Brown spots in cat's eye

Bibbitybob

I've just noticed today that my cat has a number of brown spots on her right eye. They are new or at least very recent as I've not noticed them before. All the vets are closed for the weekend so I thought I'd ask if anyone has any experience on here?

I'm concerned as she has a lump on the back of her neck on the same side and a quick google has suggested that the spots could be signs of a tumour. Every time I take her to the vets he says that it's just a cyst but he's never examined it further than feeling and measuring.

Had anyone else experienced this with their cat? I don't want to call the emergency number as I don't think it is - she doesn't appear to be in pain. The only thing I've noticed about her is she's hungrier lately, but I'd put that down to the cold weather.

Thanks.

Fire_Fox

YOu are not allowed to ask for medical advice on the forums. Why don't your ring the vets out of hours service for a chat? You have no way of knowing whether it is an emergency or not, pain is not the a symptom of many medical conditions (e.g. hypertension which can blind a cat very quickly).

Bibbitybob

Thanks Fire Fox. I didn't mean to ask for medical advice as such, more whether anyone else had noticed a similar thing in their cat. On the vets answer machine they sound very stern about calling - something along the lines of 'only call this number if it is a GENUINE emergency'.

Fire_Fox

Then use a different vet. You've suggested the spots could be the sign of a tumour - I cannot see how what you are asking could be construed as anything but medical advice.

paddypaws101

Ok....No medical advice here but some info about my experiences with cats' eyes!
My 16 year old started to get brown dots around the coloured part of her eye a couple of years ago...when I asked the vet he said he sees this in older cats and was not at all concerned.
I am interested in all alternative therapies and know that in Iridology spots in certain areas mean certain things and that Iris reading is used as a diagnostic tool.....but am not a trained iridologist so cannot be more specific than that.

As always....check with your vet.

Bibbitybob

Thanks paddypaws, much appreciated

Shoshannah

I assume the brown spots are on the iris? In a lot of cats this can be natural pigmentation and nothing to worry about, but in some cases they can indicate a problem such as inflammation or tumours.

If there are no other abnormalities in the eye (pain, redness, watering) then I would just give your vets a call tomorrow morning for a chat. They may want to see your cat, which is a good idea as they can examine her eyes and make sure there is nothing untoward. If the eye is uncomfortable, red or painful I would definitely call the emergency line today, don't be embarrassed or worried. Some eye problems can be serious and warrant immediate attention.

As for the lump on her neck, again speak to the vet. They may be able to take an FNA (fine needle aspirate) to see what cells it contains. There is a very long list of skin lumps and bumps including cysts, tumours, abscesses etc.

Bibbitybob

Thank you for your supportive message, Shoshannah, I'll definitely give them a call for a chat in the morning about her eye. I've seen the vet three times now about the lump and he's been happy with it every time so I think I just scared myself into a bit of a panic by googling for possible diagnoses yesterday.

This has also taught me another lesson - I've been putting off buying pet insurance but I have a panic yesterday thinking that if this is something serious I'm going to struggle to pay! So fingers crossed all will be well, and I'll be ordering insurance tonight (although I'm aware this won't cover any problems I'm calling the vets about tomorrow, before anyone jumps in to accuse me of insurance fraud!!).

Thanks again Shoshannah and paddypaws!

pigpen

One of mine has brown spots which have now coloured 90% of the iris.. the vet said.. oh yes very interesting.. that'll be £18 please!!

cysts are usually a smooth rounded shape whereas tumours re mostly irregular and lumpy..

Bibbitybob

Lol pigpen! That's frustrating isn't it, although I suppose also a relief that your pet is fine.

About the cysts/tumours is also good to know...the lump is very smooth and round, although I'm pretty squeamish and can't bear to touch it...urrgh!

paddypaws101

The cat that has the 'freckles' in the eyes also has a small lump around her jaw....the vet palpated it and pronounced that it was a fatty cyst....smooth and round and not connected to underlying tissue. I trust the vet....but I also have moments of panic about it being more serious.
Actually I must thank you BibbityBob for raising the question of spots in the eyes....one of my other cats has a darker stain in one of his eyes and I am off to the vet tomorrow to get it checked out after being prompted by your post.