My cat's paw is swollen and limping after neutering. Is it infected?

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. Based on the pictures you have provided, the problem could be associated with an allergy, infection or a immune-mediated disease. I would recommend trying a product called malacetic conditioning spray and apply to the area until resolved. You may have to see your veterinarian to discuss alternative treatment options such as steroid therapy or immunomodulatory therapy to treat and immune-mediated disease. Feline plasma cell pododermatitis can appear like this and treatment is suppressing the immune system and antibiotic therapy. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further

Thank you for submitting your question regarding the Mumble. Is it possible that he has an infection from his IV catheter site? That would be my first consideration given the swelling is on a front paw and his front limbs are shaved for catheter sites. It is good that he is receiving antibiotics. Hopefully he improves soon. Good luck!

Almost 100% of the time this is from the bite of another cat. Since this has been going on for weeks you need to get him to he vet. It’s swollen from infection and he will need (at the very least() antibiotics to clear this up. As a side note, if he’s not neutered and goes outdoors he is much more likely to fight (and make babies). You should really consider neutering him. They also get serious viruses like FeLV and FIV from bites of infected cats. ( https://www.petco.com/content/petco/PetcoStore/en_US/pet-services/resource-center/caresheets/cat-spay-neuter.html )

I am so very sorry to hear about your kitty! It does appear, unfortunately, that your kitty could have an infection going on in the foot here, as the area looks swollen with purulent discharge coming from the area. Unfortunately when we have an area like this, a topical treatment is usually not going to suffice and oral or injectable antibiotics is often needed. We can see infections as a result of overgrown or ingrown toenails, wounds, foreign bodies (like a piece of splinter or grass seed) entering the skin, and sometimes we can also get fungal infections. Without seeing your kitty in person it is very hard to determine. I know you say you cannot afford a vet, but I think you will have to figure out a way to get your kitty in to see the vet. They can look more closely at the toe and the nail to try to determine the cause. They may be able to do this just by looking and feeling the area, they may want to test the discharge to check for bacteria or fungus They may need to flush the wound to be sure there isn't any object lodged there. I would recommend calling the vet's office and letting them know your situation. They may have a program called Care Credit that you can apply for to help pay your vet bills with monthly payments, or they may have another program set up similar to this. If they do not, they may be able to refer you to a low cost clinic in your area. Some Humane Society's or animal shelters have lower cost services for those in need. It is best to let your vet know up front of your financial situation so that they can choose the most stream-lined and cost effective options for you from the start.

Since he goes outside, he could also have an abscess/infection in his paw or he may have an injury. He should definitely be examined by a vet to determine the exact cause. He may need an antibiotic or an anti-inflammatory to treat. Your vet can also take an x-ray, if needed, to help diagnose. There isn't much you can do at home until we know the exact cause of the swelling. Hope he feels better soon.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This looks like a puncture wound and it looks infected. I would recommend having Theo examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. He likely needs an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. I hope this helps and hope that Theo gets better soon! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Hi, I'm Dr. Johnson. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor B. I recommend getting the foot looked at. Yes, the circulation was compromised but the nerves could also have been damaged. My hope is that with time the nerves and vessels will return to normal. If B is holding up the foot it is likely painful. The vet can prescribe pain medications to help him feel better. Good luck!