Daz's in the wars again

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Crewella
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Daz's in the wars again

Post by Crewella »

Daz was a bit quiet yesterday, and I did notice a small spiky clump of hair on his head right on one of his 'eyebrows'. The bunnies must be fighting back again - it must have been a small abcess, as today it has obviously burst and he has a big messy scab forming there, and he's back to his usual self. I've given it a good clean with salt water and it actually looks OK, I'm just debating whether I should take him to the vets for an antibiotic shot. I hate the idea of using ABs unnecessarily, but I've never had a cat with an abcess that's not had them ......

I'm tempted to just keep an eye on it, and him, for a couple of days and keep cleaning it. What do you guys think? Any advice much appreciated.
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Kay
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by Kay »

personally I suspect vets overprescribe abs - they are only needed if an infection is present, which would appear not to be the case here - or not yet, anyway

best IMO to save your pennies and protecdt Daz's long term resistant level to abs until you know by smell and warmth that they are really needed
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by Lilith »

Poor old Daz!

Yeah, I agree - a small clearly get-at-able abscess, if the cat will let you keep cleaning and draining it, can often respond to home treatment.

When my lot roamed I always found abscesses reared their ugly heads as soon as the vet closed...years ago the current ginger tom was on my knee one evening, and I saw it, the great lump behind his ear (he was like your Daz, off hunting a lot, and he hadn't even been quiet or off his food, nothing to alert me.)

He was a very soppy boy and so I tentatively placed a thumb either side of the thing, applied a tiny bit of pressure...and a great jet of pus shot out and hit me on the shoulder!

HE just went on purring!

Hope Daz is better soon :)
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Crewella
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by Crewella »

Thanks, you've both voiced my own feelings so I'll just keep an eye on it for now, and keep it clean. xx
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greenkitty
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by greenkitty »

I agree, you know Daz and abscesses well enough to know if he needs a trip to the vet. Fusses for my favourite white chap x
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MarkB
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by MarkB »

Given that it has burst, I agree that it is best to keep an eye. No doubt you will check his ears aren;t getting hot etc.

Not long after I adopted Kylie, she had a burst absess. I DID take her to the vet. I was told that her temperature was slightly raised, but that her body would deal with it - £50 please!!! - an expensive Islington vet, 14 years ago + a bus ride with a grumpy cat after a long day at work! :)
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Crewella
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by Crewella »

Just to update, it scabbed up nicely and the scab has just gone - he now has a bald spot the size of a ha'penny in the middle of one of his 'eyebrows'! :D

Thanks guys, I will always be concerned about abcesses, of course, but not quite as likely to whip 'em straight down the vets whatever from now on. An expensive trip with a grumpy cat definitely isn't something to undertake without a darned good reason! xx
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bobbys girl
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by bobbys girl »

Some good news, Helen. Fusses to the little boy.
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Re: Daz's in the wars again

Post by Lilith »

Glad he's recovered, bless him :D
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