Content
- Dog abscess: what is it
- Types of abscesses in dogs
- How to Treat Abscesses in Dogs
- Abscess drainage in dogs
In this article by Animal Expert, we will talk about dog abscesses. As we'll see, an abscess is a accumulation of pus under or on the skin. It can appear anywhere in the body and originates from an infection, being the body's reaction to this infection. Therefore, an abscess requires veterinary assistance as it needs first a diagnosis and then, in many cases, treatment with antibiotics. In more complex cases, moreover, the abscesses must be drained, as we will explain.
Keep reading and discover with us everything about abscess in dogs: causes and treatment.
Dog abscess: what is it
An abscess is the accumulation of pus caused by an infection in any part of the body. It is a reaction of the body to this infectious process that produces an inflammation, observable as a lump under the skin. At other times, the swelling ends up causing a sore or opening up, allowing the pus to escape. When this happens, it is usual to think of an infection on the dog's skin, however, as we said, the infection does not have to be cutaneous.
Therefore, the abscess symptom in dogs clearer is the appearance of a nodule, of larger or smaller size. However, depending on the location and cause of the abscess, we may find ourselves with different symptoms, as we will see below.
Types of abscesses in dogs
As we've already discussed, abscesses in dogs can appear anywhere on the body. In this section we will highlight some of the more common ones:
- Tooth abscess in dogs: these abscesses originate from infections produced in the teeth, especially the upper canines and premolars are affected. They are very painful and it is normal for the dog to stop eating and have a fever. In some cases, it is possible to see pus. When the abscess is in the upper fourth premolar, inflammation can be seen under the eye. If the abscess grows, it eventually opens up and pus will come out and stain the side of the pet's face.
- Perianal abscess in dogs: produces painful inflammation, usually on one side of the anus, as it affects one of the anal glands. The skin turns red and eventually a bruise forms. If they break, we will be facing a perianal fistula, which is the channel through which the pus can drain. There is a kind of orifice that ends up increasing in size and releasing a secretion with a very bad smell. They may be connected with the anal glands.
- Abscess on the dog's loin, neck or head: In the body, abscesses are usually due to bites, stings, or wounds with sharp objects. An abscess on the face can cause the dog to tilt its head or have difficulty opening its mouth. Care must be taken with these sores, especially those caused by bites, as they can appear externally healed when in reality they are building up pus inside. In addition, in the area between the neck and the withers, where vaccines or medications are usually administered, a abscess in dogs by injection when a reaction takes place.
- Retrobulbar abscess in dogs: on the head, we highlight this abscess that occurs behind the eyeball and can cause the eye to protrude.
If you notice the presence of a nodule in your dog we should consult a vet for him to determine what it is, because in the dog's body we can find nodules of different origins, from fat, which are not very serious, to malignant tumors such as fibrosarcoma, derived from fibrous connective tissue.
How to Treat Abscesses in Dogs
In an abscess caused by a foreign body, the veterinarian must examine the area to determine if the object is still in the dog's body, in order to extract it. In the case of smaller abscesses, it is usually sufficient for the veterinarian to make a small incision to open them so that the tutor can then disinfect the lesion with products such as chlorhexidine twice a day. For larger nodules, it is prescribed antibiotic for abscess in dogs. It is also possible, if it is a case of closed and hard abscesses in puppies, to apply heat in the area where they are several times a day to soften them and help to open and clean them.
For abscesses that affect the teeth, the veterinarian will need to do a surgery to extract them and clean and drain the area, and in some cases it is possible to keep them. You will also need antibiotics and disinfectants for recovery.
THE drainage of abscesses in dogs it is an intervention that can only be performed at the veterinarian. In some cases, especially when it comes to a bite abscess, the veterinarian will make a small cut to make the drainage, which is usually a tube through which fluid from the area exits to the outside while the lesion heals.
Abscess drainage in dogs
THE abscess drainage in dogs is a very complicated process and requires the consultation with a veterinarian because, as we have already mentioned, only he can perform this surgery. If we are facing an open abscess in dogs and we decide to drain and cure it at home, the consequences can be very serious, as the infection could worsen with the development of a secondary infection due to the presence of opportunistic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus pseudointermedius, present in a totally natural way in the dog's nasal flora and which can take advantage of the moment to colonize if the abscess is found in this area.
This article is for information purposes only, at PeritoAnimal.com.br we are not able to prescribe veterinary treatments or perform any type of diagnosis. We suggest that you take your pet to the veterinarian in case it has any type of condition or discomfort.