An abscess is a pus filled sore on the skin. Generally if a cut or wound is left untreated it can 'abscess'. This occurs when pus is formed from destroyed skin cells, white blood cells, and bacteria. This pus becomes trapped under the skin forming the abscess cavity.
If the abscess is not treated properly the infection can quickly spread throughout the body. Eventually the bacteria and toxins in the pus will spread to the blood and can lead to death.
Symptoms to look for:
? White, pus-filled wound
? Wound with discharge
? Swelling
? Redness
? Fever
Treatment:
If your cat exhibits any of the above symptoms he/she needs to be taken to the vet immediately. As stated, an untreated abscess can become very serious. Your pet may need to have the wound flushed with an antibiotic solution and may require a drain to flush the wound at home. Your pet will also be put on antibiotics for at least 7-10 days. In most cases this will take care of the infection if it is caught in its early stages.
Precautionary measures:
Abscesses are mostly seen in outdoor cats who have been in a fight with another animal. Such cats have a high chance of receiving a fight wound and if these wounds are left untreated they can abscess. The best way to protect your animal from such wounds is to keep your pet indoors and to monitor your pet if he/she is an outdoor animal for any scratches, bites or wounds before they become infected.
Acne
Cats have small sebaceous glands associated with hair follicles and larger sebaceous glands on the head and tail. These glands secrete oils. It is when these glands are overactive that cats can get what is known as cat acne.
In cases of acne the pores and hair follicles near the glands can become clogged with black sebaceous material, and form what is known as comedones. In the more severe cases these pores and follicles can get infected, irritated, and swollen. Cat acne is most commonly seen on the chin and this acne will look like the cat has black dirt on the chin that won't wash off.
Symptoms to look for:
? Red swollen pores
? Black clogged pores
Treatment:
To properly treat acne you need to remove the excess sebum. If your cat does have acne or you suspect acne consult your vet. He may prescribe an antibacterial scrub, benzoyl peroxide shampoo, corticosteroids, or antibiotics (oral or topical) to clear up the acne. Note: Never give your cat any medication that is not prescribed by your vet or is meant to be given to a human.
Precautionary measures:
Some cats seem to get acne in conjunction with an allergic reaction to plastic food bowls. If you suspect this you may want to switch to ceramic bowls and see if that clears the acne up.
Allergies in Cats
Cats, like people, can have allergies. These allergies can be to fleas, foods, environmental products or they could even be stress related. Whatever the allergen is these allergies generally manifest themselves as a what we know to be a red, itchy rash (food allergies can manifest themselves in both a skin rash and digestive inflammation). The first step in getting rid of or controlling the allergy is to find out what your cat is allergic to. This of course can be very tricky.
Calicos, Tortoiseshells, Black Cats and Siamese cats are more prone to allergies than other breeds. Many authorities suspect that this is because these types of cats tend to get stressed more than other breeds.
Things that can cause allergies in cats include:
? Fleas and other parasites
? Flea collars
? Molds
? Pollen
? Plants
? Grass
? Household chemicals
? Chemicals in pet shampoos
? Animal protein (eaten in food - beef, chicken turkey most commonly)
? Food preservatives (BHA and BHT)
? Hormone imbalances
Symptoms to look for:
? Persistent scratching
? Red, inflamed skin
? Loss of hair
? Infection
? Scaly or scabby skin
Treatment:
The best thing to do if you suspect your cat has an allergy is to take him/her to the vet or to a veterinary dermatologist who can perform a series of allergy tests. Once you isolate the allergen your cat can either undergo desensitization to the allergen or simply avoid that allergen (for example if your cat is allergic to plastic or chicken your cat can use ceramic bowl and eat lamb-based foods).
