Written by Antoinet |
A cat with an abscess is a common patient in veterinary practice. But what exactly is an abscess? How does it form? What are the signs to look out for in your cat? And how is an abscess treated? We’ll cover all of that in this blog.
An abscess is a pocket under the skin filled with foul-smelling pus. It is the result of a bacterial wound infection that the body is unable to resolve on its own.
Most abscesses in cats result from small wounds caused during fights with other cats. Teeth or claws create a small puncture in the skin, introducing bacteria underneath. The wound closes, but the bacteria remain. This triggers an inflammatory response. Since the wound has sealed, the pus (a mix of dead bacteria and immune cells) has nowhere to go. It builds up under the skin, eventually making the cat ill. As the infection progresses and matures, a pocket of pus forms: an abscess. If left untreated, the abscess will often rupture on its own.
Cats can also develop an abscess in the jaw, often due to an infected tooth root. You may feel a hard lump on the jaw. A veterinarian can use an X-ray to identify the affected tooth. The infected tooth usually needs to be removed, and the abscess thoroughly flushed. Since the inflammation often affects the bone as well, additional treatment with anti-inflammatory medication and antibiotics is typically required.
A cat with an abscess may show the following symptoms:
If the abscess hasn’t matured yet, the only noticeable symptom may be fever or general signs of illness. After measuring the fever, a vet will often ask whether your cat goes outdoors or gets into fights. Sometimes a scab may be found on the skin, or a damp spot in the fur may be visible.
If the abscess has already ruptured, it must be flushed, and the cat should be treated with pain relief and antibiotics to resolve the infection.
If the abscess is still closed, a veterinarian will need to open and flush it under anesthesia, as this procedure can be very painful. It is important that the abscess remains open for a few days following treatment. This can be achieved by applying ointment daily or by placing a drain. Pain relief and antibiotics are commonly prescribed especially if the cat is still unwell due to the infection.
Maxani Cleanser Spray is a great option for keeping the wound clean.
Sometimes, it may be necessary for the cat to wear a cone or a medical pet shirt to prevent it from scratching or licking the wound.
An abscess is caused by a bacterial infection that the body cannot resolve on its own. If left untreated, it may rupture. Sometimes it heals spontaneously, but the wound can also reseal and form a new abscess. If not treated, the bacteria may spread throughout the body, making the cat even sicker. That’s why it’s always advised to have a vet treat a cat with an abscess.
Do you have an unneutered male cat that goes outdoors and defends its territory? Neutering is a wise decision. It helps reduce the urge to fight.
Are there many unneutered stray cats in your area? You can contact Stichting Zwerfkatten Nederland, an organization that works to control the stray cat population.
Still have questions about abscesses in cats? Feel free to contact us at
[email protected].
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