Why is my cat's burst tail abscess still oozing foul liquid?

Poor Marley! If he only received an anti-inflammatory injection, he may need an antibiotic. However, if he did receive an antibiotic, it may be that he needs to have the area cleaned and flushed to get the debris out. Sometimes cats have to be sedated to have this done. It helps to remove the infection and allow the area to heal faster. I would recommend taking Marley in to your vet to have the area rechecked to make sure nothing else needs to be done. Also, if he doesn't have an e-collar, I would recommend one, as often cats can groom these infected areas and delay their healing. I hope he is back on track and feeling good soon!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I’m sorry to hear Miku needed his tail amputated. I do agree I would have him evaluated by his regular veterinarian as soon as possible. I would limit his ability to scratch at the area, and warm compress the site 2-4 times a day. If it has become infected, it may need antibiotics, a drain placed or something further done to help it heal. Good luck!

It looks like Izzy has an abscess. In that location it is usually due to a bite from another cat. It is actually good that it burst open. It may heal now if you keep it clean (1:10 dilution of Betadine solution to water) and apply Neosporin ointment to it. However, often times once it seals closed the infection will return. More often that not cats need antibiotics to get these to heal completely. So, my suggestion would be to get her to your vet for an exam and some antibiotics. If you want to try to keep it clean and treat it at home you can try that but if it appears to heal and then comes back she will need to see your vet. Hope this helps. Best wishes!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Judging from the picture, this could be a ruptured abscess or secondary to self trauma from him scratching at the area. I would recommend having him examined by a veterinarian so that the most appropriate treatment recommendations can be made. He will need the hair clipped from around the wound and the wound cleaned. I would also recommend an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory. 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.

This looks like is may be a bite wound abscess that ruptured. Ideally, it should be addressed by your veterinarian. Surgery may be indicated to clean and flush the wound. Antibiotics and pain medication may also be indicated. Place an e-collar (cone) on him to prevent licking until he sees the doctor. You may need to confine him indoors until he is healed.

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. That does appear to be a burst abscess. Without examining her it's impossible to know for sure, however it resembles and has acted like an abscess. Ideally she would be seen by a vet, they would flush it out with warm (not hot) salt water (1 teaspoon in 1 cup of water- your vet would use sterile saline) and then likely get antibiotics and pain meds. An E-collar also prevents Littlecloud from licking and introducing more bacteria into the wound. If you cannot go to a vet, I recommend flushing it/cleaning it with salt water. Do not use any topical creams, just leave it open to drain. Clean it twice a day with the salt water, and try to prevent Littlecloud from licking at it or chewing at it. The main pain has now gone since the abscess has burst (the pressure is relieved) . Do not give any human pain medications as these are often very toxic to cats. Best of luck with Littlecloud!

In this case a picture would be really helpful to understand the extension of the damage and offer you the best treatment options. Antibiotics are likely to be needed, but disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking/scratching (if any). Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!