What is an abscess?
Abscesses are infections — with an accumulation of neutrophils (pus) — under the skin. This is a common condition for all cats, but one we treat daily in community cats at FixNation. Abscesses usually start with bites or puncture wounds from fighting, but can be caused by other injuries as well where a foreign object penetrates the skin.
The cats’ skin closes over the entry wound and everything looks fine. However, lurking under the kitties skin is trapped bacteria. As several days pass, neutrophil (pus) is sent to the attack the bacteria and an abscess is formed.
What are the signs of an abscess?
The kitty may be exhibiting one or many of these symptoms:
- Lethargy,
- Loss of appetite,
- He or she may have a visible skin wound or lump,
- Hair loss near the injury site,
- Pus or fluid drainage from injury site,
- Licking or biting at the area.
Treating abscesses
In a typical day at FixNation, we usually see from 0 to 2 abscesses. They are usually pretty simple to treat. We drain the “material” from the lump, provide ongoing drainage in the form of a large opening or a physical drain that needs to be removed, and give the kitty antibiotics.
If left untreated there are usually 3 paths. The abscess ruptures or is ruptured by the kitty and drains and heals. The kitty will feel bad, may become mildly dehydrated and eat less but it is not of major concern. It can become a recurring abscess where it incompletely heals and the abscess reforms. Or it can fester and turn into a serious medical condition-severe dehydration, sepsis and become life threatening if not addressed.
If your pet cat is exhibiting the signs of an abscess, contact your nearest full service veterinarian for treatment and medication.
