A fine needle aspirate (FNA) is a simple procedure that helps vets find out what's inside a lump or swelling on your cat. It’s a safe and relatively inexpensive way to check lumps in cats of any age, size or breed.

A fine needle aspirate doesn’t involve cutting into the skin. The procedure can often be carried out during a consultation, so your cat won’t even need to stay at the vet practice. Side-effects are uncommon and between 70 and 95% of FNA’s provide helpful answers. Vets use the results of a fine needle aspirate to work out the best treatment plan for your cat.

Fine needle aspirate in cats: what it’s for

It’s always worrying when you find a lump on your cat. Lots of swellings look the same. Most are harmless, but some are more serious. It’s impossible to be sure what a lump is just by looking at it. An FNA helps identify the type or cause of a swelling. And from there, decide on the best and safest course of treatment.

When will vets advise an FNA?

Vets may advise an FNA for lumps which are:

• New

• Growing quickly

• Changing size, shape or colour

• Becoming painful

Why do we want to know what a lump is?

• Peace of mind: confirming whether a lump is innocent by finding out what cells are inside.

• Deciding on treatment: using FNA results combined with physical examination for infections, abscesses, blood blisters.

• Deciding on surgery: knowing what cells make up the lump helps us decide whether to remove it.

• Diagnosing non-cancerous illnesses: liver disease, immune disorders and more.

Fine need aspirate in cats: how it’s carried out

FNA is simple, quick and relatively painless for your cat. It's just like having an injection, but the vet takes a sample out instead of injecting medicine in! Most cats don't need sedation, just the usual vet cuddles!

• The vet inserts a fine, sterile needle into the lump and rotates it.

• The needle collects a tiny sample of the lump (some cells, fluid, tissue etc) in the barrel

• The vet pushes the needle contents out onto a microscope slide using a syringe full of air

• The slide is put into special dyes to make cells visible under a microscope

• A vet or pathologist examines the slide and identifies any cells present

The vet may examine the sample ‘in-house’ in their own laboratory. You’ll get results within a day or two.

Otherwise, the sample goes to a special laboratory for examination. In this case, results take 1-2 weeks, depending on the tests needed.

How to prepare your cat for an FNA

Little preparation is needed for an FNA. Often it is carried out during a consultation (so unplanned). Keeping them as still as possible, with lots of cuddles and a calm reassuring voice is all that’s needed.

Why your cat may need sedation for an FNA

Your cat may need sedation to make the test safer and/or more comfortable for them. For example:

• Relaxing your cat if they don't like handling (especially not at the vet’s!)

• Taking a sample from an awkward location or taking multiple samples.

• Performing an FNA with ultrasound guidance. This allows a vet to carefully place the needle in the correct location to collect a sample from deep under the skin or inside the tummy.

Fine needle aspirate in cats: how much does it cost?

FNA is an inexpensive test. It’s quick and straightforward. There aren't any surgery or hospital fees. Costs vary between practices but could be anywhere between £25 to £200 in practice, depending on:

• Whether sedation is required.

• How many lumps are sampled.

• Location of the lumps.

• Whether the sample is examined in-house or sent to a laboratory.

• Where you live and the type of practice.

• Whether or not laboratory fees are included.

Fees for examination of the sample (cytology) are usually in addition to FNA fees. But always check with your vet first.

Is a fine needle aspirate safe for my cat?

FNA is a very safe procedure. Risks or complications are rare but can include:

• Bleeding from the sampling site.

• Infection: the needle carries skin bacteria through the skin and into the swelling.

• Allergic reaction: sampling lumps containing cells called ’mast cells’ may trigger an allergic response within 24-48 hours - swelling, redness and discomfort. If your vet suspects a mast cell tumour, they may give your cat an antihistamine injection before the FNA.

Call a vet if you notice any changes in the lump after an FN

Does my cat need special care after a fine needle aspirate?

FNA is a simple procedure, so we don't need to worry too much about specific aftercare.

• Keep the site clean and wipe away any bleeding or discharge.

• Bathe gently with warm salt water if discharge is sticky or dried to the skin (1 teaspoon salt to one pint of warm water).

• Discourage your cat from licking or scratching the site. Your vet may suggest a cone collar.

When to worry after a fine needle aspirate in cats

Serious complications of FNA are extremely rare. When they happen it's either due to infection or a severe allergic response called an anaphylactic reaction.

Anaphylactic reactions are life-threatening.

Find your nearest vet immediately if you think your cat is suffering an anaphylactic reaction:

• Difficulty breathing and bluish gums.

• Cold limbs, collapse.

Call a vet as soon as possible if your cat develops:

• New redness, heat, and further swelling of the lump.

• Pain or lethargy.

• Reduced appetite, vomiting or diarrhoea.

Joii can help with:

• Advice about lumps or bumps.

• Monitoring swellings’

• Treating some abscesses and infections

• Managing allergies.