Suspected Abscess Near Base Of Tail...

[electra]

Hi all,
I've been away for a while (friends watching kitty), and kitty has been outside a lot. When I returned last night, I noticed a wound near base of his tail (on top), missing fur, smelling a little fecal, with a hole in center which seeemed to have a little pus. He may seem a little more lethergic, but he's eating, drinking, pooping, etc., and moving around. He's also been licking that spot a lot.

Today the hole seems to have closed up a bit. He seems a little better. I have a vet appt scheduled for later today, but wondering...how often do these heal on their own? Should I wait a day or two? Or take him to the vet today? Thanks for advice!!!

 

[silkenpaw]

I don't know how often they heal on their own but it will heal a lot faster with antibiotics. And base of the tail has to hurt, there isn't much loose tissue there for inflammation to expand painlessly. So I would take him to get treated.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Absolutely, take him for his appointment. Abcesses can rupture, drain, seal over, refill only to rupture again...over and over and over, each time a bit worse. Better to take care of this NOW.

 

[electra]

Thanks everyone. Took him to vet, and it was definitely the right choice!

He had some fever, and they lanced the abscess and gave him antibiotics.

 

[ArchyCat]

Please make your cat an inside only cat. The only good thong that can happen to an outdoor cat is to be made an inside only cat. There ae too many bad things that can happen too an outside cat. They can be killed or injured by dogs. Attacked and killed by wild animals. Killed by cars. Injured or killed by malicious neighbors. Catch parasites or diseases.

I have found a cat killed by a dog (confirmed by Animal Control), plus rescued a cat seriously injured by a dog. The vet's bill was $500.00 by the time I brought him home. He is now an inside only cat.

 

[Mamanyt1953]

Should you decide that being an indoor kitty is in his best interests, we have some articles that might help:

The Five Golden Rules To Bringing An Outdoor Cat Inside
Cat Trees: 12 Designs That Will Make You Go "wow!"
How To Make Your Home Bigger (at Least For Your Cats)
How To Keep Your Cat Safe Outdoors
Cat Grass: How To Create The Purrfect Garden For Your Cat