09/11/2020
Abscesses are localized wounds that cats 😺 can develop after being punctured or scratched by other cats, animals, or objects. The abscess forms when enter deep tissue and establish an infection. With time, the continues to grow, increases in pressure, and erodes the overlying skin. Eventually, the skin may open and release pus and infected material.
SYMPTOMS of an ABSCESS
⏹️It looks like an open sore or a painful swelling on your cat's skin.
⏹️Often, the fur at the site is missing or matted.
⏹️The wound itself may or may not be oozing foul-smelling pus, which in some cases may include blood.
⏹️A compressible swelling on your cat's body, without any signs of a tooth mark, is the abscess before it ruptures. During this stage of the infection, your cat may act lethargic and run a fever.
What to Do On Finding an Abscess on Your Cat🐈
The first thing to do is schedule an appointment with her veterinarian. Then, until you can see the vet, you should follow these instructions:
DOs ✔️
⚪Carefully trim away as much hair from the site as possible so you can better see the extent of the wound.
⚪Apply a clean cloth soaked in warm water or a warm compress to the site. Try to keep it on the wound for a minute or two at a time.
DON'Ts ❌
⚪Applying hydrogen peroxide directly to open wounds is NOT recommended and it may cause further tissue damage. NEVER use alcohol on an abscess.
At the Veterinarian' 💊💉
⏹️If the abscess is open and draining, we may be able to treat without sedation. Otherwise sedation is considered.
⏹️In some cases, a drain may need to be inserted to keep the abscess open and draining. Through this all pus is drained out of the infected area.
Once your cat returns home 🏡, make sure the room is warm and dry and provide your cat with everything she needs to recover comfortably.
Keep the wound clean by wiping it with a clean cloth soaked in warm water.
⚪ALWAYS FOLLOW THE VET'S INSTRUCTIONS 😊