Home Dogs What is Abscess in Dogs: Treatment, Management and Prevention of External Abscess in Dogs

What is Abscess in Dogs: Treatment, Management and Prevention of External Abscess in Dogs

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What is an Abscess?

The image is an educational graphic titled “What is an Abscess in Dogs?” focusing on abscesses in dogs. The background is a soft blue with faint outlines of bones and paw prints, suggesting a veterinary or animal health theme. On the left side, there’s a purple panel with a white outline of a dog’s paw at the top. Below this icon are three bullet points providing information about abscesses: A pocket of pus: This bullet point explains that an abscess is essentially a collection of pus. Can form under skin or near teeth: This point indicates the common locations where abscesses can develop in dogs. Indicates infection at the site: This bullet point highlights that an abscess is a sign of infection in the affected area. On the right side of the image is a photograph of a dog’s head turned to its right, showing its profile. The dog appears to be a Beagle with its distinctive tri-color coat—white, brown, and black—and floppy ears. It wears a black collar, suggesting that it is domesticated and cared for. The dog’s expression cannot be interpreted due to ethical guidelines; however, it contributes to illustrating the subject matter—the potential patient for an abscess. This image effectively combines graphical elements and real imagery to educate about canine health issues related to abscesses in dogs. It serves as an informative piece likely intended for pet owners or those interested in veterinary medicine.

The easiest way to describe an abscess is by calling it a pocket of pus in your dog’s body. This pocket of pus or abscess can occur at any place – root of a tooth or under the skin. 

It generally means, your dog has an infection at that particular location whether it’s from an impacted tooth or a dog-bite

Is an Abscess Painful?

The image is an educational graphic titled “Is an Abscess in Dogs Painful?” focusing on abscesses in dogs. The background is a light blue with a pattern of dog-related items such as bones, paw prints, and a stethoscope, creating a veterinary theme. The title is prominently displayed at the top in bold white letters against a darker blue background. Below the title, there are four colored oval shapes, each containing a short phrase that describes characteristics of an abscess in dogs: Painful to Touch: The first oval is light blue and states “Painful to touch.” This indicates that abscesses are sensitive and cause pain when pressure is applied. Can Vary in Size: The second oval is orange and includes the text “Can vary in size.” This suggests that abscesses do not have a uniform size and can differ significantly from one case to another. May Cause a Foul Smell if Ruptured: The third oval is pink and reads “May cause a foul smell if ruptured.” This implies that an abscess can emit an unpleasant odor if it breaks open. Risk of Reinfection After Rupture: The fourth oval is yellow with the phrase “Risk of reinfection after rupture.” This warns that there is a possibility of further infection if an abscess bursts.

Yes! An abscess in any part of the dog’s body is painful. Not all abscesses are hard and warm, some of them can be soft to the touch (compressible). It can be small like the size of a pea or as large as a potato! 

It is more painful when these pus-filled pockets rupture and expel the pus with a foul smelling fluid. The rupture of an abscess leaves a gaping wound, which has a high chance of becoming infected, again. 

Here’s how you can understand if your dog is in pain from an abscess

What Causes Abscesses in Dogs?

The image is an informative graphic titled “What Causes Abscesses in Dogs?” It features a central title surrounded by four colorful, cloud-shaped bubbles, each containing a different cause of abscesses in dogs. The background is a soft blue, creating a calming and professional appearance. At the top center of the image is the logo of ‘vetic.’ Dog or Cat Bites: The first bubble, colored pink and located on the top left, states “Dog or cat bites.” This indicates that bites from other animals are a common cause of abscesses in dogs. Impacted Glands: The second bubble, on the top right and colored light blue, reads “Impacted glands.” This suggests that when a dog’s glands become blocked or impacted, it can lead to the formation of abscesses. Injuries (e.g., Splinters, Glass): Below to the left is a yellow bubble with the text “Injuries (e.g., splinters, glass).” This highlights that physical injuries, such as those caused by splinters or glass, can result in abscesses. Bacteria Cause Infection: Lastly, there’s a dark blue bubble on the bottom right that says “Bacteria cause infection.” This emphasizes that bacterial infections are a primary cause of abscess formation in dogs.

Abscesses in dogs can be caused by multiple factors. One of the most common causes of abscess formation that we have seen at our clinics is a bite from another dog or cat!

Teeth and mouth harbour a lot of bacteria. So a bite introduces them into the dog’s skin and/or muscle. Depending on the site of the bite and how deep the bite is, abscesses can develop easily. 

Impaction of the anal gland can also lead to painful anal abscesses in dogs. Unfortunately, we have seen this in many dogs who are either old and have difficulty moving around, or those who don’t get proper anal sac cleaning.

We have also seen abscesses forming from injuries caused by broken glass, splintered wood and nails. 

The good news is, external abscesses like those right under the skin can be treated easily. Dental abscesses require oral care and that is also available at any of our clinics. 

What’s the Treatment for Abscesses in Dogs?

The image is an informative graphic titled “Treatment for Abscess in Dogs,” specifically focusing on abscesses in dogs. It features a horizontal timeline with four key steps, each represented by a numbered square with rounded corners and a brief description. The background is white, and the title is displayed at the top in bold, dark text. Step 01: Highlighted in purple, this step states “Abscess drained by vet.” It indicates that the first step in treating an abscess in dogs is to have it professionally drained by a veterinarian. An icon of a droplet is placed above this step to symbolize the drainage process. Step 02: Appearing on a blue background, this step reads “Antibiotics are necessary.” This suggests that after draining, antibiotics are required to prevent infection. The icon above this step is a pair of capsules, representing medication. Step 03: Set against a light purple backdrop, this step includes the text “Painkillers to manage discomfort.” It implies that pain management through medication is part of the treatment process for an abscess in dogs. The icon here is a cross within a circle, symbolizing medical care. Step 04: On a pink square, this step concludes with “Follow-up visits are important.” It emphasizes the need for ongoing veterinary care after the initial treatment to ensure proper healing. An arrow circling back is the icon used here, indicating the importance of follow-up visits. The graphic uses clean lines and soft colors to convey information clearly and effectively about treating abscesses in dogs.

The treatment for abscesses in dogs is a three-pronged approach. –

  • Draining the Abscess
  • Antibiotics
  • Painkillers

Draining the Abscess

We want to minimise the risk of further infections. So, ideally, the abscess is drained at the clinic in the treatment area. If you are going to a clinic because your dog has an abscess, always ensure the place is hygienic and the equipment used is new or sterile.

The abscess should only be drained by an experienced veterinarian since you don’t want additional damage to the area.

Antibiotics

Drying and healing an abscess without antibiotics is nearly impossible. The veterinarian will give you antibiotics depending on the location and nature of the abscess. They may even require an antibiotic sensitivity test from the abscess to see which antibiotic will work the best for your pet. 

Always stick to the veterinarian-prescribed antibiotic dose and duration. Some abscesses can be stubborn and take more than a week to heal. Touch base with your veterinarian on your dog’s health and progress every 5-6 days to check how long you have to continue their meds. 

Painkillers

Painkillers are necessary at times to uphold or improve your dog’s quality of life. If pain from their abscess or draining is keeping them from moving around or behaving normally, they require at least some painkiller in controlled doses

Never overmedicate your dog with NSAID pain medication without consulting your vet. If you have reason to believe your dog is still in pain after receiving their daily pain medicine, speak to your vet. Not all medicines work the same way on all dogs. 

How Will You Understand If The Swelling on Your Dog’s Body is an Abscess?

An abscess is painful to the touch. Your dog may prevent you from touching the swelling or yelp if you do. The swelling may be hard or soft, but it’s almost always warm to the touch. 

Sometimes, abscesses also cause fever in dogs due to the presence of infection in the location. 

How To Take Care of Your Dog After Abscess Draining?

  • Monitor any excess oozing pus or fluid from the site of the abscess. 
  • Keep a record if abscesses have been in your dog’s past medical history. 
  • Try to prevent the re-formation of an abscess at the same site (avoid injuries). 
  • Visit the veterinarian if they request follow-up care. 
  • Delayed treatment or improper cleaning may lead to recurrence of the abscess or formation of chronically training abscess tracts. 
  • Do not stop or prolong their medication without the advice of the veterinarian.

How Can You Prevent Abscess Formation in The Future?

The image is an informative graphic titled “How to Prevent Abscess in Dogs,” focusing on abscesses in dogs. The central part of the image features a bold title in blue that reads “How to Prevent Abscess Formation.” This title serves as the nucleus of the graphic, with four orange-bordered rectangles branching out from it, each containing a preventive measure. These rectangles are connected to the central title by arrows, indicating a flow of information. Clean Wounds Immediately: The first rectangle, located at the top left, emphasizes the importance of prompt care for any injuries a dog might sustain. This measure is crucial in preventing infections that could lead to abscess formation. Remove Splinters or Sharp Objects: The next rectangle, positioned at the top right, advises removing any splinters or sharp objects that could potentially cause wounds. This step is essential to avoid injuries that might result in abscesses. Anal Gland Cleaning Every 3-4 Months: The third rectangle, found at the bottom right, recommends regular maintenance of a dog’s anal glands every 3-4 months. This preventive measure helps in avoiding abscesses that can form near a dog’s anal glands. Regular Oral Cleaning: The last rectangle, located at the bottom left, highlights the importance of consistent oral hygiene. Regular cleaning of a dog’s teeth and gums is vital in preventing abscesses that can develop due to dental issues.

  • Begin with regular oral cleaning to prevent teeth root abscesses.
  • If there’s a bite wound, immediately clean it under plain running water for 15 minutes and head to the nearest pet emergency clinic.
  • If it is a puncture caused by wood or metal, remove the object completely and wash the wound with plain running water. Take your dog to the hospital. 
  • Get your dog’s anal glands cleaned and checked up at least once in 3-4 months to prevent anal gland abscesses.

10 FAQs on abscesses in dogs:

1. What is an abscess in dogs?

An abscess is a painful pus-filled pocket, usually caused by infections, dog bites, or injuries like splinters.

2. How can I tell if my dog has an abscess?

Look for swelling, warmth, and pain at the site. Your dog may avoid touch or feel uncomfortable.

3. Are abscesses in dogs dangerous?

Yes, untreated abscesses can lead to severe infections, especially if they rupture. Immediate veterinary care is crucial.

4. What causes abscesses in dogs?

Abscesses are usually caused by dog bites, injuries, anal gland impaction, or dental infections introducing bacteria under the skin.

5. Can abscesses heal on their own?

No, most abscesses require veterinary treatment to drain the pus, prevent infection, and speed up healing.

6. How do vets treat abscesses?

Vets drain the abscess, prescribe antibiotics to fight infection, and often give painkillers to manage discomfort.

7. Can I treat my dog’s abscess at home?

No, abscesses should only be treated by a vet to prevent further infection and ensure proper drainage and healing.

8. How long does it take for an abscess to heal?

Abscesses typically heal in around two weeks with proper treatment, but some may take longer depending on severity.

9. Can abscesses reoccur in dogs?

Yes, abscesses can reoccur if the underlying cause, such as anal gland issues or dental infections, isn’t properly addressed.

10. How can I prevent abscesses in my dog?

Regular dental cleanings, wound care, and anal gland maintenance can help prevent abscesses from forming in the future.

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