My dog has blastomycosis. Are bursting abscesses normal? Can I bathe?

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Ziggy. Sounds like Ziggy needs to be evaluated by his veterinarian again and possibly a referral to a specialist such as a dermatologist or internal medicine specialist. Your vet may want to re evaluate him, do some more testing, change medicines, add medicines, etc. If your vet seems comfortable continuing to treat and you are comfortable then great but if you are doubtful about the situation, I would just mention that you are interested in going to a specialist or another veterinarian for a second consultation. Some cases cannot be handled appropriately by all of us in private practice and I would hope that most of us are quick to advise referrals to specialists when we cannot adequate resolve the problems that we see. I hope this helps. In the end, it's about quality of life and getting Ziggy well so that you and him can enjoy life together.

With a diagnosis of Blasto your dog should have been put on a systematic/iral antifungal drug. If your dog is currently on this medication then I would not worry about the additional lesion on the lip. If your dog is not on any medication at this time, I would recommend calling your vet and discussing starting an antifungal since it seems that the infection is spreading.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This lump you describe could potentially be something like an abscess for example. However, other things are possible. If there is really an abscess, this should not be treated at home. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an abscess was noted, further local therapy with drainage and antibiotics would be recommended. Good luck and best wishes!

It may be that the abscess is now developing underneath on the ventral area of the paw pads. This could be due to a foreign body reaction, commonly caused by a penetrating injury on the paw pad or in the interdigital space. Some pus could come out from the lump you are showing. 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 (if any).

Applying a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes a couple times a day can help the abscess continue to drain. cleaning the discharge from the skin with a mild soap or hibiclens (available at drug stores) is also recommended. An e-collar to prevent your dog from licking at the area and keeping your dog indoors except to use the bathroom is also recommended (to avoid flies). You will, however, need veterinary attention because the abscess may need to be flushed and your dog will need systemic antibiotic which requires a prescription.

Poor Brew! Since this lesion is waxing and waning in size, and not dramatically worsening or rupturing, an abscess seems less likely. Given the appearance of this lesion and Brew's young age, a benign skin mass like a histiocytoma seems most likely. However, the only surefire way to determine the cause of this lesion is to take him to the vet for an exam and needle aspirate of this lesion so that the cells can be examined microscopically. Hydrogen peroxide can actually delay healing, so I would avoid using this on the lesion. Instead, you can try a wound spray ( http://www.drsfostersmith.com/product/prod_display.cfm?pcatid=25902 ). However, I do think a vet visit is your best bet. I hope that all goes well!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like this wound that became a lump that is oozing fluid has become an abscess, or a pocket of infected fluid. Abscesses form when infection is trapped under the skin or within tissues such as fat or muscle. The bacteria will try to find a way out, so they can break through the skin and create a "draining tract" of pus. This should be addressed by your veterinarian, who will likely drain the abscess and open it up to allow continuous drainage. Antibiotics for at least 2 weeks will be needed, along with pain medications. Depending on the size of the wound/abscess, a bandage may be needed. I hope this is helpful! Thank you for seeking care for your Luna!