Deviated Xiphoid Process

[chemicalstar]

I posted this under another thread but I think it might be a better idea to make a thread about this situation itself.

Last week I felt a lump a little bigger than 1 inch in the middle of my cat's chest. Lump being a lump the first thing I thought of was that it was a nodule, so I took him to the vet. The vet took some x-rays and blood samples and the xray showed no shadow in the area of the lump. However; it did show a fractured xiphoid process, which deviated outwards and stood apart from the rest of the septum (but not separated-so the tissue connecting it to the main bone is still intact) The vet said there was no need for any treatment in my cat's situation but I am a little wary still. The lump being of considerable size I keep thinking tumor, but the vet said it's not cancer and there was no need for biopsy.

Did any of you have similar experiences? There are only a handful of sites about this problem which is not helpful.

[Anisama]

I just noticed this issue on my cat. He was totally fine before and then last night came home with it. It is protruding quite a bit, but he is acting normal. Should I not worry about it?

[tnt2003]

We just took our cat in for the same lump and extreme tenderness.  The vet said that the xiphoid would probably relax back into place so it is great to hear that your cat is doing better.  About how long did it take for your cat to get back to normal?

[chemicalstar]

Update: The lump is almost gone now so I guess the vet was right! No need for second opinion it seems:D

[chemicalstar]

I am going to take him to another hospital tomorrow, but meanwhile the lump has gotten a little smaller and more pointy as the swelling goes down. Our vet called us yesterday and told us his bloodwork came out normal, and that operation on sternum is tough on cats and that the cat will adapt to the lump quickly as it healed and won't be a problem for him to live with a outwardly curved xiphoid process. I am kinda hoping the other vet will say the same.

Just a small update.

[opus88]

hi and welcome to our forum, I'm not familial with this condition you are doing the right thing by searching for more information on your own and being wary of the diagnosis on one Veterinarian without further testing.
I suggest you get another opinion on this issue to set your mind at more ease. Best of luck to both you and kitty....please keep us posted if you find out anymore...sorry I can't be of more help.