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How do you know when an abcess is getting better?

H Maughan

Mama Doe
I can't decide how Bebe's abcess is doing. Some days it seems to be getting better and others I just can't tell. She had a follow up appointment yesturday and I was told it looked to be draining well. I'm still having to clean it out 3 to 4 times a day. There usually isn't much pus in there but inside it looks a whitey colour and I can't decide if its infection or not.

She still seems well in herself and is continuing to eat like she used to. I just don't know if the abcess is healing at all.

Helen xx
 
The honest answer is you cant, as they can sometimes reoccur even after they have healed. Sounds like you are on the right track though:)

Vibes for you and Bebe:love:
 
I have noticed that she doesn't seem to have a smell coming from it anymore, which must be a good sign :)

Helen xx
 
I have noticed that she doesn't seem to have a smell coming from it anymore, which must be a good sign :)

Helen xx

Yes definitely :D

I should think peripheral inflammation around the wound site would be a good indicator, and also the amount of pus produced between flushings. The white you can see maybe scar tissue formation (healing) or it may be more infection, it is hard to tell. Was the abcess completely removed and debrided or just drained?
 
Yes definitely :D

I should think peripheral inflammation around the wound site would be a good indicator, and also the amount of pus produced between flushings. The white you can see maybe scar tissue formation (healing) or it may be more infection, it is hard to tell. Was the abcess completely removed and debrided or just drained?

It was drained and lanced, so wasn't completely removed given how close it was to her actual jaw. I've been flushing it with a syringe which seems to shift the gunk without causing her any discomfort. I have tried some manuka honey in it, but I find it seems to dry up and I get a build up of pus behind it and it takes a lot of work to get it all out again.

Helen xx
 
It was drained and lanced, so wasn't completely removed given how close it was to her actual jaw. I've been flushing it with a syringe which seems to shift the gunk without causing her any discomfort. I have tried some manuka honey in it, but I find it seems to dry up and I get a build up of pus behind it and it takes a lot of work to get it all out again.

Helen xx

I'm surprised the honey dries it up, I thought it would keep it moist? How odd. Generally wounds kept moist will promote granulation tissue growth as part of the healing process, but equally drying them out can work also in terms of stopping new tissue sloughing away - it's a tricky one. I hope the abcess clears up quickly for your lovely bun x
 
sorry to be gross but.... you have to make sure that the "pocket" that the pus is in is removed too. also that abscesses usually have little finger like pockets running of the main abscess. we were always given this stuff that you squeeze into the abscess once you had cleaned it ,its called intracite gel (sp?).it helps close the abscess down as well as helping remove the pus.
 
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