Fight Wound Infections

Why do cats get so many fight wound infections?

Cats are fairly territorial animals, and disputes between neighbouring cats are common. It is usually during these disputes that injuries are sustained - play fighting between cats in the same household is usually not serious enough. Although entire tom cats are the worst culprits for fighting, any cat, male or female, neutered or not, can be territorial. Fight wound infections are usually the results of bite wounds. The mouth of a cat contains quite a few bacteria, some of which are good at producing infections. The canine teeth in push these bacteria under the skin when the cat bites. The bites can also push hair and bacteria on the skin surface through the skin. As it is a small, deep puncture wound, the bacteria are soon sealed under the skin and start to grow.

What are the commonest locations for fight wound infections?

There are three main areas where these wounds occurs, which relate to the possible responses of the cat to a fight: around the head and face. This means the cat was standing its ground, probably giving as good as it got.

How will the infections show themselves?

Most fight wounds will form an abscess. This is a fluid filled swelling, usually with a small scab somewhere. They are very painful if touched and may cause a high temperature, making the cat quiet and off its food. Wounds on the legs will make the cat limp.

As an abscess enlarges, it may lose hair over it and it may burst, discharging a rather smelly liquid which is somewhat creamy with a yellow, green or brown tinge.

Fight wound infections on the legs less often form an abscess, but may cause swelling in the muscle with a more diffuse (spread out) infection.

How should fight wound infections be treated?

The best thing for these infections is that they either burst or are opened by lancing to release the pus. After this, the wound should be bathed regularly (at least daily) with warm salt water (use 1 teaspoon salt to 1 pint water) to keep it open so that any further pus comes out and the wound heals from inside out, rather than sealing the infection inside again.

In 90% of cases, fight wound infections will probably heal without antibiotic treatment. However, the remaining 10% will keep coming back for some time if antibiotics are not used, and in some cases a scepticaemia (infection of the blood) can occur, which can be serious. In view of this, any significant fight wound infection should see a vet for antibiotics, especially if the cat appears unwell.

Disclaimer

This pet health article is for reference only.

If your pet is showing any symptoms or distress, and you suspect your pet is ill CONTACT YOUR VET IMMEDIATELY.