Purulent wounds in cats: symptoms and treatment

An abscess in a cat is a tumor that affects soft tissue and skin. This pathology occurs as a result of injury or infection of soft tissues and organs with the simultaneous formation of purulent contents. Most often, an abscess in a cat does not pose a mortal danger, but the inaction of the animal owners and untimely assistance can lead to complications.

What do owners need to do and what do they need to know about the causes and treatment of abscess in cats so as not to trigger the development of the disease?

Causes of abscess in a cat

Among cat owners themselves, the more common names for this disease are “abscess” or “abscess.” They accurately express the signs of such a tumor. The accumulation of purulent exudate under the skin occurs due to mechanical and infectious causes. The first category includes:

skin injuries from sharp objects;
bites by other animals;
damage to the oral mucosa by a tooth fragment;
administration of veterinary drugs of thick consistency by subcutaneous method;
administration of refrigerated medications;
complications after surgery.

Veterinary clinic specialists and animal owners have noticed that cats get into fights and get skin damage more often than cats. The same can be said about young kittens: they play more often and fight quite often, which is what causes the appearance of purulent tumors - abscesses.

Subscribe to the newsletter and get a discount at the pet store “Lubimchik”

Thanks for subscribing!

Causes of an infectious nature arise as a result of the penetration of pathogenic microbes under the skin, into muscle fibers and onto mucous membranes. This occurs as a result of the formation of open wounds, the introduction of substandard vaccines and biological products, as well as the use of contaminated syringes and needles during treatment.

The most common infectious agents that provoke an abscess in a cat are streptococci, staphylococci, as well as some strains of pathogenic bacteria.

Young animals are most sensitive to the causes of both categories, and therefore an abscess in a kitten can be found much more often than in adults. Moreover, young animals are always more active and, due to their curiosity, are more often injured.

Abscess in cats. Treatment at home

There are different situations in life. And no one can exclude the possibility that the cat owner will not have the opportunity to come to the veterinary clinic and place his pet in the hands of professionals. If such a situation occurs, then it is necessary to carry out treatment yourself. You should be prepared to lance the abscess. The main thing is not to worry and consistently carry out all the steps to treat the animal.

First of all, you should determine at what stage the disease is. If it is possible to identify an abscess at the initial stage, then warm compresses should be applied. Warming up the localization of the purulent process will accelerate its maturation. If the pet's condition is lethargic, it means that he is worried about pain. To relieve pain, you can inject Novocain.
If the abscess is at a more serious stage and is severely inflamed, then heating cannot be done. What to do? When the abscess is at a more advanced stage, an incision must be made. This procedure should be done without fail, since the pus may begin to spread to other tissues if it is not released.
To make an incision, you need to take a sterile needle, razor or scalpel. If the abscess is small, then a needle will do. For large ones you need to use a razor or scalpel. The procedure should be carried out with gloves. You will also need gauze pads, hydrogen peroxide, manganese and antibiotics.
You should think about how to keep your cat stationary. To do this, you need to ask for help or figure out in advance how to hold the animal while making the cut.
Before proceeding to the incision, you need to perform local anesthesia using the drug Novocaine or Lidocaine. The abscess site should be punctured. Next, you need to give time for the painkiller to take effect, about 10 minutes.
Next, you should make an incision, allow the fluid to drain from the wound and treat it with antibiotics.
Then you need to monitor the wound so that it does not heal prematurely and treat it with antibiotics. The bandage should be loose.

If the incision is small, the abscess should go away in a couple of weeks.

Types of abscesses

The classification of this disease includes two categories according to the intensity of development:

superficial suppuration and swelling of the upper layers of the skin, usually without consequences or complications. Such abscesses are local in nature, small in size, and may be accompanied by minor inflammation;
deep lesions of muscle tissue, subcutaneous fat, and lower layers of the epidermis. Such neoplasms on the animal’s body are dense, with extensive coverage of a part of the body or organ.

Based on the degree of tissue damage and the course of the disease, there are 3 types of abscesses:

with an acute course: an increase in local body temperature, rapid formation of a tumor and a sharp increase in its volume;
subacute form: with moderate intensity of swelling, a small amount of purulent exudate, often without fever;
chronic form: more common with superficial abscesses, when there is no abundant formation of pus, and the tumor does not increase in size for a long time.

Depending on the location of the abscess on the cat’s body, the following types are distinguished:

an abscess on the neck of a cat due to a showdown with relatives, rodent hunting or mechanical injuries;
swelling in the muzzle area: the most common abscess in a cat is on the cheek - a wound as a result of scratches while playing with other animals;
damage to the paws with the formation of a purulent tumor;
periodontal abscess as a result of injury from a chipped tooth, the development of periodontal disease, and ingestion of hot food;
abscess under the cat's tail;
perianal abscess of the glands as a result of improper feeding, hormonal imbalance, and lack of activity.

In addition to these varieties, veterinary practice distinguishes between single and multiple abscesses.

Abscess of the anal gland

The paraanal glands secrete a secretion, the smell of which marks the marked territory. The formation of an abscess on the paraanal glands leads to difficulty in defecation, pain and the occurrence of an inflammatory process. In case of inflammation of these glands, secretion disturbances, the appearance of a tumor and purulent discharge, treatment of the paraanal gland abscess should be started immediately.

Abscess on the tail

Less common in cats is an abscess on the tail. It becomes a consequence of active games and rivalry between relatives. Typically, such a tumor is local in nature and is easily treatable.

Oral abscess

This is one of the most common formations. It occurs as a result of improper feeding, when fish bones get into the oral cavity, and also due to burns from hot food. Another reason lies in the progression of periodontal disease, the formation of plaque, and also due to the breaking of teeth.

Abscess on the cheek

Abscesses in the cheek area can occur after fights with other cats. If the owner of the animal missed the moment of clarifying the relationship between his pet and his rivals, then he will be able to notice the consequences only when the cat’s cheek has already festered and a tumor has formed. This occurs because the saliva of animals contains many bacteria, streptococci and staphylococci. When bitten, the entire microflora penetrates under the skin, and then into the muscles, mucous membranes and even bone tissue, simultaneously provoking decay processes.

Abscess on the ear

Typically, an abscess on a cat's ear occurs at the site of a bite from other animals. In this case, the auricle becomes hot, hangs down, and a sticky purulent exudate is released from it. This disease may be secondary, being provoked as a result of mites settling in the ear canal.

Abscess on a cat's paw

The cause of the formation of an abscess and abscess on a cat’s paw can be a bite, injury from a fall, the consequences of a fracture, injury from sharp objects, or damage from road rubble. Usually the problem becomes noticeable only when the pet begins to limp or its paw becomes inactive and does not bend well.

Causes

An abscess is a pathology in the form of an inflammatory process located both on the surface of the skin and deep in tissue structures (abscesses on internal organs). An abscess carries a great danger to the general health of the animal, often threatening its life when pus penetrates the bloodstream and develops sepsis.

Depending on the location, abscesses are divided into several types:

Superficial - form in the epidermis and rarely provoke the development of complications. They often go away on their own. Superficial abscesses do not reach large sizes and do not pose a threat to the life of the cat.
Deep - located deep under the skin, affecting muscle tissue structures and the fat layer. The presence of a deep abscess can only be determined by palpation.
Odontogenic – abscesses localized in the oral cavity.
Paraanal - an abscess of the paraanal gland in a cat develops against the background of an inflammatory process in the glands of the animal. Females and males have paraanal glands; they are small sacs located symmetrically around the anus.
Peripheral – inflammatory processes localized in the neck, head and limbs of the animal. May be superficial or deep.

Abscess in cats, in the vast majority of cases, occurs due to infection of the wound surface. Infection can enter the wound and cause the formation of purulent exudate, even if the damage is small. The most common causes of the development of an abscess in an animal in the area of mucous membranes or epidermis are:

mechanical damage received by a pet during a fight with relatives (this especially often occurs during sexual desire);
consumption of food by animals that contains small bones;
lack of hygiene procedures in the oral cavity (damage to the mucous membranes in the mouth occurs, which leads to the development of an abscess);
scratches and damage caused by thorns, branches or grass;
damage to the integrity of the skin as a result of the administration of certain medications that are poorly absorbable;
violation of the rules of asepsis and antisepsis by doctors during injections (subcutaneous, intravenous or intramuscular).

At the site of damage to the integrity of the skin, a sac with purulent contents does not always form. The development of an abscess is determined by the depth and magnitude of the damage, as well as the type and amount of pathogenic bacterial microflora that has penetrated inside. The most common causes of abscess development are streptococcal and staphylococcal bacilli. Pseudomonas aeruginosa, anaerobic bacteria and mycoplasma also take part in the formation of an abscess.

In veterinary medicine there is a risk group for the most frequent development of abscesses. This group includes:

How does the disease manifest?

The symptoms of this disease are determined by general and characteristic features. A sick pet already in the first 2-3 days loses interest in active games, walks, and loses appetite.

Common symptoms are:

increased heart rate;
increased breathing;
apathy;
oppression;
sluggish gait;
increase in body temperature by 1-2 degrees;
signs of pain.

Based on such signs, it is extremely difficult to guess the presence of an abscess - they appear in dozens of diseases. Even an experienced veterinarian will rely on characteristic signs when making a diagnosis:

the appearance of a tumor in the form of an even or asymmetrical hemisphere;
a feeling of fluctuation when palpating the abscess - a transfusion of fluid is felt inside it;
pain when pressing on the tumor;
baldness at the site of the abscess;
presence of a bite, puncture or penetrating injury;
increased local temperature at the site of pus formation;
the appearance of wet sticky discharge on the fur at the site of swelling;
the appearance of unpleasant odors characteristic of rotting flesh;
the appearance of scabs at the site of the abscess and near it.

Characteristic signs also include symptoms characteristic of abscesses with a specific location.

When the paws are affected, there is lameness, decreased activity, and the cat begins to be wary of stepping on the affected paw.

With an abscess of the paraanal glands, a small lump-like growth near the anus becomes noticeable.

The periodontal type of abscess is accompanied by a sharp refusal to feed, the appearance of bad breath, and the pet mainly drinks only water.

With an ear abscess, especially if it is caused by the activity of a tick, the ear sag, the animal constantly scratches it with its paw, makes rotating or nodding movements with its head.

However, despite the obviousness of the characteristic signs of an abscess in cats or male cats, animal owners should not make their own diagnosis based on the identified symptoms. They may be similar to the signs of other diseases, and then a mistake may be made in choosing treatment methods, which is fraught with serious complications and consequences for the health and even the life of the animal.

Treatment of purulent wounds in cats

With the start of the summer holiday season, many pet owners go out of town, and, of course, take their pets with them. In open areas, when the animal is left to its own devices, it is not always possible to avoid disaster. This is especially true for cats, because often their walking route is not limited to the territory of the garden plot.

In free-ranging conditions, cats are most susceptible to injury. Minor scratches and superficial wounds in cats usually heal on their own and do not require additional treatment. However, some types of damage deserve the owner's attention.

Defending their own territory often ends in bites and lacerations. These lesions are usually deeper and tend to cause widespread inflammation and swelling. If such a wound is not treated in time, it may begin to fester.

Pus is a cloudy, thick liquid that accumulates in the wound cavity. Pus contains many pathogenic bacteria. To heal a purulent wound, it is necessary to regularly clean it of accumulated contents.

Those wounds that do not have outflow are prone to fester.

Primary treatment, especially if there is no veterinary clinic nearby, can be done independently. The processing process will be described in more detail below.

When an abscess forms, treatment of a purulent wound is more labor-intensive and time-consuming. It is necessary to open the purulent sac and install special drains to flush the cavity.

Some bite wounds in cats, such as the tail, are very painful. Therefore, their initial treatment must be done under general anesthesia. If the purulent wound is located close to the sacrum, then the prognosis may be cautious due to the proximity of the nerve plexuses.

How can you determine how seriously your cat is injured before going to the doctor?

A wound with the following symptoms requires immediate medical attention:

Lethargy, refusal to feed. This occurs due to intoxication of the body with decay products. If the inflammation is severe, the cat's temperature may rise.
Edema. Swelling at the site of the injury should be examined by a doctor at your appointment. What looks like swelling may actually be an abscess or cellulitis. You cannot open such cavities yourself.
Crepitus at the site of injury. If the animal allows you to probe the damaged area, you can feel crunching sounds under your fingers. The presence of such a symptom indicates that a large cavity has formed under the skin into which air can enter.
Bleeding. Heavy bleeding requires the application of a pressure bandage so that the animal does not lose a lot of blood before arriving at the doctor. If large vessels are damaged, a tourniquet should be applied above the wound site (application time - no more than 30 minutes).
Pain and lameness. Pain can indicate not only damage to external tissues, but also deeper injuries.

General principles for treating wounds in cats

Treating wounds at home is important in cases where it is not possible to get to the nearest veterinary clinic.

Processing must be carried out only with four hands! One person should fix the cat, the other should handle the treatment. Without proper fixation, any unnecessary movement of the cat can only cause more harm to it.

The first thing to do is to examine the entire animal for any other injuries or active bleeding. If bleeding is present, it must be stopped before treating other wounds. To do this, apply a sterile gauze bandage tightly for 7-10 minutes. If the bleeding does not stop, the cat should be taken to the doctor immediately.

Any wound must be cleaned before treatment. Including from wool. The area around the wound should be carefully trimmed with scissors. It can be washed with saline solution or chlorhexidine to remove any remaining fur and dirt. The solution is drawn into a syringe with a volume of 5-10 ml and then the cavity is actively washed with a stream. If you don’t have a syringe, you can simply pour water from the bottle onto the wound.

Next, an antiseptic solution is used - miramistin or chlorhexidine. They are applied generously to a gauze pad and the wound is cleaned. The movements of the gauze swab should be from the center of the wound to its edges, so as not to re-introduce dirt from the skin. For processing, gauze swabs must be used. They are sold in a regular pharmacy and come in individual packages. Cotton wool, even in the form of cotton balls, will get stuck in the wound.

If during treatment you notice that the wound is deep, treat it only superficially. At your appointment, the veterinarian will examine the wound in more detail and show you how to properly treat it.

Extensive wounds should be sutured for better and faster healing.

Treatment of purulent wounds in cats

Purulent wounds have a more severe course. In addition to the accumulation of pus in the wound, or its cavity, there is also a general intoxication of the body with decay products.

When an abscess forms, a veterinarian will open it. The pus is completely removed, the cavity is washed with antiseptic solutions. An open purulent wound is treated in the same way as a regular one.

After opening the abscess, it is important that the cleaned cavity remains drained. To do this, drainage is installed in the form of a tube with holes. An antiseptic solution is injected into these tubes daily. The drains are removed and only external treatment is left when the wound cavity becomes smaller and new pus stops forming.

Additionally, the doctor may prescribe systemic antibacterial treatment in the form of injections or tablets.

The formation of abscesses is also possible with blunt injuries. In such cases, the pus will be aseptic, that is, without pathogenic bacteria. Such an abscess also requires opening and installing drainage.

Wound care at home

For normal wound healing in a cat, both purulent and non-purulent, care is of great importance. It usually takes 1-2 weeks for the wound to heal. It is very important to follow these recommendations:

Collar. Until your cat's wound is completely healed, she should always wear a plastic collar. Otherwise, the animal will lick the wound, bringing pathogenic bacteria there along with saliva. This can lead to ulceration. In addition, cats have very rough tongues, and constant licking will only make the wound worse.
Treatment. The more severe the wound process, the more often treatments will be needed.
Take antibacterial drugs at the appointed time. Each antibiotic has its own time of action. If, for example, the doctor prescribed a drug that must be administered every 12 hours, then this interval must be strictly observed. Improper use of antibiotics causes resistance in bacteria. This means that next time this drug may not work, and you will have to use a more “powerful” analogue. The problem of antibiotic resistance to microorganisms is acute throughout the world.
Use safe treatment agents - chlorhexidine, miramistin, levomekol.
Do not use irritants. These include iodine, brilliant green, Vishnevsky ointment. The use of such drugs can cause burns.

Diagnostics

A correct diagnosis can only be made by a veterinarian, based on the results of the following diagnostic methods:

taking an anamnesis - asking the owner about the pet’s behavior, its tendency to quarrel with its relatives, possible injuries and previous operations;
clinical examination, including thermometry, palpation (palpation) of the tumor;
laboratory analysis with bacterial cultures to identify the possible presence of pathogenic microflora and its sensitivity to different groups of medications;
microscopic laboratory examination of exudate from the abscess cavity;
puncture - puncture of the tumor to detect the presence of purulent fluid.

The last three methods are used when it is impossible to carry out a differential (comparative) diagnosis, if all the signs can indicate several similar diseases at once.

Treatment of abscesses in cats

The effectiveness of treatment methods depends on the degree of progression of the abscess. At the first stage, when the abscess is not yet moisturized and bald, drug therapy is used using drugs from different groups:

antibacterial agents;
anti-inflammatory medications;
painkillers and blockades using them.

Drug therapy has a good effect. The veterinarian may prescribe antibiotics and anti-inflammatory drugs. If a cat's paw festeres and breaks out immediately after injury, the use of external medications is recommended. At the second stage, when the tumor is already formed and exudate is released from the cavity to the outside, surgical intervention with puncture or incision of the abscess is prescribed. At the same time, during this operation, all purulent fluid is removed, the cavity is disinfected and washed with antiseptics. In both cases of detection of an abscess, the cat’s abscess should be treated strictly according to the recommendation and under the guidance of the attending physician.

Forms of abscesses

Depending on the course of the disease, there are several forms of abscesses in cats:

cold: characterized by a sluggish course, with relapses turning into a chronic form;
superficial: can develop if you independently open a subcutaneous abscess in a cat, rarely accompanied by complications;
deep: purulent compaction is observed in the deep layers of the skin or muscles, immediate treatment in a hospital is required;
acute: only surgical opening will help; if left untreated, the prognosis is unfavorable;
benign: goes away on its own, does not require special therapy, is accompanied by purulent discharge of white or yellow color;
malignant: may indicate insufficient immunity, accompanied by an unpleasant odor in the mouth

The veterinarian will be able to accurately determine the area of inflammation and identify the form of the disease during the examination.

Possible complications of abscesses

If an abscess in a cat is not treated in a timely manner, the inflammation spreads to adjacent tissues and organs. From the ear the process can move to the brain area. With a paraanal abscess, infection can penetrate into the gastrointestinal tract and reproductive system.

With all forms and types of abscess there is a risk of blood poisoning. At the same time, the animal’s behavior worsens, it becomes more aggressive, and can damage interior items. In advanced cases, there is a risk of developing immunodeficiency, which provokes any complications even with harmless and non-contagious diseases.

How to recognize

If a small red spot appears on a cat's skin, which enlarges and becomes soft, an abscess is suspected. Later, pus accumulates in this place, the seal turns yellow, and the pet experiences pain.

What is an abscess

This is an inflammatory process of the upper layers of the skin, into which dirt or a foreign body has entered. They penetrate the integument through wounds or abrasions.

Pathology can also develop in the oral cavity when a bone or splinter gets stuck in the soft tissue.

What microorganisms cause

An abscess (abscess) occurs due to the introduction of streptococci and staphylococci into the wound. Microorganisms actively multiply inside the skin, the immune system tries to destroy them, remove them from the body, and suppuration begins.

Difference from phlegmon

An abscess detected in time does not pose a serious threat to the health of the animal if treatment is started immediately.
You should beware of purulent diseases such as phlegmon. With this pathology, inflammation develops in the deep tissues of the skin; it does not have clear boundaries, which leads to the development of gangrene.

Prevention of abscesses

To avoid having to look for effective treatment methods, the pet owner needs to monitor his condition and behavior during walks. If possible, contact with aggressive relatives should be limited. After each stay on the street, you should examine the paws, tail, cheeks, and neck for bites or injuries. If your appetite worsens, you should immediately take your furry friend to see a veterinarian for an oral examination. Such simple measures will help maintain your pet’s health and protect it from the consequences of abscesses.