ABSCESS
An abscess begins as cellulitis - an infection of the tissues under the
skin. Without detecting or treating the cellulitis, an abscess forms. The
animal's body begins to fight the bacterial infection by forming a wall
around it flooding it with a large number of white blood cells. White
blood cells and bacteria together form pus in the infected area. If the
body doesn't successfully 'wall off' the infection, the abscess may
become large. In some cases, an abscess will 'burst' open and drain.
Symptoms
Treatment
Most abscesses need to be opened, drained, and thoroughly
cleaned by a veterinarian. The abscess is opened and flushed out with
sterile saline. All the dead skin (which has little or no feeling) is cut away
to promote quicker healing. In certain cases, a drain may be placed
under the skin in order to keep the area open and draining.
After cleaning the abscessed area, an antibiotic injection is given to
reduce fever and begin fighting infection.
Dangers of Abscesses
When an abscess does not respond to treatment and antibiotics,
additional tests may be necessary to find any underlying cause.
In cats, Feline leukemia virus infection (Leukemia) or feline
immunodeficiency virus infection (FIV) can cause the immune system
to fail to fight an abscess. Both of these infectious diseases can be
spread through bite wounds.
Preventing Abscesses
In cats, abscesses are frequently caused by bite wounds from other
cats. Bacteria is transferred from one cat's mouth to the tissues under
the skin in another cat. Keeping your cat inside (especially at night) will
greatly decrease the chances of an abscess. Cats are nocturnal and
defend their territories at night. Neutering male cats greatly reduces
roaming and territorial behavior.
*Any person who has been bit by an animal should wash the wound
and seek medical attention.*
Dogs can develop an abscess from a bite wound too. However, we
see more dogs with abscesses due to cheat grass that burrows
through the skin and into the body. Treatment is similar.
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will not
be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper use of
information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
An abscess begins as cellulitis - an infection of the tissues under the
skin. Without detecting or treating the cellulitis, an abscess forms. The
animal's body begins to fight the bacterial infection by forming a wall
around it flooding it with a large number of white blood cells. White
blood cells and bacteria together form pus in the infected area. If the
body doesn't successfully 'wall off' the infection, the abscess may
become large. In some cases, an abscess will 'burst' open and drain.
Symptoms
- Lethargy
- Reluctance to eat
- Localized pain
- Lameness, limping
- Fever (temperature above 102.5 degrees)
Treatment
Most abscesses need to be opened, drained, and thoroughly
cleaned by a veterinarian. The abscess is opened and flushed out with
sterile saline. All the dead skin (which has little or no feeling) is cut away
to promote quicker healing. In certain cases, a drain may be placed
under the skin in order to keep the area open and draining.
After cleaning the abscessed area, an antibiotic injection is given to
reduce fever and begin fighting infection.
Dangers of Abscesses
When an abscess does not respond to treatment and antibiotics,
additional tests may be necessary to find any underlying cause.
In cats, Feline leukemia virus infection (Leukemia) or feline
immunodeficiency virus infection (FIV) can cause the immune system
to fail to fight an abscess. Both of these infectious diseases can be
spread through bite wounds.
Preventing Abscesses
In cats, abscesses are frequently caused by bite wounds from other
cats. Bacteria is transferred from one cat's mouth to the tissues under
the skin in another cat. Keeping your cat inside (especially at night) will
greatly decrease the chances of an abscess. Cats are nocturnal and
defend their territories at night. Neutering male cats greatly reduces
roaming and territorial behavior.
*Any person who has been bit by an animal should wash the wound
and seek medical attention.*
Dogs can develop an abscess from a bite wound too. However, we
see more dogs with abscesses due to cheat grass that burrows
through the skin and into the body. Treatment is similar.
Disclaimer: Vista Animal Hospital makes sincere efforts to ensure the
accuracy of information posted on this website. VAH cannot and will not
be held responsible or liable for errors, inaccuracies or improper use of
information by the reader. Readers who rely on the information
contained on this web site or on other web sites accessed from this one
do so at their own risk and are advised to consult with their veterinarian
before acting on it.
*For More Information Please Contact Your Vet!*
 |  |  |  |  |