A 10-year-old castrated male domestic shorthaired cat has multiple small raised black swellings along the ventral mandible. What is the most appropriate initial action?

In this scenario, where a 10-year-old male domestic shorthaired cat presents with multiple small raised black swellings along the ventral mandible, the most appropriate initial action involves addressing the potential for inflammatory skin issues or infections. The initial step of shaving the area and applying benzoyl peroxide is a suitable choice because it helps cleanse the surface, removes any debris or potential irritants, and may alleviate superficial infections or parasitic infestations such as acne or folliculitis, which are common in cats.

Benzoyl peroxide is known for its antimicrobial and keratolytic properties, making it effective for treating superficial skin conditions. This option also allows for observation of the lesions after treatment, enabling the veterinarian to determine if further diagnostics or treatments are needed.

The other choices involve either more invasive procedures or treatments that are not as immediately beneficial. For instance, cleaning the area and administering systemic corticosteroids might address inflammation but doesn’t provide immediate relief or diagnosis. Performing a biopsy is more appropriate for persistent or suspicious lesions but is not the first step when trying to manage a dermatological issue that may be treatable through simpler methods. Culture of the lesions for dermatophytes may not be warranted without further evidence suggesting a fungal infection, especially