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Why is my cat's leg swollen and painful after an abdominal abscess?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 lbs

My cat is suffering from an abscess in his abdomen. I have had hum at the vet 3 times, the last time he stayed overnight. Abscess has been drained and he is on antibiotics. Seems to be responding to them. Now the problem. He cries out when I touch his back leg which is on the same side as the abscess. I noticed just now that his back leg is swollen. He cannot jump up and doesn't put much weight on the leg. Would this be an effect of the abscess? I see no injury.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on July 22nd, 2018

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is indeed most likely due to the abscess. I would be suspicious that some of that pus and inflammation has migrated to the leg and is causing pain as well. At this point I think this may be require more investigation into the underlying cause of the abscess. I would be suspicious of foreign material that has migrated and is underneath the skin. If that is the case, surgery and possibly further diagnostics like a CT scan as well as long courses of antibiotics may be needed to treat this appropriately. A culture of this wound should be obtained if that has not been done to make sure that the correct antibiotic is used. I recommend that you have Spock reevaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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