My kitten's paw smells awful after a fish hook. Is it infected?

Poor kitty, that looks a bit painful in the pictures. My biggest concern here is the smell you are describing. This smell could be due to infection, but without seeing her in person, I can't say for certain. I do think the best thing to do is have her seen by a vet. If the nail is infected, then the vet can prescribe pain medication. Give her vet a call now to make her an appointment. I hope this helps.

It is hard to tell by the picture. I would recommend taking him to a vet to have it looked at since it smells. Odor can be a sign of infection and need antibiotics. It is also possible he has pillow feet This is were the paw pads tear and bleed.

Oh goodness, that looks like a deep infection. It could be bacterial or fungal, but I suspect more likely bacterial. He needs to see a veterinarian for an examination and treatment plan. However, in the meantime if he will allow you to soak his foot in warm water and Epsom salts that may be soothing and beneficial. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

This presentation may be compatible with a infection and the weird smell may come from the presence of pus. A picture would be extremely helpful to confirm it. A clinical examination at your local veterinarian is essential to confirm this clinical suspicion and treat appropriately. Antibiotics may be needed. 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!

Although a picture would help to determine more specifically the underlying cause of it, it seems like there is a severe infection, possibly fever is present as well. A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are absolutely needed to solve the problem. 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. 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.

Unfortunately there are no pictures attached so that we may look at the wound. However, if there is an odor as you describe, redness and tenderness, then this certainly warrants a trip to your vet to have this looked at. If there is an open wound that is deep enough, it may also requires staples or sutures. At the very least it sounds as though Cezare needs to be on antibiotics and proper wound management. Continue the Betadine cleanings 1-2 times a day until you can get Cezare seen by your vet for further care. I would also consider changing the litter to shredded newspaper or a litter called Yesterday’s News, to prevent further contamination of the wound. Best of luck with Cezare moving forward and I hope that his paw heals up well soon! Take care.

No, I do not think that bathing in saltwater is enough. This is a very painful abscess that really needs to bee seen by a veterinarian. Your kitty will need antibiotics and pain medicine. Sometimes this can be caused by an autoimmune disease. cancer or an injury.