Abscess mystery :( ???

miraramsay2012

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I have an indoor/outdoor cat, and he was in a bad fight two weeks ago. Initially I saw two distinct bite marks, and four abscesses developed (one where each tooth went in) - two on his chin, two on his ear. I started Clavamox early on, and all four drained and healed within a few days. 

But then...

Today I noticed blood/pus on his chin again - another abscess that has broken. The mystery is - there was no swelling, and no tenderness (he has been letting me scratch his chin/ears/cheek and I even did a thorough feeling-around after the initial four, to make sure there weren't anymore. 

He has an appointment tomorrow at the vet, but for now I am so "freaked out" - 

Why would he be getting new abscesses like this, so long after the cat fight?

He shows no tenderness, no fever, and eats normally, plays, etc. I thought abscesses were super painful?

Any thoughts? I'm confused on this one...
 

Kieka

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It could be that one of the wounds went super deep and the infection took a while to build up enough to show OR one of the previous sites didn't clear 100% so it came back OR the infection spread under the skin. Lots of possibilites or reasons that don't necessarily mean you missed a wound site or even could have prevented it.

As to them being super painful, painful all depends on who gets injuries and where they are. I have skin problems and am basically always itchy. If I think about it I notice it, if I don't then it just becomes background noise. Handy thing at times as I rarely itch or notice mosquito bites. With the previous injuries in the same area he might not have noticed the difference between the healing ones and this newer one growing or he may have just accepted the pain and made it background noise. Or he could just be hiding the pain well. Don't kick yourself for missing signs of pain.

Hopefully all goes well at the vet. Since it could be a deep abcess I am guessing that surgery and a drain will be required. I was able to get a cloth drain in Links abcess instead of the tubing. It meant he didn't need a cone and could clean himself, you might want to ask if its an option near you.
 
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miraramsay2012

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Thanks for the quick reply - I am wondering, how will the vet check to see if it is a deep abscess and if it needs a drain? Is this done with Xray/imaging or just observation?
 

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To add to what @Kieka already mentioned...I'm also thinking that it could have been a scratch or quick puncture mark, that ended up closing up very fast, not allowing the abscess to drain.

Perhaps your cat could have also itched the abscess with his own claws, and transferred some bacteria to the chin.

Or it's not even related to the first incident, and caused by chin acne, if you are using plastic bowls, versus stainless steel metal bowls.

And since you'll be at the Vet, they'll check his mouth and teeth, too, for any dental issues.

Abscesses can take a very long time to heal, especially when they scab over so fast, and not allow the pus to drain.

Pain also depends on the location of the abscess, and if the abscess is deep, or near a muscle, that causes it to be more painful.

Plus, cats hide pain so well.

Since you mentioned that the abscess had broken, and is bleeding, the Vet will only need to see it, flush it, and prescribe some meds, or cream.

I don't think any x-rays would be needed, or would even show up for small abscesses.

Update us, tomorrow, when you can.

Health vibes sent to your boy.
 
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miraramsay2012

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I'm hoping the vet will shave his chin/neck area on that side, so that I can keep an eye on it and notice any new swelling. I'm glad you mentioned checking for dental issues, because the initial bite was quite close to his lips, I hope there are no injuries on the inside of his gums. 
 

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I'm hoping the vet will shave his chin/neck area on that side, so that I can keep an eye on it and notice any new swelling. I'm glad you mentioned checking for dental issues, because the initial bite was quite close to his lips, I hope there are no injuries on the inside of his gums. 
I think they will shave his chin and neck, just to take a closer look, and because it's easier to clean that way, plus it keeps the fur away to heal better.

If your cat can tolerate it, and it does not hurt too much, you can try soaking a face towel, or paper towel, in clean warm water, and applying it like a soft, wet, warm compress.

The warmth will open up the area again, and draw out more pus. It does depend upon the size of the abscess, though.

But if you think that he will mind this, then better wait until friday, and let the Vet flush it, and give you further take-home instructions.

He'll feel much better after the Vet visit.
 
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miraramsay2012

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The vet shaved the area, rinsed with antiseptic and gave him a Convenia shot (which he has had twice before in his life, so we know he reacts well to it). He thinks that the Clavamox was either not strong enough, or was a rare case where it was not effective against this type of bacteria. Even though the first set of abscesses went away topically, the bacteria was still lurking and resurfaced as this latest one. 

Ramsay is now enjoying some chicken and his new haircut (he was actually very happy to have the area shaved and cleaned, I think). 
 

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Great update.

So it turned out similar to what @Kieka mentioned...that it didn't clear up 100% initially.

It's always good to know what the Vet says, thanks for posting this.

Glad to hear Ramsay is enjoying his new haircut and chicken.
 

May he feel better and better each day.
 
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