My cat has a red, infected wound. Does he need to see a vet?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Judging from the photo, it looks like a wound or a mass that has opened up and is potentially infected. I would recommend having him seen by a vet for further testing so that the most appropriate treatment can be recommended. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns. I am also available via consultation if needed.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry to hear Ringo has a wound on his neck. Based on your picture, it does look like he might have a skin infection of some kind, even possibly from a ruptured abscess. Does he go outside? I would recommend having him evaluated by his regular veterinarian to have area clipped, cleaned, and assessed to determine what may be going on, and what treatment (antibiotics, anti-inflammatories, or possible surgical repair) may be needed to resolve it. If he goes outside and the wound may have come from an unknown animal, I would also recommend his rabies vaccine be boostered as well. Good luck!

There is a photo attached this time, thank you! Yes, the wound looks serious enough to warrant a vet visit. That looks like it could use stitches to close, and Kiyo will need antibiotics to prevent infection. I would take him into the vet first thing in the morning. Best of luck, I hope this helps!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like a deep, inflamed wound. Antibiotic ointment may not by enough to treat it and Collic possibly will need a course of antibiotic in form of tablets to get back to normal. I would recommend Collic to be checked over by your local vets to fully assess the wound and to recommend the best treatment option.

Ouch, poor Eddie! Unfortunately, it's impossible to fully assess this wound's severity from a picture alone. The wound itself looks fairly large and appears to be covered in a hair-crusted scab. The challenge likes in how deep the wound goes under the scab, and if it penetrates into the tooth roots, jaw, or salivary glands. To answer your question, yes, Eddie does need veterinary attention. Since he's afraid of people, it's likely that he will need to be sedated in order for your veterinarian to examine this wound. Your vet will need to determine the depth of the wound, and at a minimum, will need to clip the hair around the wound and clean it with an antiseptic cleanser. I fully expect that they'll prescribe an antibiotic or give a long-acting antibiotic injection, as it's likely that this wound is also infected. Try to get to the vet as soon as you can - preferably within the next day. Until your vet appointment, be sure to put an e-collar (cone) on Eddie to prevent him from scratching at this area, as that will make matters worse. Best of luck and I hope that he heals quickly!

I am very sorry that Kitty has his sore near her lip. Thank you for proving pictures, it is difficult to know precisely what caused this lesion it may have been a cat scratch, a traumatic puncture from for example a fence, or possible a primary skin like feline acne, or allergic disease. At this stage it appears to be slightly crusted and inflamed and I would suggest a trip to the veterinarian. The vet will most likely clean the wound and debris any necrotic material. The vet may also send home pain relief, anti inflammatory medications and / or antibiotics. The vet will also be able examine the area and reach a diagnosis. Best of luck to you both and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Oh no, poor Thor! He could have been injured or could have been bitten by another animal. Given that the area is now swollen and red, it sounds like it infected and Thor has to see a vet as soon as possible. He will need the area cleaned and oral antibiotics for the infection. Please take him into a vet asap.