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Category Article Pets Animals Abscesses and cellulitis
Category Article Pets Animals Abscesses and cellulitis 
| Abscesses and cellulitis |
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Definition
An abscess is a localized collection of purulent material in the dermis or subcutaneus tissues but the face, legs and tail are commonly affected. Cellulitis swollen, painful, warm and many open and ooze pus. Etiology Oral or epidermal flora are introduced by inoculation during penetration of the skin by teeth or claws. In dog bites, typical pathogen are staphylococcus aureus and escherichia where as in the cat bites these are pasteurella multocida, β-hemolytic streptococci and bacteroides spp. Cellulitis may develop secondary to demodicosis in dogs. Clinical sign Subcutaneus abscesses and cellulitis are commont in cats, especially intact males. Symptoms of fever, lameness, depression or pain may be noted. Diagnosis Abscesses: Diagnosis is based on history, physical examination, cytology of exudates and bacterial cultures. Cellulitis: Diagnosis is by physical examination, cytologic exam of exudates and cultures to help determine the best therapy. Treatment of Abscesses and Cellulitis Both conditions are so similar that treatment is consistent for each. Proper drainage is needed to help remove pus from the tissues. Abscesses will be lanced and flushed under anesthesia or sedation, with exudates being cleaned away using antiseptic solutions. Drains are sometimes placed in larger abscesses. Antibiotic injections and oral antibiotic therapy will be prescribed and should be quickly effective. In cases of cellulitis it is often difficult to isolate pockets of pus for drainage but any open sores should be cleaned and flushed by the veterinarian. Topical ointments can be used to treat open wounds or drainage sites, and some veterinarians prefer that owners hot-pack the areas involved to improve circulation. Any abscess or open draining tract should be carefully explored for foreign objects. Tags: Article Pets Animals Abscesses and cellulitis |
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