Accepted Answer

Hi again Jo,

From what you are describing it sounds as though Rusty has an infected cat bite wound that is now abscessed.

Let me explain...


When a cat bite wound occurs, what happens is that there are 2 puncture holes - one caused by the upper and one by the lower canine tooth. The cat's teeth have a lot of bacteria on them, and these bacteria get placed deep below the skin when the bite occurs. The hole is small and quickly scabs over, leaving the bacteria below there.


The most common type of bacteria in the cat mouth is Pasteurella multocida - and it LOVES to grow in a warm, moist environment that has no oxygen present. And that is exactly what you have with a bite wound!


So, the bacteria multiply, and the body sends in white blood cells to fight the infection, and soon you have a big pocket of pus and bacteria: an abscess! The abscess grows bigger until it ruptures and the pus pours out. This relieves the pressure and allows the hole to close over which then allows the process to start again.


Bite wounds, ideally, should be treated with antibiotics within 24 hours of the bite. This prevents the bacteria from multiplying and forming an abscess in the first place.


Here is more information:
http://www.petplace.com/cats/abscess-in-cats/page1.aspx
http://www.veterinarypartner.com/Content.plx?P=A&S=0&C=0&A=361
http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=1&cat=2023&articleid=2968


So, if any bite wound can be treated before it becomes an abscess it is so much less complicated (and expensive)! Getting the cat onto antibiotics right away should stop an abscess from forming. Once there is an abscess, he might need an anesthetic in order to lance and drain the infection, which makes it much more invasive and expensive.


I understand you have financial limitations. At home, the most helpful thing would be for you to apply a warm compress to the area. If you have antibacterial soap in the house (Hibitane or chlorhexidene soap would be ideal, hand soap will do if you have nothing else) you can add about 1 tablespoon to a cup of warm water. Put a washcloth in, then wring it out. Hold the warm, damp wash cloth to the swollen area for 10 minutes, rewarming it every 2 minutes or so. Wipe the area with a plain wet washcloth and pat dry. The goal is to keep those puncture holes OPEN as Pasteurella bacteria don't like oxygen. If you let the holes scab over, then the bacteria will grow.

Please do the warm compresses 3 times daily for 10 minutes at a time. Continue for 3 days, then do it twice daily for 3 days. You are wanting to open up any scabs so pus that has built up under the skin can drain out.   


I would not recommend the Icthammol Dressing as it contains Ammonium Ichthosulfate and there is no data on safety of this drug in cats. Rusty is bound to try to lick at this ointment and will end up ingesting it. This could make him sick.

Instead, you could if you wish apply plain Neosporin to the bite, but it likely will not be effective as it is the bacteria that are deep under the skin that cause the infection. So, applying a bit of ointment on the top of the skin is not likely to be helpful in any way. You are more likely to help with the hot compresses, but I do think Rusty will get much better much faster with a short course of antibiotics!

I can give you some suggestions for where to turn for financial aid. I'd start with the local animal shelters to see if they know of any low cost or subsidized vet care in your area.
Nationally here are some groups that might help you afford the vet bills:

American Animal Hospital Association
http://www.aahahelpingpets.org/
" Through the AAHA Helping Pets Fund, veterinary care is possible for sick or injured pets even if they have been abandoned or if their owner is experiencing financial hardship."

Angels 4 Animals
www.Angels4Animals.org
"Our services range from financial aid to complete treatment
to those pets and pet owners in need."

Care Credit
www.carecredit.com
A credit card company for health care, including veterinary care.
"With a comprehensive range of plan options, for
treatment or procedure fees from $1 to over $25,000, we offer a plan
and a low monthly payment to fit comfortably into almost every
budget."

God's Creatures Ministry
http://www.all-creatures.org/gcm/help-cf.html
"This fund helps pay for veterinarian bills for those who need help."

Help-A-Pet
http://www.help-a-pet.org/home.html
"Our efforts focus on serving the elderly, the disabled, and the
working poor."

IMOM
http://www.imom.org
"We are dedicated to insure that no
companion animal has to be euthanized simply because their caretaker
is financially challenged."

The Pet Fund
http://thepetfund.com/
"The Pet Fund is a registered 501(c)3 nonprofit association that
provides financial assistance to owners of domestic animals who need
urgent veterinary care."

United Animal Nations
http://www.uan.org/lifeline/index.html
"The m ission of LifeLine is to help homeless or recently rescued
animals suffering from life-threatening conditions that require
specific and immediate emergency veterinary care. We strive to serve
Good Samaritans and rescue groups who take in sick or injured
animals. In certain cases, LifeLine can also assist senior citizens
and low-income families pay for immediate emergency veterinary care."

They also keep a list of local and national help resources here
http://www.uan.org/index.cfm?navid=163

Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance (FVEAP)
http://www.fveap.org/sys-tmpl/door/
"Seniors, People with disabilities, People who
have lost their job, Good Samaritans who rescue a cat or kitten - any of these folks may need financial assistance to save a beloved companion."

The Feline Veterinary Emergency Assistance Program is a nonprofit 501
(c)(3) organization that provides financial assistance to cat and
kitten guardians who are unable to afford veterinary services to save
their companions when life-threatening illness or injury strikes.

Of these, the most reliable one in terms of providing assistance is www.carecredit.com. I have heard very good reports about them!



I hope that this helps you to help Rusty! If this has been helpful, please accept my answer.

If you need more information, I will be back in about 30 minutes to provide it.

The above is given for information only. Although I am a licensed veterinarian, I cannot legally prescribe medicines or diagnose your pet's condition without performing a physical exam. If you have concerns about your pet I would strongly advise contacting your regular veterinarian.

Best wishes!
Fiona

Expert:	Dr.Fiona
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	1/7/2009

Cat Veterinarian

15 years experience as a companion animal veterinarian in British Columbia, California and Ontario