In this article on our site we will talk about abscesses in dogs As we will see, an abscess is a collection of pus under or on the skin. It can appear anywhere in the body and originates from an infection. The abscess is the body's reaction to it. Therefore, it will require veterinary assistance, since it needs, first of all, to diagnose and then, in many cases, treat with antibiotics. In the most complex, in addition, the abscesses must be drained, as we will explain.
Keep reading and discover with us how to cure abscesses in dogs, what is its management and treatment.
What is an abscess in dogs?
As we have said, 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 will produce an inflammation, observable as a lump under the skin. On other occasions, that swelling ends up causing a wound or opens, allowing the pus to come out. When this happens, it is common to think of a dog's skin infection, however, as we say, the infection does not have to be skin.
Therefore, the symptom of abscess in dogs the clearer will be the appearance of a lump, larger or smaller. In addition, 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 have mentioned, abscesses in dogs can appear anywhere on the body. In this section we will highlight some of the most common:
- Dental abscess in dogs: these abscesses are caused by infections produced in the teeth, especially upper canines and premolars are affected. They are very painful and it is normal for the dog to stop eating and have a fever. Sometimes pus can be seen. When the abscess is in the upper fourth premolar, it is easy for us to see an inflammation under the eye. If the abscess grows it ends up opening and the pus will come out and stain the entire side of the face.
- Perianal abscess in dogs: produces a painful inflammation, usually on one side of the anus, by affecting one of the anal glands. The skin reddens and eventually turns purple. If they open we will be facing a perianal fistula, which is a channel through which it will drain. It is observed as holes that end up increasing in size and eliminate a secretion with a very bad smell. They may be connected to the anal glands.
- Abscess on the dog's back, neck or head: Abscesses on the body are usually due to bites, stings or wounds with objects sharp. An abscess on the face can cause the dog to hold its head down or have difficulty opening its mouth. Care must be taken with these wounds, especially those caused by bites, as they may appear externally healed when, in fact, pus is accumulating inside. In addition, in the area between the neck and the withers, where vaccines or medications are usually administered, an abscess can occur in dogs by injection when a reaction occurs.
- Retrobulbar abscess in dogs: in the head, we highlight this abscess that occurs behind the eyeball and can cause protrusion Of the eye.
If we locate a lump on our dog we must go to the vet to determine what it is, since in the dog's body we can find lumps of different origins, from those of fat, which are not going to be serious, to malignant tumors such as fibrosarcoma, derived from fibrous connective tissue.
How to cure an abscess in dogs?
In an abscess caused by a foreign body, the veterinarian should examine the area to see if this object is still embedded in it, in order to remove it. In the smallest abscesses, it is usually enough for the veterinarian to prick them to open them and we disinfect them at home with products such as chlorhexidine a couple of times a day For larger ones are prescribed antibioticsIt is also possible, in the case of closed and hard abscesses in dogs, to apply heat several times a day so that they soften and can be opened and cleaned.
In abscesses that affect the teeth, the veterinarian will have to perform surgery to remove them and clean and drain the area. Sometimes it is possible to keep them. Antibiotics and disinfectants will also be needed for recovery.
The drainage of abscesses in dogs is an operation that can only be performed by a veterinarian. Sometimes, especially when it comes to an abscess from a bite, the vet will make a small incision where a drain will be attached, which is usually a tube through which fluids from the area come out while the injury heals.
Video of abscess in dogs
In the following video you can see how is the drainage of an abscess in dogs. In it we can also verify the complexity of the process and the need to go to the specialist, since, we repeat, only the veterinarian can carry out this task. If we are faced with an open abscess in dogs and decide to drain it and cure it at home, the consequences can be very serious, since the infection could worsen with the development of a secondary infection due to the presence of opportunistic bacteria, such as Staphylococcus pseudintermedius, present in a totally natural way in the nasal flora of the dog and that can take advantage of the moment to colonize in case the abscess appears in this area.
