forehead trauma

I adopted a kitten (Kaya) about a month ago, she is approximately 5 months old. 6 days ago I noticed a lump on her forehead. The lump got bigger and changed shapes slightly. I brought her into the vet yesterday and took Xrays. The vet was unsure from the Xrays what had happened but it looked like there was no skull underneath the contusion/lump. She recommended an MRI, which I can not afford. She also referred us to a neurology center. My kitten is on antibiotics, and we are waiting to see the neurologist. My question is, how is this treated? Is there any alternative than surgery? I ask about the surgery because this baby also has a heart murmur and I was told that anesthesia is a risk. I am looking for any suggestions on what this might be or what to do? Kaya, (my kitten) is acting normal, she eats regularly, drinks water and uses her litter, she plays with my older cat, and seems fine...I just am curious if anyone knows what this might be or if it has happened before to other kittens/cats?

[opus88]

welcome to the cat forum Kris.....I'm not sure if we can be of much help to you unless someone else on here has had a similar experience, I sure haven't.

i would recommend that you post this question on our 'ask a Vet'  expert forum. for a small fee $15. I think you will get an expert in that field that maybe able to give you some info.
click on the blue line up above on 'pets'

I sure feel for you and the little guy, its so hard when money is an issue and we don't know whats all wrong and how to treat.
Please accept my best wishes and please post anytime, we would also appreciate it if you would let us know what you learn.

[Jade59]

This might be so off base here, but 4yrs ago, our cat suddenly seemed to have a lump on her forehead that was growing.  It turned out to be a fungal infection.  Was your vet able to manipulate the lump?  Does there appear to be fluid in the lump?  If so, ask your vet for a Fine Needle Aspiration biopsy.  

[23Kris]

Thank you both for your suggestions. The lump was fluid, but the doctors didn't know what it was filled with and because of some dark spots in the fluid, they didn't drain it. Instead, I was sent to neurology for an exam in case it was spinal fluid or a fracture. Kaya has been on antibiotics for a week, and the lump is almost completely gone. I am not sure if it was a fungal infection, or an abscess that never showed any puncture wound. Whatever the case she is running around and playing like the mad kitten she is. Thank you so much for taking the time to answer and respond to my fearful story. I am grateful and wish you a wonderful day and good cat health!
Kris

[opus88]

Oh thats great news!!!!
Its so good to hear positive results and to learn Kaya is a healthy little 'mad kitten'...lol
Please stay with us or return anytime if you have questions, information or just want to chat.
good health back to you. Opus

[Jade59]

Great news, Kris!  Happy the antibs were able to reverse what ever was wrong.  Kinda frustrating not knowing exactly what was wrong though, eh?  In any case, I'm so glad it turned out alright in the end and your kitty is back to normal :)

Just FYI, if it had of been a fungal infection, there is no surgery involved, just pills.  Keep up updated please.  If that lump should return, I would think fungal.  Jade was treated with antib's of and on for months before we finally had that needle biopsy which showed what was Really going on.  

Fingers crossed kitty continues to have perfect health.  You're a good mom to be so on top of this! :)