{"id":439796,"date":"2023-11-15T14:18:05","date_gmt":"2023-11-15T19:18:05","guid":{"rendered":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/?p=439796"},"modified":"2025-01-07T06:51:05","modified_gmt":"2024-09-19T10:39:54","slug":"abscesses-in-cats","status":"publish","type":"post","link":"https:\/\/www.catster.com\/ask-the-vet\/abscesses-in-cats\/","title":{"rendered":"Abscesses in Cats: Causes, Signs & Care (Vet Answer)"},"content":{"rendered":"
If your cat has a lump under their skin that is painful, <\/span>either firm or, more often, soft t<\/span>o the touch, <\/span>and has suddenly appeared out of nowhere, they may have<\/span> an abscess. Abscesses can develop anywhere on the body, <\/span>even within internal organs<\/span>, such as the lungs, brain, liver, or kidneys, <\/span>and these will not be noticeable. External abscesses that form under the skin may not be obvious<\/span> until they rupture,<\/span> producing very malodorous and blood-stained fluid, or the <\/span>animal shows other clinical signs.\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n In cats, <\/span>some<\/span> abscesses, particularly ones affecting the internal organs, can lead to sepsis and other serious health complications for<\/span> your pet, so they require immediate veterinary attention. You should know what to look for <\/span>and how a vet will treat <\/span>an abscess in your cat to keep them happy and healthy.<\/span><\/p>\n This article will teach you how to <\/span>recognize an abscess under the skin and general signs of illness in your cat associated with an abscess. However, it’s not a replacement for veterinary clinical exams and treatment, and an abscess cannot be managed at home without a vet’s input. Not every swelling under the skin is an abscess, and only your vet can establish this with certainty. <\/span><\/p>\n An abscess is a painful, well-defined <\/span>pus<\/span> collection. They can be found all over the body and can get quite large (the size of a Ping-Pong ball or bigger) or remain small. Some will grow so large that the resulting pocket may burst, and the pus will drain out.<\/span>1<\/span><\/a><\/sup> This occurs as a result of the body’s reaction to pyogenic germs (i.e., causing the formation of pus).\u00a0<\/span><\/p>\n Pus is a foul-smelling viscous liquid of various colors (white, yellow, or greenish) that contains<\/span> red and white blood cells, neutrophils, plasma, living and dead bacteria, proteins, and other organic debris.<\/span><\/p>\n In cats, two types of abscesses are most common:<\/span><\/p>\n Other than these, cats may develop a pancreatic, liver, lung, anal gland, or any organ or body cavity abscess if there is a penetrating foreign body. <\/span>The infection can occur in cats of any age and breed. Outdoor cats are most prone to abscesses because they are more likely to be <\/span>injured and get into a fight.<\/span> Awkward falls<\/span> from a great <\/span>height, inhalation of foreign bodies, and <\/span>competition with other cats for space, food, or <\/span>mates are just some of the common causes <\/span>of injury.<\/span><\/p>\n Cats with weak immune <\/span>systems, particularly those infected with feline immunodeficiency and feline leukemia virus,<\/span> are also <\/span>more<\/span> prone to developing abscesses.<\/span>3<\/span><\/a><\/sup> A weakened immune system makes the body more susceptible<\/span> to infections.<\/span><\/p>\n In cats, abscesses <\/span>often<\/span> look like small <\/span>bumps or swelling under<\/span> the skin <\/span>that appear fairly quickly. Owners will commonly report that the cat was in a fight a few days ago with the neighbor’s cat.<\/span> When <\/span>abscesses<\/span> are present<\/span> in the<\/span> mouth, they can go unnoticed for a little bit longer. As the swelling under the skin grows and fills with pus, it leaves the impression of a lump that can resemble and be mistaken for a tumor<\/span>. For this reason, many cat owners panic when they notice a bump or lump on their pet’s skin. However, abscesses are more common than tumors.<\/span>4<\/span><\/a><\/sup><\/p>\n If an abscess grows too much <\/span>and puts the skin under a lot of pressure, it<\/span> can burst, and the pus will be drained.<\/span> This is called a draining tract, <\/span>which <\/span>means an opening will <\/span>be created between the abscess <\/span>and the surface of the skin\/<\/span>gum <\/span>line<\/span>\/organ (depending on where the abscess is localized). In case of skin abscesses, the pus will <\/span>drain to the<\/span> skin’s surface, leading to an unpleasant odor in the infected area.<\/span><\/p>\n If an abscess develops inside your cat’s mouth, your pet may have bad breath, become <\/span>lethargic, paw at their mouth, drool, have oral discharge, and <\/span>refuse food. Internal abscesses can lead to <\/span>decreased appetite, persistent fever, pain, lethargy, and signs of systemic illness, which are clinical signs that indicate an infection.<\/span><\/p>\n If your cat shows these signs, take them to the vet.<\/p>\n Abscesses develop following the inoculation of pathogenic germs <\/span>under the skin or oral mucosa or from dissemination to various internal organs.<\/span> They typically occur <\/span>in cats that spend a lot of time outside and<\/span> frequently participate in altercations with other felines or animals.<\/span><\/p>\n These <\/span>skin<\/span> abscesses usually develop on the neck and face, the back half of the body,<\/span> and on the paws and abdomen<\/span>. The tail is often injured, too, thus favoring the occurrence of abscesses. Other incidents that can lead to the development of abscesses include penetrating wounds.<\/span><\/p>\n Dental abscesses are found<\/span> at the tooth root<\/span>.<\/span> When bacteria enter the exposed root canal of an already damaged, fractured, or diseased tooth with access to the pulp, they cause inflammation and necrosis of the pulp. If the infection persists, an abscess forms.<\/span> Dental abscesses are relatively common in cats, and since the clinical signs are similar to those of other diseases, owners may not realize what is actually happening to their cat.<\/span><\/p>\n Abscesses inside the body or those affecting internal organs are<\/span> impossible to observe from the outside. <\/span>They appear due to a disseminated infection originating from another location or foreign objects entering the body and penetrating body cavities.<\/span> These are less common than skin abscesses but are more severe.<\/span><\/p>\n If you notice a swelling on your cat’s skin, skin changes, irritation, or the presence of a very unpleasant discharge, get them checked by the vet as soon as possible. <\/span>Do not try to squeeze or burst the abscess<\/span> yourself, as it’s uncomfortable for your cat and should be done by a professional.<\/span><\/p>\n If the abscess has ruptured,<\/span> you can attempt to clean the area but still book your cat to see the vet. Your vet will prescribe and administer appropriate treatment for your cat, often consisting of systemic antibiotics and painkillers or anti-inflammatories.<\/span><\/p>\n If your cat’s abscess was drained at the clinic, follow the veterinarian’s recommendations as to what you need to do at home. Here is how to care for a cat with abscesses:<\/p>\n An abscess will show signs of healing when the area is no longer red and swollen and no longer secretes exudate (<\/span>usually<\/span> 3\u20135 days after the procedure). On average, the<\/span> healing process<\/span><\/a> takes 7\u201314 days.<\/span><\/p>\n<\/h2>\n
What Is an Abscess?<\/h2>\n
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What Are the Signs of an Abscess?<\/h2>\n
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What Are the Causes of Abscesses?<\/h2>\n
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How Do I Care for a Cat With Abscesses?<\/h2>\n
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