Abscess
General information
An abscess is an accumulation of pus within a cavity. The most commonly seen abscesses in cats are located under the skin in the subcutaneous tissue
Causes
Most cat abscesses are a result of a bite or scratch received during a fight with another cat. When the cat is bitten or scratched, bacteria from the tooth or claw is injected under the skin. The puncture wound is often very small and the skin rapidly seals. However, in the layers under the skin, infection rapidly develops, usually in two to four days.
Bites or scratches from animals other than cats may also cause an abscess. Even foreign bodies, such as grass seeds, thorns or splinters, may cause an abscess to form.
Cardinal symptom
- Painful swelling under the skin
- Fever
- Loss of appetite
- Lethargy
Symptoms
A painful swelling, either with or without discharge, may be seen or felt under the skin. The swelling is typically first noted three to five days after the injury has occurred. At first the swelling may be soft, but over time may become hard and hot if the abscess is not treated or does not rupture on its own. If ruptured, foul-smelling yellow, green, brown or red discharge may be seen leaking through a hole in the cat’s skin.
The most common locations for abscesses are at the base of the tail, the rear legs, and the neck and shoulders, although they can be seen anywhere on the cat’s body. As the infection worsens, the cat may develop a fever, often over 103°F. Loss of appetite and lethargy are also frequently noticed. Occasionally serious dehydration and sepsis can occur.
Diagnosis
A thorough clinical examination by your veterinarian will usually reveal the painful swelling of an abscess. To confirm the diagnosis, your vet may puncture or aspirate the area the area using a needle to be sure that pus is located in the cavity.
Treatment
The abscess may be opened, drained and flushed by your veterinarian. Often this will require sedation. It is important that the abscess remains open and draining until the underlying infection in the deeper tissues has resolved. Depending upon the location and severity of the abscess, a drain may be inserted into the abscess to allow for further drainage of the pus over the next few days. The drain will be removed a few days later. Antibiotics and a pain medication may also be prescribed. If dehydration or significant fever is present, fluids may also be given. If the cat is septic, aggressive fluid therapy and other support may also be needed.
Prognosis
With proper care, most abscesses heal without complication. If an abscess is recurrent or non-healing, infection with an underlying systemic disease (such as FeLV or FIV), retention of a foreign body, or infection with an atypical infectious agent should be considered.
Prevention
Neutering of intact cats has been shown to be a helpful preventative measure as it reduces fighting, roaming and breeding behaviors which may result in injuries leading to the formation of an abscess.
Tips
Warm packs applied to the abscessed area may help encourage drainage of pus once an abscess is already opened.
CAUTION
Some of the more rare infectious agents that can cause cat abscesses have the potential to cause disease in humans.