Meet the handsome Humbug – Vet2Cat’s Cat of the Month for December 2025!
Sleepy Humbug after his stitch up procedure
Poor Humbug is one of those unlucky cats who developed a condition more commonly seen in dogs: a sialocoele. In his case, this took the form of a ranula — a saliva-filled swelling that forms under the tongue.
In dogs, sialocoeles usually result from trauma to a salivary duct. In cats, however, they are typically idiopathic, meaning we often never discover the cause (very fitting for a cat!). Humbug first developed a ranula on the right side, which was surgically treated in August 2024 at Whiteley Vets (the days before we had our own clinic!) - by removing the affected salivary gland and duct.
He recovered well and enjoyed almost a year of normality — before deciding to grow another ranula on the left side.
Ranulas can be dramatic, pushing the tongue upwards and making eating difficult. In Humbug’s case, the swelling caused him to repeatedly bite the tissue, leading to trauma and infection. Despite antibiotics and pain relief, the swelling returned, and in November surgery was deemed the best option.
Humbug was admitted to Vet2Cat for salivary gland removal and trimming of excess inflamed tissue under his tongue caused by long-term irritation. The surgery went well, and he went home the same day.
Ranula on cat - Animal Surgical Center of Michigan
However, the following morning he managed to open both his external stitches and those under his tongue — meaning a return trip to theatre and a much trickier second repair.
Stitches under the tongue after cleaning up his open stitches and excess tissue
External stitches on neck - salivary gland removal
Despite everything, Humbug was an absolute star patient and received plenty of love during his stay, even if he strongly disapproved of the bodysuit and “cone of shame” needed to protect his wounds.
Humbug, immobile, after having to wear a bodysuit to prevent another stitch up
We’re happy to report that Humbug is now doing well. With careful monitoring and a short course of steroids to reduce lingering inflammation, he’s back to enjoying life — and we’ll be keeping a close eye on him to make sure he stays happy and healthy.
We are so proud of Humbug and so grateful for his owner for trusting us with him.
Humbug and VCA Tiv having a cuddle before home time
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