Cat Abscesses

Feline Abscesses are Common in Summer

                With warmer weather, some of our feline friends spend more time outside where they may come in contact with other cats or prey animals.  Fighting or accidental bites from prey can lead to abscess formation.  Abscesses can be quite painful and may cause fever, lethargy and loss of appetite.

                So, what is an abscess?  An abscess typically forms when a bite or puncture wound occurs, and bacteria get pushed deep under the skin.  As the body mounts an immune response to attack the bacteria, white blood cells and fluids form a pocket of pus beneath the skin.  The skin stretches and becomes thin and damaged and the abscess may rupture.  Usually, it will heal after it ruptures, but sometimes the skin will fail to heal leaving a chronic draining wound.  However, proper treatment with antibiotics and draining and cleaning the wound will allow the abscess to heal. 

                Many cats have no visible signs initially, but, as the abscess swells, the area often becomes hot and painful.  Your cat may become withdrawn, stop eating, and develop a fever.  If you notice an unusual swelling or any of these symptoms, your cat should be seen by a veterinarian.  Some deep abscesses may require surgical placement of a small piece of rubber tubing called a drain to allow the infected fluid to drain out, but most can be managed by simply lancing and flushing the abscess pocket and administering antibiotics and pain medications.  Luckily, there is a long acting injectable antibiotic called Convenia that is approved for treatment of skin infections in dogs and cats so this makes treating abscesses and other skin infections much easier for cats as most are quite tricky about taking medications by mouth. 

                Keeping cats indoors can help prevent fighting and bite wounds that lead to abscesses.  Cats who fight can also be exposed to viruses like feline immunodeficiency virus (FIV) and other infections.  If your cat will not stay indoors or if you know he likes to fight, check for any wounds or swollen areas on the skin on a regular basis.  DO NOT ATTEMPT TO LANCE AN ABSCESS YOURSELF!  Your cat may be very painful and may bite you which could cause YOU to develop a cat bite abscess, or, the infection could get even worse with improper care.  Leave the lancing and treatment to the professionals!

This blog brought to you by the Patton Veterinary Hospital serving Red Lion, York and the surrounding communities.