by Ben J. Character
ABSCESSES – WHAT ARE THEY?
Unlike their canine companions, most cats are not very social creatures. This characteristic frequently leads to squabbles between themselves. The end result of many of these fights will be an abscess.
The normal feline mouth is full of bacteria. These bacteria keep the mouth healthy, but are also a source of infection when injected by the sharp canine teeth.
The most common pathogen isolated from cat bite wounds is Pasturella. This bacteria causes a very strong inflammatory reaction by the immune system.
When a bite occurs, the skin wound is very small and most of the damage is caused under the skin. This creates a cavity under the quickly healing skin wound. This cavity is where the inflammatory reaction takes place, resulting in a collection of dead immune cells. This is now an abscess.
Fortunately, most abscesses can be treated quickly and easily. The primary goal in treatment is to open the abscess up and allow drainage of the debris. This in combination with antibiotics usually results in resolution of the problem.