Tama was presented to our clinic with a large scab over his right shoulder. His owners had also noticed that Tama was very quiet and not his usual self. Dr Threpheena gave Tama a full examination and clipped his fur around the scab. It was discovered Tama had a cat fight wound abscess.

When a cat bites another cat in a fight its teeth go through the skin and then release. This leaves small puncture wounds in the skin which rapidly seal over within hours trapping bacteria from the cat's mouth under the skin of the victim. The bacteria multiply under the skin. For several days there may be little or no sign of infection. Later, swelling and pain at the puncture sight are noticed. The cat may also run a fever. If the area of the bite is covered by loose skin a pocket of pus will develop forming an abscess.

FIV (feline immunodeficiency virus) is spread from cat to cat primarily through cat bite wounds as the virus is shed through saliva. Outdoor cats are at high risk for contracting this disease. The good news is there is a vaccine available that aids in the prevention of FIV.

Tama was put onto intravenous fluids before having surgery to heal the cat bite abscess. If an abscess is present the veterinarian will need to drain it. This can sometimes be done by removing the crusts over the original bite wounds or if these have healed, by lancing the skin over the abscess. Dr Threpheena also put in a drain to help drain the wound and eliminate dead space. Anaesthesia is usually recommended for this. Antibiotic injections as well as antibiotic tablets were also given to Tama to help fight the infection and help the wound heal quicker.

Tama recovered well in hospital and was able to go home later that night. He was ordered on strict rest until his sutures and drain were able to be removed. These days he is enjoying his quiet life indoors away from the nasty bullies.

Learn more about cat fights and infections.