Abscesses.
| Abscesses and the Cat
Abscesses in cats are serious conditions. Unlike abscesses in humans and dogs, for example, they function deep below the skin and like the legendary iceberg, it is this unseen portion that does the damage. An abscess in a cat is not "just an abscess" as so many people offhandedly observe. It is a condition which required medical attention and antibiotic therapy. Signs
Complications and Side-Effects
Abscess wounds on the flanks or other areas where the skin is loose may lead to what is called a cellulitis condition. This mans that the abscess, instead of localizing in one limp, spreads under the skin throughout the loose tissue areas. This type of infection is difficult to treat and is often let pass unnoticed by the cat's owner because no definite lump forms as a warning. By the time it becomes evident that the cat is ill and does need veterinary attention, deep infection of a very large area may have already set in. At this stage of a cellulitis condition, the cat is often extremely toxic (suffering the effects of blood poisoning) and requires extensive medical treatment. Many cat abscesses will break down of the own accord, discharge a considerable volume of pus, and appear to be healing well only to flare up again. This recurrence is due to the unique tendency of a cat's skin to heal more rapidly than the tissues it covers, thereby sealing in deep-seated infection which has not drained adequately. |
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excerpted from the Client Information Series
Treatment
There are two schools of through concerning whether or not to close abscess wounds. Some veterinarians leave the wounds open to drain and heal naturally. Others stitch the wounds closed. Another alternative is partial closure with a drain left in for a few days. Many factors influence the choices here: the site and extent of the abscess, the condition of the cat, the ability of the cat owner to continue care at home, etc. Your veterinarian will decide which course is best for your cat's abscess. Whichever method is used for closure, antibiotics are needed to control the infection and prevent recurrences. Occasionally, an abscess may be just starting to form or fully drained when first seen by the veterinarian and in these cases it may be possible to clean the wound without sedation and treat only with antibiotics. Cat owners should never wait until an abscess starts draining before seeking veterinary care because of the danger of septicemia and other complications occurring.
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The signs of an abscess are heat and swelling of the skin at the site of the infection. The owner can usually feel a soft lump at this location and it will be obvious from the cat's reaction that the area is painful. The cat's temperature rises, and he (or she) may later on refuse to eat. Often, the original wound or opening in skin through which the bacteria have penetrated can be seen. Many cat owners first notice an abscess after it has opened and is draining pus.
Most abscesses require both medical and surgical treatment. The cat must be anesthetized if surgery is needed. The site of the abscess is surgically prepared by shaving and antiseptic cleansing. If the abscess is not already draining an incision is made in the abscess to allow drainage. Following this all dead and infected tissue is removed in order to promote complete and satisfactory healing.