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Cat has a large mass on side of neck. Is clearly not acting herself. Normally very loving and now she does not want me to pick her up. She is pregnant. We live in country. There are snakes around here.

Cat has a large mass on side of neck. Is clearly not acting herself. Normally very loving and now she does not want me to pick her up. She is pregnant. We live in country. There are snakes around here.

Updated On June 13th, 2018

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 7 lbs

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Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

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Poor Brownie! This looks like it could be an abscess, a tumor of some kind, or possibly a snake bite. Not wanting to be touched or handled is common when cats are in pain or not feeling well. This definitely needs veterinary attention, so I would recommend taking her to the vet for an exam today if possible. He/she can palpate the swelling to help determine what it is. If it's an abscess, it may need to be lanced and flushed out under sedation, and she will probably need antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication as well.

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