Abscesses are very common issues in cats and dogs. In fact, we see them in pretty much every species we treat.
Although the causes may vary, the basic principles remain the same – drainage and cleaning.
Many people believe antibiotics are the key to treating abscesses. This is wrong for two reasons:
- unless we establish drainage, antibiotics can’t completely clear up the infection. Also, if there is an underlying cause such as a grass seed or other foreign body, it will recur very quickly unless that problem is removed
- We need to be very careful to avoid over-using antibiotics. where other treatment options are available, we need to focus on these.
For most abscesses, we will need to establish drainage surgically. this means either local anaesthetic or a general anaesthetic is used to allow a pain-free opening of the abscess and for it to be flushed and cleaned. Depending on the cause, we may surgically explore the abscess for possible foreign bodies or remove other underlying causes.