Post by Dianne(GodMommy2Max) on Jun 19, 2007 22:19:00 GMT -5
My little Siamese baby needs a few good thoughts her way, while i was out of town she snuck out of my window and apparently got into a fight thus leading to a large abcess on her jaw 
I am set to take her in first thing in the morning and Hope it all goes well, I will be doing her lukemia test and FIV test to be safe
What is a bite wound abscess?
An abscess occurs when an area of tissue becomes infected. If the cat is bitten (or scratched) during a fight bacteria are injected under the skin, the skin heals over trapping the bacteria underneath. The bacteria kill the local cells & release toxins. In response, body walls off the infection to prevent it from spreading. An inflammatory response occurs, drawing huge amounts of white blood cells to the area & increasing regional blood flow. Pus forms, which is an accumulation of fluid, toxins, living & dead white blood cells, dead tissue & bacteria. This area begins to grow, creating tension under the skin and further inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
Bite wound abscesses are seen more often in un-neutered male cats who are allowed to free roam. They tend to be more territorial & therefore become involved in cat fights with neighbourhood cats.
An abscess is extremely painful to the cat, and usually requires veterinary attention.
What are the symptoms of an abscess?
Abscesses are most frequently found around the head, limbs & back & base of the tail. By the time you find the abscess it may or may not have drained. If it has drained you may notice a foul smelling discharge. Other signs your cat has an abscess include;
Hot, swollen & painful area, possibly red & or with missing fur
Fever
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Lameness
Listlessness
An abscess isn't always visible, especially with the cat's coat which may hide the wound, so if your cat is acting off colour, appears to be in pain or displays any other symptoms above, it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance.
What is the treatment for an abscess?
If the abscess hasn't drained, your veterinarian will cut, drain & remove the necrotic tissue. This will either be done under sedation or general anaesthetic.
If the abscess is large, a surgical drain may be required to assist with the removal of pus. This will require daily flushing.
Your veterinarian will put your cat on a course of antibiotics.
Warm compress applied several times a day may be beneficial.
It is important to ensure you seek veterinary attention for an abscess, if left untreated infection may enter the bloodstream & cause septicaemia.
I am set to take her in first thing in the morning and Hope it all goes well, I will be doing her lukemia test and FIV test to be safe
What is a bite wound abscess?
An abscess occurs when an area of tissue becomes infected. If the cat is bitten (or scratched) during a fight bacteria are injected under the skin, the skin heals over trapping the bacteria underneath. The bacteria kill the local cells & release toxins. In response, body walls off the infection to prevent it from spreading. An inflammatory response occurs, drawing huge amounts of white blood cells to the area & increasing regional blood flow. Pus forms, which is an accumulation of fluid, toxins, living & dead white blood cells, dead tissue & bacteria. This area begins to grow, creating tension under the skin and further inflammation of the surrounding tissues.
Bite wound abscesses are seen more often in un-neutered male cats who are allowed to free roam. They tend to be more territorial & therefore become involved in cat fights with neighbourhood cats.
An abscess is extremely painful to the cat, and usually requires veterinary attention.
What are the symptoms of an abscess?
Abscesses are most frequently found around the head, limbs & back & base of the tail. By the time you find the abscess it may or may not have drained. If it has drained you may notice a foul smelling discharge. Other signs your cat has an abscess include;
Hot, swollen & painful area, possibly red & or with missing fur
Fever
Loss of appetite
Lethargy
Lameness
Listlessness
An abscess isn't always visible, especially with the cat's coat which may hide the wound, so if your cat is acting off colour, appears to be in pain or displays any other symptoms above, it is advisable to seek veterinary assistance.
What is the treatment for an abscess?
If the abscess hasn't drained, your veterinarian will cut, drain & remove the necrotic tissue. This will either be done under sedation or general anaesthetic.
If the abscess is large, a surgical drain may be required to assist with the removal of pus. This will require daily flushing.
Your veterinarian will put your cat on a course of antibiotics.
Warm compress applied several times a day may be beneficial.
It is important to ensure you seek veterinary attention for an abscess, if left untreated infection may enter the bloodstream & cause septicaemia.
Glad to hear that Mr. Kitty is better. I know how upsetting it is when they get out by accident. I have a cat that does not have any front claws and my husband had taken the screens off the windows to clean them. He did not put one of the screens back on and opened the window at night and she got out. Luckily I noticed her missing in about 30 minutes and ran outside and called her. I think it scared her to be out alone after dark because she came running right to me and right into the house. I know I was so THANKFUL she was o.k. and had not wondered to far as we live out in the country.