What is an abscess and how do they occur?
An abscess is a localised area of pus and dead tissue that can occur on any part of the body. It may show as a lump or burst leaving a skin wound draining pus. Some internal abscesses can only be diagnosed by blood tests. Often pets with abscesses will not eat, may vomit, have a fever and appear depressed. This is due to the bacterial infection producing toxins that area absorbed into the bloodstream, resulting in blood poisoning.
Abscesses are often caused by bite or claw wounds. Infection is seeded through the skin into the underlying tissues. The time taken for an abscess to develop depends on the location and the depth of the bite or scratch. In rare cases one may form and be treated, only to have another form some time later. Penetrating grass seeds, splinters and other foreign bodes also cause abscesses.
If the abscess is due to an infected bite fromanother cat, there is a risk your cat may have contracted Feline Leukaemia virus and/or Feline Immunodeficiency Virus (FIV). These viruses can be diagnosed via a blood test. We suggest one test at the time of the abscess and if negative another test repeated 60 days later.
What does abscess surgery involve?
This involves a general anaesthetic administered by intravenous injection, which may have necessitated clipping the hair from the forearm. In addition your pet may have receive a gas anaesthetic via a tube inserted into the throat and down the windpipe. Sometimes this will cause throat irritation afterwards. This may be evident be a mild cough which usually settles within 24 hours. Animals vary in their reaction to anaesthesia. Some will be bright and alert only hours post-surgery, whilst others may take 2-3 days before they are completely back to normal.
Abscesses are surgically drained, flushed and explored thoroughly. All dead tissue and any foreign bodies (e.g. grass seeds) are removed and a drain may be inserted to prevent fluid accumulation.
Post-operative Care
Keep your pet quiet for 7-10 days after surgery to prevent any undue tension on the wound. If your pet shows any interest in the stitched wound it is wise to put an Elizabethan collar on the head to stop self-trauma. Observe the suture line daily and contact us if it becomes excessively swollen or inflamed. Drains are normally removed after 3-4 days and sutures are removed after 14 days.
Most pets with abscesses are given a course of antibiotics. Please complete the course as directed.
What steps are taken if the abscess recurs?
A recurring abscess may indicate a particularly resistant bacteria or a pet with a lowered immune system. In these cases further test or surgery may be necessary.
How can abscesses be prevented?
Sterilised pets tend to be less territorial and less aggressive and therefore tend not to wander and fight less. Regular grooming can help prevent grass seed abscesses, as does clipping of long-haired pets.
Testing cats for Feline Leukaemia virus and FIV is strongly recommended – testing at the time of the abscess occurring and repeating the test (if negative) 60 days later.
If you have any queries or concerns, don’t hesitate to contact the hospital.
