Picture this scenario: your beloved furry companion displays discomfort, with a painful inflammation lurking beneath the skin's surface. This condition is none other than cellulitis, a formidable foe that often arises from bacterial infections penetrating the skin through cuts, open wounds, or even bites from other animals.
Leading Culprits Behind the Veil: Staph and Strep
The perpetrators behind this inflammation are frequently Staphylococcus and Streptococcus bacteria, ubiquitous opportunists dwelling in the environment—be it soil, water, or air—as well as on humans and fellow animals. Their entry point is an open wound, an environment that spells perfect conditions for their proliferation. You may have heard these culprits referred to as "staph" or "strep."
Timely Action: The Key to Combatting Cellulitis
Promptly enlisting your veterinarian's aid is crucial if an infected wound is suspected. Ignoring cellulitis can lead to dire consequences; in severe instances, the affected tissues might succumb to necrosis (tissue death), even putting your cat's life on the line.
Unveiling Symptoms: A Glimpse into Cellulitis
Cellulitis can manifest in any area where your cherished cat bears a break in the skin, ushering bacteria into the breach. Typically, cellulitis is a secondary concern, with the initial problem being the skin wound that paved the way for bacterial infiltration. The symptoms unfold in the affected region, where your cat might exhibit:
- Sensitivity and pain
- Skin warmth and redness
- The emergence of an abscess
- Accumulated pus or green discharge
- Swelling
- Excessive licking of the area
As the infection takes hold, your cat might experience a fever, loss of appetite, lethargy, or even signs of depression. An unwelcome odor might waft from an abscess or discharge, often acting as the first indicator that something's amiss if you're unaware of your cat's injury.
Charting a Course of Treatment
Your veterinarian will embark on a journey of investigation, delving into your cat's history and performing a thorough examination for abscesses or wounds. This could lead to blood tests and cultures to pinpoint the bacterial strain and gauge your cat's overall health.
Should an abscess be identified and it hasn't ruptured yet, a procedure under anesthesia or sedation may be required to open, drain, and cleanse it. A sterile conduit—like tubing or cloth—is often introduced to facilitate continuous drainage. Stitches might secure this drain, covered by a protective bandage.
Fluid from the abscess could undergo lab analysis to unmask the culprit behind the infection, ensuring precise antibiotic prescription. Culture results could take a few days to arrive, possibly necessitating a change in antibiotics. Your cat's other injury-related issues might also warrant attention.
With antibiotics to quell the infection and perhaps anti-inflammatories and pain relief, your veterinarian will equip you for the journey ahead. Tailoring antibiotic therapy based on culture findings and sometimes employing multiple antibiotics remains an option. Topical antibiotic ointments might come into play, along with aftercare instructions that recommend warm compresses to promote drainage. And if your cat persists in interfering with the treated area, an e-collar can come to the rescue.
Staying the Course: A Path to Recovery
Adhering to the prescribed medication regimen is vital. Occasionally, the drain might fall short, causing the abscess to resurface. In such cases, promptly reconnect with your veterinarian.
Concerns of Contagion? Stay Hygienic
Prioritize hand hygiene before and after attending to your cat, even considering gloves if feasible. Should your immune system be compromised, inform your veterinarian and maintain stringent hygiene standards when handling your cat's wound.
Charting the Path Forward: Embracing a Positive Outcome
When faced with cellulitis, your veterinarian is your compass, guiding you toward informed decisions and effective treatment. With timely and meticulous care, minor cases often lead to uneventful recoveries, allowing your cat to regain its vitality and spirit.
Don't have a vet in your area yet? We can help you find a local veterinarian.
If you have more questions, the GeniusVets Telehealth platform will give you unlimited access to text and/or video calls with board-certified veterinarians! To learn more click here.