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Difference between an Abscess and a Pasteurella Abcess???

B

Bunny Land

Banned
Hi there,

Does anybody know the difference between an ordinary abscess (if there is such a thing) and a Pasteurella Abscess? :? :? :?

I suppose what I want to know is: can you tell whether an abscess is the result of Pasteurella because of the creamy cheese type pus, or do all abscesses contain this type of pus?

Sorry, if this sounds confusing.

Carol
 
To define what bacteria an abscess contains a sample of the pus would need to be cultured for microscopy. Pasteurella may be one bacteria identified but there are many others. To ensure the correct antibiotic therapy is given antibiotic sensitivity tests need to be done. Janex
 
Thanks Jane,

Does pus have the same consistancy though? My vets diagnose both Billy and Bounty with Pasteurella Abscesses every time they go. Because both Billy and Bounty's abscess were near the jaw, they were both x-rayed to see if they were connected to their teeth, however this was ruled out. Should they x-ray their jaws everytime an abscess occurs and I take them to the vet, or will just the first x-rays suffice? Personally, I would think that they should be x-rayed all the time, to see if there has been a changed in their teeth, however, my vet advises against this. Also, if Bounty has reoccuring abscesses around the left hand side of his jaw, surely this is an indication that it is something to do with his teeth?

Incidentally, I have changed vets and this vet apparently has a good reputation in rabbit care.

What do you think?

Carol
 
The consistency of the pus has nothing to do with the bacteria involved. The ONLY way to identify the bacteria is by growing a culture from a sample of the pus. Recurrent Jaw abscesses are often tooth root related but repeated X-rays are not going to change the treatment protocol, will mean repeated GAs and lots of stress for the Bun. If the effected Bun were mine I would ask for a swab from the abscess cavity to be sent for analysis and at least then the most appropriate antibiotic can be prescribed. But if the infection has already penetrated the bone then a 'cure' is unlikely without radicle surgery (that I would NOT put a Bun of mine through) and it is a case of trying to contain the abscess with longterm antibiotics/pain relief/flushing out of abscess. Janex
 
Thanks again, Jane,

In the unfortunate event of Bounty or Billy suffering another abscess, I will ask my vet to analyse the pus. I was of the same opinion as you, with regards the jaw abscesses.

Carol xx
 
all abcesses contain pus, thats what they are, pus in rabbits is 99%of the time the cream cheese type! it is unique to rabbits that consistency (eeewwww) :?
because of these being re-occuring abcesses on the jaw it shouts of teeth/bone problems to me. i would say 100% of the jaw abcesses we see in practice are related to the teeth and bone, i dont think ive seen them there for any other reason truthfully. i would definately advise a follow up xray/swabs (and possible a new vet?)
 
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