My cat has an open sore on his nose. Should I worry about infection?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is possibly an infection. However, this is a somewhat common location for a tumor in cats as well. I still think that a focal infection or traumatic lesion is more likely. You can use a topical medication like Douxo 3% PS pads which you may find online. You can apply this to the affected area twice daily for 2 weeks. If this does not resolve or appears to be progressing, have Lovey evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a great day!

No, I would not use triple antibiotic ointment on Cyos's nose. Although quite safe on superficial wounds, cats groom and ingest most of the topical ointment you apply and therefore should be used only under direct veterinary supervision and if there are no other appropriate options. Many human ointments contain multiple other ingredients which are not necessarily safe to be swallowed. I would bring him into the vet, and the vet can prescribe him oral antibiotics for the infected scratch.

This is an abrasion on his nose. I can't give you the original cause but it can be from him scratching his nose on something. I wouldn't put anything on it because he will just lick it off. I would monitor him and make sure it doesn't get infected. If it starts to look infected I would bring him to a vet to have him looked at. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! While I agree with your veterinarian that this can be due to an infection. However, I think a fungal infection like cryptococcus seems more likely and that would only respond to anti-fungal therapy. Another possibility is cancer such as squamous cell carcinoma. I recommend you consider having him reevaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. May be a biopsy could be done at this time since it has not improved. Good luck and have a great day!

Poor Binx. Based on your description it sounds like he scraped his nose and the tiny piece of skin is hanging on there. An infection would have either swelling or yellowish/green moist discharge and often-times a foul odor associated with it. This does not sound like an infection. If it is just a piece of skin hanging, as I presume, then I would not bother it and let it fall off naturally. A scab should form in the next day or two, sealing the injury naturally, and then once the healing process is complete the loose skin will fall off on its own. You can also clarify that this is indeed hanging skin by sharing a photo during a private consultation request if you wish. If things look like they are not healing well or appear to be infected at any point then its best to take Binx to your local vet for proper wound management. But if this is just a superficial injury (no active bleeding), then things should heal up just fine. I hope this helps, and take care of that fur baby!

Ouch, poor Mowgli! I would gently clean that with warm water and antiseptic soap. Keep the are clean and dry, and if you see any signs of infection, then you will have to take him into the vet. I hope this helps.

A check up, appropriate disinfection and eventually antibiotics are ideally needed to solve the problem. Disinfection can eventually be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.