Accepted Answer

Thanks for the question XXXXXXXXXXX.

In direct answer to your question: While I cannot diagnose this over the internet I can tell you that cat bite abscesses are a very common cause of lameness in the cat. If you can see bite marks on a cat's leg and the cat is lame then this will almost certainly be the cause. Small animal vets see this in their consulting room all the time.

Cats or not the most sociable of creatures and they are prone to fighting, their canine teeth are long and sharp and covered with pyogenic [pus forming] bacteria. In fact when one cat bites another cat and really sinks its teeth in you can expect an abscess to form as a matter of course.

The usual treatment for a cat bite abscess would be a weeks course of antibiotics although some may need lancing and flushing out under anaesthesia as well, this does mean a visit to your vet but it is a situation which is usually very easily resolved.

If I have not covered your question fully enough or you would like to ask more I will be online for the next hour or so and I will be at your disposal.

Scott Nimmo BVMS MRCVS

Expert:	Scott Nimmo BVMS, MRCVS.
Pos. Feedback:	100.0 %
Accepts:
Answered:	5/28/2009

Cat Veterinarian

I have 28 years experience in all aspects of feline medicine and surgery.