Cat abscesses
The cost of cat fights is often more than just noise and public nuisance. Scratches, bites and lacerations can result from this territorial behaviour and diseases such as FIV (Feline Immunodeficiency Virus) can be spread. However the most common consequence of cats fighting (that needs veterinary attention) is the occurrence of a cat abscess.
An abscess forms when one cat is scratched or bitten by another. Claws and teeth harbour a high number of nasty bacteria which are in effect “injected” underneath the skin during the fight. Because the surface wound is usually very small it often heals over quickly, leaving no external sign of the trouble brewing underneath. Here, the bacteria are multiplying at a rapid rate. The body responds by trying to wall off the infection with inflamed tissue. While this helps to stop the bacteria spreading outward, it also makes it difficult to get anything (including antibiotics and white blood cells to clear up the infection) in.
To the pet owner, there will often be no sign of the problem until a few days after the initial fight. First you may notice just a general swelling over the area as the injured tissues become inflamed. Gradually, as the abscess develops, a more discrete lump will form. Often this will grow in size until it reaches a point where it can grow no further as the tissues are stretched to their limit (how large this will be depends on many factors including the site of the abscess on the body). At this stage the infection may burst through the skin to form an open, pus-filled wound.
Abscesses cause the following problems for your pet:
- the infection can cause a fever which makes your pet feel unwell – often cats will show a reduced appetite
- pain associated with tissue swelling and inflammation
- damage or delayed healing of skin over the area can contribute to suppressing your pet’s immune system making, them more at risk of developing secondary problems
If left without veterinary treatment, abscesses can turn into chronic infections and cause nasty non-healing wounds. Even treatment with antibiotic tablets is often not enough to cure the problem because of the difficulty in getting the antibiotics to the place they are needed (see above). Your veterinarian will assess the treatment required and this may include needing to
- ‘lance’ the abscess (make an incision or cut into the area to allow a hole for draining the pus)
- flush the pocket out with antibacterial solutions
- place drains to stop stop further pus from building up
- stitch any skin wounds
These treatments may require a general anaesthetic. Your pet may need ongoing antibiotic or pain relief medication also.
<< view other articles in this category