My cat has a wound. Does she need a vet or can I treat it at home?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on February 10th, 2018

  Hello. This looks like a bite wound abscess, most likely from an altercation with another cat. You have done a very good job treating the wound, but they almost always need antibiotics to heal the quickest. I would try & see the vet at your earliest convenience to start Bo Diddle on an appropriate medication. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

  

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• Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on October 22nd, 2017

  Poor Boobie! I think you are quite right that it has been caused by a bite from the other cat. This wound looks typical of a cat bite abscess that has burst out. She will actually feel much better now it has burst as the pressure will have reduced. You can try cleaning it with chlorhexidine in water or iodine if you have them. If not salty water would do the job. You may find she really resents you touching it, if so just leave it until you go to the vet tomorrow as she will be better when she gets some pain relief.
  The collar is a great idea. Tomorrow at the vet they will clean and clip the wound, then likely give her an antibiotic injection and antinflammatory medication. You will also need to clean the wound regularly to stop it closing over before all the infection is resolved.

  

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• Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 11th, 2017

  I am so incredibly sorry this has happened to your cat Gulabo. I would start by placing an e-collar on her straight away so she can't bite or lick the wound. This will cause further tissue trauma and may introduce infection. It appears to be Cat bite woulnd, unfortunately these types of wounds are very likely to form an abcess. Which is an accumulation of Bacteria and dead and dying white blood cells. This forms puss and accumulates when wounds close over infection, under the skin, until it bursts.
  
  Due this high likelihood for an abcess, as well as the fact that the would is currently open and bleeding, I would advise taking Gulabo to the veterinarian as soon as you can. The vet will clean the wound by flushing it with saline. The vet may need to place a surgical drain in order to prevent pus building up and an abcess forming. The vet can also prescribe medications such a as antibiotics, pain relief, and anti-inflammatories to make Gulabo comfortable and help the healing process.
  
  If this is not possible at the moment here are some tactics to attempt at home;
  E-collar to keep wound clean
  Clean the area with warm water
  Place a small tshirt on Gulabo if you do not have an ecolllar
  Watch for signs that the infection is progressing such as vomiting, diarrhea, lethargy, inappetance, creamy discharge or foul odor.
  
  I hope this information was helpful and that Gulabo heals well.

  

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