How To Treat A Cat’s Abscess
Nearly every outdoor cat and even some indoor cats develop an abscess, which is a large pocket of pus underneath the skin, at one time or another. The most common causes of abscesses in cats are puncture wounds. These are often the result of a bite from another cat during a fight for territory or during mating. The mouth of a cat is full of a nasty mix of bacteria, and a cat’s body will try to fight these bacteria where the bite wound is. Below are ways on how to treat a cat’s abscess
The best treatment for an abscess is prevention. Indoor, spayed or neutered cats have the smallest chance of ever getting bit by another cat. Unneutered cats that roam the neighborhood have the highest chance.
At first, you may not know your cat has even been injured. Whether the wound was from the teeth of another cat or a sharp rock, the first time you notice something is wrong may be because your cat is limping, or just does not seem right. You may notice a higher temperature in the area of the wound or feel a pocket of fluid under his skin. Sometimes, the first thing you notice is an open wound that is draining and smells bad. When you do notice this behavior, or notice the wound itself, it is time to take your cat to the veterinarian.
Your veterinarian, if possible, will open the access and flush the pus out. They may insert a drain to keep the wound site from closing up too soon. This will allow adequate drainage of the pus and to give a shot of antibiotics or prescribe antibiotic pills to be given at home.
Finding out your cat’s abscess is the cause of limping, or just not feeling well, is a good thing. It is usually quickly diagnosed, treated, and resolved. Repeated abscesses, however, may be a sign of a problem with his immune system. And that may be the first sign of a more serious health problem.
The original wound is often very small; perhaps just a nick or scratch where a nail or tooth caught the skin. This gives bacteria access to the subcutaneous tissue or the space beneath the skin. After 3 to 4 days, the bacteria cause a large pocket of pus to form.
The most important step is to drain the pus out of the wound. This is usually a method done with the cat because the wound is painful. After lancing and draining the wound, it will be flushed. We recommend Vet Aid’s Animal Wound Car Spray to treat the infection.
This same potent bacteria that is in a cat’s mouth, as well as the possibility of rabies, are two reasons why you need to be careful if you are ever bitten by a cat. Thoroughly washing the wound and seeking medical attention is important for you to do.
The wound is usually dry, meaning it is no longer discharging, within two to three days. Complete healing depends on the size of abscess about 7 to 14 days
