Treating Canine Abscesses: Causes, Symptoms, and Remedi

Dog abscesses are a common and chronic condition, often arising from punctures, scratches, and abrasions, particularly following bites. These wounds can become infected with pusforming bacteria such as Staphylococcus, Streptococcus, Escherichia coli, and Pseudomonas aeruginosa, leading to localized inflammation with pus accumulation in the newly formed abscess cavity. Dogs are particularly prone to these abscesses in the subcutaneous tissue of the face, neck, chest, and inner thigh.

In the early stages, the disease is characterized by inflammation, with the affected area displaying redness, swelling, heat, and pain. Palpation of the area is painful, and the abscess center feels firm, with surrounding tissue appearing edematous. There are usually no significant systemic symptoms. After four days, the swelling becomes localized, and the abscess center may have a small amount of pus. The area feels softer upon palpation, with a firm surrounding, and the dog may start to exhibit systemic symptoms like fever.

When pus accumulates in large quantities, the abscess center becomes soft and has a distinct fluctuation, clearly demarcated from the surrounding tissue. If the skin around the abscess dies, pus can leak out through the rupture, potentially leading to the formation of a fistula that may not heal. To differentiate pus from blood clots, lymphatic exudates, or hernias, a pus culture can be performed.

Treatment:

1. Local Management: The area is first shaved and disinfected. A puncture is performed to check for pus, and if present, a large or low incision is made for drainage. For those with minimal or no bleeding, irrigation can be done on the same day. In cases with significant bleeding, sterile gauze is packed, and irrigation is performed the following day. For larger abscesses, a low incision and counter incision for irrigation may be necessary.

2. Irrigation: The choice of irrigation fluid often includes 0.1% nitrofurantoin, rifampicin, potassium permanganate, and can also involve dilute ammonia water or sodium bicarbonate solutions to correct local acidosis. Traditional Chinese medicine options, such as a decoction of 30 grams of honeysuckle, 20 grams of purple violet, 20 grams of rhizoma Polygoni multiflori, 20 grams of Poria, 20 grams of Plantago asiatica, and 30 grams of Eucalyptus leaves, can be used, concentrated to 1000 milliliters and stored for later use.

3. Irrigation involves placing a catheter in the low incision and a counter incision, with the counter incision connected to a drainage bottle or syringe. The irrigation fluid is infused to remove foreign matter from the abscess cavity. After irrigation, antibiotics such as amoxicillin and trypsin are injected locally. Sterile gauze is then placed from the counter incision to the low incision to drain until the fluid becomes clear.

4. Antibiotics: Select antibiotics sensitive to the causative bacteria, such as amoxicillin, lincomycin, or gentamicin, are administered intramuscularly to prevent septicemia. For dogs with severe systemic symptoms, electrolytes, energy supplements, and acidosis correction may be necessary.

Traditional Chinese Veterinary Medicine: In the initial stages of an abscess, the "Niuhuang Xingxiao Pill" is used at a dose of 12 grams per administration (not for pregnant dogs). "Gechong Pill" is taken at 12 pills, twice or thrice daily. Alternatively, "Fangduan Pill" (Flower Spot Tongdan) can be taken at 12 pills, one to two times. If the abscess breaks open or is surgically drained and there is excessive pus, "Shiqian Dabao Pill" can be administered at 9 grams, twice daily.