Cat Abscess and Bite Wounds
Some cats imagine themselves as not small pets, but as descendants of Lions. As a result, fight wounds and abscess are common pet health problems in cats.In select situations, this calls for home pet care. Fight wounds occur more commonly in male cats than female cats. When many cats live in the same location usually result in increased fighting. THE SIGNS Bacteria which are trapped under the skin following a bite wound can multiply for several days before any signs of infection are seen. Swelling and pain at the puncture site are the most common signs of infection; often, the cat will have an increased temperature.
Many times a pocket of pus, called an abscess, will form. The bacteria can make the cat extremely ill. The most frequent sites for bite wounds are the face, legs, back, tail and over the rump. THE CAUSE When a cat bites, the teeth go through the skin, and then it releases quickly. This results in small puncture wounds in the skin, with small holes. These holes seal and virtually disappear within hours, trapping bacteria from the cat's mouth under the skin of the victim. The type of bacteria which live in the cat's mouth thrive in an environment where the oxygen concentration is low. Once the wound seals shut, bacteria can begin to multiply at a rapid rate. The organisms most commonly involved with cat bites are Pasteurella multocida and Streptococcus.
BARBER TIME. Trim the hair around the bite or wound. Trim large sections with scissors, then carefully use a disposable razor to trim the hair next to the skin. KEEP IT CLEAN. If possible, put you pet in the sink or bath and run lukewarm tap water on the bite
or abscess for 5 minutes. IF your pet won't tolerate running water, use a damp cloth or gauze sponge.
Purchase an antiseptic called Hibitane, available at your local pharmacy, and wash the area well.
Keep the bite clean and perform this water therapy twice daily for 5-7 days.
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