Abscess
Animal teeth and claws easily puncture skin, introducing bacteria under the skin of the affected animal. If the skin heals quickly the bacteria becomes trapped, which creates infectious pockets that are commonly referred to as an abscess.
Abscesses may be very small or extraordinarily large, and may feel swollen and warm. These wounds are often extremely painful. Typically, dogs with abscesses become depressed, and may exhibit a tendency to hide in inconspicuous places in the home. Occasionally abscesses may rupture prior to the onset of any other signs. Abscesses of the anal glands are very common and can be mistaken for rectal bleeding if they rupture. They may cause the dog to “scoot” the rectal area on the ground. Tooth root abscesses typically form just below the eye, and start as a bump or swelling. They may break open and bleed, and the dog my stop eating due to the pain or experience upon chewing.
Small, uncomplicated abscesses may respond to medical therapy, while larger, and more extensive abscesses may require surgical treatment. Proper surgical management of abscesses often requires the placement of a drain or latex tubing; this is done either under sedation or a general aesthetic, to provide an escape route for secretions from the damaged tissues of the wound. Tooth root abscesses require tooth extraction, antibiotics alone will only lead to temporary solution, but the abscess will recur unless the affected tooth is pulled. This surgery requires a general aesthetic.
What to Do
Abscesses should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible and within 24 hours.
Notify your dog’s veterinarian should your dog experience the following:
What Not To Do
Animal teeth and claws easily puncture skin, introducing bacteria under the skin of the affected animal. If the skin heals quickly the bacteria becomes trapped, which creates infectious pockets that are commonly referred to as an abscess.
Abscesses may be very small or extraordinarily large, and may feel swollen and warm. These wounds are often extremely painful. Typically, dogs with abscesses become depressed, and may exhibit a tendency to hide in inconspicuous places in the home. Occasionally abscesses may rupture prior to the onset of any other signs. Abscesses of the anal glands are very common and can be mistaken for rectal bleeding if they rupture. They may cause the dog to “scoot” the rectal area on the ground. Tooth root abscesses typically form just below the eye, and start as a bump or swelling. They may break open and bleed, and the dog my stop eating due to the pain or experience upon chewing.
Small, uncomplicated abscesses may respond to medical therapy, while larger, and more extensive abscesses may require surgical treatment. Proper surgical management of abscesses often requires the placement of a drain or latex tubing; this is done either under sedation or a general aesthetic, to provide an escape route for secretions from the damaged tissues of the wound. Tooth root abscesses require tooth extraction, antibiotics alone will only lead to temporary solution, but the abscess will recur unless the affected tooth is pulled. This surgery requires a general aesthetic.
What to Do
Abscesses should be examined by a veterinarian as soon as possible and within 24 hours.
- Fluid may normally drain from the site of an abscess. An abscess does not drain through the tube, but rather around the latex tubing. Therefore, it is important for you to lean the area around the drain, twice a day with warm water.
- Apply a hot compress to the affected site at least two times a day for 3 – 5 days after the dog leaves the veterinary practice. Wet a clean washcloth with very warm water and place it directly over the affected site, and then apply pressure ideally for 5 – 10 minutes.
- Be sure you and/or another family member wash your hands thoroughly after contacting any fluids draining from the abscess site.
- Be sure to administer all prescribed medications exactly and completely as detailed by your veterinarian. Some patients may appear to feel better after only a few days of treatment; however it is crucial for medication to be administered according to the schedule to prevent the infection from recurring.
- Restrict your dog to indoor activities until the infection has resolved completely.
Notify your dog’s veterinarian should your dog experience the following:
- Increased redness and/or heat from the site of the abscess.
- Failure of abscess to heal.
- Worsening of your dogs general health.
- Loss of appetite lasting longer than 24 hours.
What Not To Do
- Do not attempt to open the abscess yourself
- Do not apply medicines, potions, or home remedies unless directed by your veterinary.
