetic, using the litterbox, no food allergy, and so far unable to pinpoint the “trigger”...would love any insight before resorting to a barrage of uncomfortable and expensive testing

Hi! I guess I should have followed up with an update before now. So Annie went for her appointment and some bloodwork back in June and the vet was completely stumped by the swelling. She did say that it was angioedema but was baffled as to the cause. I thought it was a food allergy because most of the facial and head swelling "appeared" to have stopped since removing her from chicken and egg products the food and treats. However, she still had some swelling in the legs and the paws but so far the huge "ballooning" seems to have slowed way down. And actually, for almost a month now, she hasn't had any swelling....which leads me to believe that its possibly an environmental allergy instead.
I also initially thought maybe it was due to some of my hair products I was spraying or the candles that I would light on occasion. I thought I saw some relation between the two with timing but now with no reaction from either in the last month makes me second guess....

SO, unfortunately I don't have any any answers for you. My vet said as long as she is thriving and happy then we may just let it ride out. She said it is something that she COULD possibly outgrow as well. I personally don't want to have her on a bunch of meds or - like you mentioned - subject her to a bunch of testing etc. As of now, she has always been very playful and affectionate, had a great appetite and perfect litterbox manners so it may just be a weird situation that I can get more answers about later on - or it may forever be a mystery.

However, I forgot to mention that I also changed the type of litter I was using last month. So, not sure if that had anything do with it. I suppose time will tell....