Abscess (abscess, abscess) in animals. Interesting materials

The cow has been living next to humans for thousands of years. In order for her to be a reliable nurse, it is necessary to take care of her health, since she is susceptible to many diseases. One of these is an abscess, which can appear as a result of many reasons and, without treatment, can lead to quite serious health problems.

What is it and what parts of the body does it affect?

An abscess (abscess, abscess) is a cavity with pus that appears as a result of inflammation of different parts of the body. Occurs after the introduction of infections or bacteria of various types, as well as fungi. In addition, the problem may arise from the influence of various chemicals.

The disease can occur in the following parts of the cow's body:

• subcutaneous tissue;
• muscles;
• bones;
• organs;
• lymph nodes.

Important! When an abscess is detected and treated, the wound must be carefully monitored, washing it inside to avoid re-accumulation of pus.

Causes

Most often, abscesses appear as a result of mechanical damage to the skin. This can happen as a result of puncture or scratching of the skin with a sharp object during grazing and subsequent penetration of infection into the wound.

As is known, the fight between bacteria and leukocytes in a weak body leads to the appearance of pus (a mixture of dead bacteria and leukocytes) and tightening of the damaged area on the skin, which prevents the contents from coming out. As a result, a limited capsule with pus inside it is formed.

In addition, an abscess may appear as a result of damage to another part of the body, since pathogenic microorganisms are spread throughout the body and can settle in any organ. Such suppuration is very dangerous, since the overflow of the capsule with pus leads to its spread inside the body, which leads to the development of sepsis.

If a giant abscess ruptures, it can even lead to the death of the animal.

Signs of the disease

When an abscess forms, it is quite difficult to determine, since no serious deviations in behavior and general condition are observed.
However, over time, the following symptoms appear:

• decrease and even loss of appetite;
• increased body temperature;
• weakness and depression as a result of intoxication;
• constant anxiety, especially when approaching the site of the lesion;
• the appearance of a round lump under the skin;
• soreness and fever on contact.

Did you know? The abscess can grow to quite large sizes. There are cases when the amount of pus reached several liters.

Diagnostics

Diagnosis of the disease is based on clinical signs and is clarified by puncture of the swelling. Any skin seal can be felt; when pressed, a small depression appears, which spontaneously restores to its original state after a few minutes.

It is almost impossible to diagnose the presence of an abscess in the liver during life without the appearance of specific symptoms.

How to treat

Let's look at how abscess can be treated.

• provide the sick animal with maximum rest;
• isolate the cow in a separate room with new bedding;
• in the absence of aggression, warm the affected area;
• give Sulfadimezin, after combining it with food.

Opening an abscess

Opening the abscess is necessary when the damage leads to a sufficiently strong tension on the organ wall; it is carried out after local anesthesia.

This can only be done if the education is of good quality:

1. First, it must be pierced with a trocar with a tube through which some of the purulent contents are removed.
2. Afterwards, a scalpel is inserted into the most convex part and a dissection is made to the granulation shaft.
3. The cavity is thoroughly cleaned and dried, finally filled with drainage with Vishnevsky ointment and a sterile bandage is applied. It needs to be changed daily.

• incision with excision of affected tissue;
• stopping the bleeding that appears;
• long-term irrigation of an opened abscess with a solution based on any disinfectant;
• dusting the wound with tricillin;
• drainage with proteolytic enzymes.

It is impossible to remove a huge abscess in any other way; in this case, you will have to resort to opening and subsequent excision.

Drug treatment

The following formulations are considered popular drugs for the treatment of abscess:

• ASD-3;
• Dorogovaya balm No. 10;
• Desi spray;
• Genta-100.

In addition, Vishnevsky’s ointment has proven itself well, the cost of which is much lower than other drugs, but its effectiveness is in no way inferior.

Did you know? Today there are about 1.5 billion cows living on Earth. For example, in Australia there are 2 times more of these animals than inhabitants.

Prevention

Purulent inflammations appear in cows that have weakened immunity.
You can reduce the likelihood of ulcers appearing by doing the following:

• improve conditions for cows;
• diversify the diet not only with high-quality food, but also with vitamins and mineral supplements;
• conduct regular inspections after grazing;
• promptly treat skin damage with antiseptics.

All of the above information once again confirms that any purulent inflammation is quite dangerous and, if detected, requires an immediate response from the owner. However, it is important to know how to do everything correctly so as not to further harm the cow.

Synonyms: abscess, abscess

An abscess is a limited cavity filled with pus, resulting from localized acute purulent, infectious inflammation of loose tissue, less often than other tissues and organs.

Types of abscesses (abscesses, ulcers) in animals

Abscesses are:

• spicy,
• subacute,
• chronic,
• aseptic,
• infectious,
• superficial,
• deep,
• benign,
• malignant,
• metastatic,
• cold,
• sintered

Depending on the stage of development, abscesses are formed, maturing or mature.

Reasons for the development of an abscess

Abscesses arise as a result of the penetration of pyogenic microorganisms into the tissue, most often these are staphylococci, streptococci, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Escherichia coli, actinomycetes and other fungi and bacteria.

Superficial mature abscesses are easily diagnosed, easy to progress, give fewer complications, and often heal on their own, after spontaneous opening. Subcutaneous abscesses can occur during deep purulent-necrotic processes (arthritis, osteomyelitis).

Deep abscesses are more difficult to diagnose, have a difficult course, and are complicated by the breakthrough of pus into tissues and organs. Sometimes they are encapsulated (closed in a capsule, and the infection remains as if in the capsule), which creates a focus of a “dormant” infection. Decreased immunity and surgical interventions contribute to the infection leaving the capsule, and an outbreak of “dormant” infection begins, which in most cases ends in sepsis (blood poisoning).

Malignant abscesses are characterized by diffuse painful lesions with hot swelling, breakthroughs of pus, and the development of phlegmon. The contents of the abscess are dirty brown, foul-smelling, and contain gas. Tuberculous abscess is the most striking example.

Cold abscess characterized by a chronic course, delayed maturation, virtually no signs of inflammation, slight pain. As a rule, they open spontaneously and pus flows out of the abscess for a long time, forming a fistula.

Severe abscess- a type of cold abscess. It is formed by pus from an existing cold abscess, penetrating along the vessels and nerves into the intermuscular and other connective tissues. In sheep, such abscesses are observed with brucellosis, in horses - with prolonged abscesses and phlegmon, in cows - with tuberculosis.

Metastatic abscesses, as a rule, are acute. They are formed as a result of the transfer of microbes by blood and lymph from the primary focus to the internal organs. Often observed in sepsis with metastases.

Turpentine abscess refers to aseptic benign. It is formed under the influence of an injection of turpentine under the skin or into a muscle. Is a curative veterinary abscess. During the formation of such an abscess, microorganisms located in the blood and tissues are concentrated, as if fixed in it, and die under the influence of turpentine.

The causative agents of purulent infection are pyogenic microorganisms: staphylococci, streptococci, pneumococci, Escherichia coli, cryptococci.

This infection occurs in the form of purulent inflammation of organs or tissue. Depending on the clinical picture, the following types of purulent infection are distinguished: abscess, furuncle, carbuncle, phlegmon, empyema, sepsis, pustule and papule.

Abscess (abscess, abscess)- limited purulent inflammation in an organ or tissue with the formation of a cavity filled with pus. It occurs as a result of an inflammatory process that develops as a result of the penetration of pyogenic (staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli) and putrefactive microbes into tissues through damaged skin and mucous membranes; during injections, blood transfusions (not following the rules of asepsis); when microbes are transferred by blood and lymph from a purulent focus to a healthy one; suppuration of hematomas and penetration of pathogens of certain diseases (actinomycosis, mycosis, botryomycosis, etc.).

According to the flow, hot, cold, edematous and metastatic abscess are distinguished. With a hot abscess, in the first 3-5 days, a slightly limited, reddened, hot, painful swelling with a pasty consistency is observed. By days 7-10, the swelling is clearly contoured; in its center, upon palpation, tissue softening and fluctuation can be detected. The skin at the site of the lesion becomes thinner and breaks through, pus pours out, and the purulent cavity is filled with granulation tissue.

Cold (chronic) abscesses are caused by pathogenic pathogens. Signs of acute inflammation are practically absent, develop slowly, body temperature is slightly elevated, slight swelling, soreness, and fluctuation are observed. The pus is usually liquid and pale.

A septic abscess is a complication of a cold abscess. It is formed as a result of the spread of purulent inflammation along the continuation and flow of pus from the primary purulent focus through loose connective tissue spaces down to the first fascial barrier, where it lingers, forming a secondary purulent cavity.

A metastatic abscess occurs with a general purulent infection, cold abscesses, phlegmon and other purulent lesions by transferring pathogenic microbes with lymph and blood to the parenchymal organs in which a secondary abscess is formed.

Abscesses are most common in pigs and horses. They can be located in various parts of the body (neck, back of the head, withers, chest and abdominal wall).

During treatment, animals must be given rest. In the first 3-4 days, alcohol-ichthyol warming compresses, bandages with Vishnevsky ointment, UHF therapy, antibiotics with sulfonamide drugs, and short novocaine blockades are used. With the appearance of fluctuations, the compresses are canceled, the lesions are immediately opened and the pus is removed. Postoperative treatment is carried out as for an infected wound.

Furuncle (boil)- limited purulent inflammation of one hair follicle and one sebaceous gland, together with the loose tissue surrounding them, usually caused by yellow or white staphylococcus. The appearance of one boil after another or the appearance of them in large numbers in different parts of the body is called furunculosis.

More often, those areas of the body are affected where the skin is sclerotic due to constant trauma (withers, shoulder, fetlock area) or prolonged inflammation due to reasons such as poor skin care (heavy contamination of the back, neck, limbs), abrasions, scratches, scratching of the skin, metabolic disorders, hypovitaminosis A, B, C, weak body resistance. Therefore, it is necessary to include yeast, red carrots, alfalfa, and timothy in animal feed; carnivores - fish oil and vitamins.

Clinical signs of a boil are the following factors. In the first 2-3 days, inflammatory swelling occurs in the skin around the hair follicle, which can increase to the size of a hazelnut. A large number of microbes and leukocytes accumulate in the hair follicle itself. The swelling is hyperemic, dense in consistency, painful, and has clear boundaries. A yellow-white spot appears at the top of the swelling, the layers of the skin become thinner, and fluctuation is noted. By the 8-10th day, the hair follicle and sebaceous gland become necrotic and a core (purulent plug) of the boil is formed, which is pushed out, and in its place a necrotic ulcer forms, covered with pinkish-red granulation tissue and crusts of dried pus. The ulcer heals quickly with the formation of a small scar.

When treating a boil, in the first days the skin around the purulent lesion is treated with an alcohol solution, iodine, and tanning agents (potassium permanganate, tannin). Dry heat is applied locally (Sollux, Minin, UHF, ultraviolet rays); Injection of the boil after 1-2 days with novocaine and penicillin. It is not recommended to use wet dressings and compresses, as they promote the spread of microorganisms through the tissues, which leads to the formation of new boils.

Ripe boils are opened and treated with ointments (ichthyol, penicillin, Vishnevsky) and liniments of streptocide, syntomycin.

General treatment is carried out comprehensively, with the use of antiseptic drugs (antibiotics, sulfonamides). A good effect is obtained from autohemotherapy, blood transfusions in small doses, novocaine blockade (intravenous, lumbar, short).

Carbuncle(multi-headed boil, charcoal boil)- acute purulent-necrotic inflammation of a group of hair follicles and sebaceous glands, together with the surrounding skin and subcutaneous tissue. The fusion of several boils into large inflammatory foci is called carbunculosis.

The causative agents of the carbuncle are staphylococci and streptococci, penetrating through the mouth of the hair follicles. The development of the disease is facilitated by cachexia and metabolic disorders in the body (obesity). The predisposing causes are the same as for furunculosis.

Clinical signs of a carbuncle are: limited red-purple, dense consistency, painful swelling with many abscesses and holes from which thick pus is released. The individual holes may merge to form a large hole in the skin from which the dead core is gradually sloughed off. The duration of the process is 3-4 weeks.

The disease may be accompanied by intoxication, the formation of lymphogenous and hematogenous metastases, and an increase in body temperature.

Treatment is the same as for furunculosis. If relief is not observed within 2-3 days, they resort to surgery - an incision is made, necrotic tissue is excised, purulent streaks are opened, the cavity is filled with tampons soaked in Vishnevsky ointment, syntomycin or streptocide liniments. Subsequently, treatment is carried out as for infected brine.

Phlegmon- acute purulent or putrefactive diffuse (spread) inflammation of loose tissue (subcutaneous, intermuscular, subfascial, retroperitoneal), developing in foci with reduced tissue resistance. The causative agents of phlegmon are common microbes of suppuration (streptococci, staphylococci and combined infections with several microbes). The most dangerous are phlegmons caused by streptococci and anaerobic forms. Cellulitis can also occur as a result of traumatic injuries as a complication of local purulent processes (inflamed wound, abscess, osteomyelitis, purulent arthritis); when strong chemical irritants (turpentine, sodium chloride solution and other concentrated chemicals) come into contact with the skin.

Based on the nature of the exudate, serous, purulent, putrefactive and gas phlegmon are distinguished.

With serous phlegmon, in the first 2-3 days a diffuse, reddened, dense, hot, painful swelling is observed, in the center of which, on the 4-7th day, foci of softening (fluctuation) are determined, which is a sign of purulent gangrene. Body temperature rises, the animal becomes depressed, appetite is disturbed, breathing and pulse quicken, yellowness of visible mucous membranes, acidosis, some changes in the blood, etc. are noted.

Purulent phlegmon is caused by micron micro-anaerobes. There are several stages in its development: the stage of impregnation with serous exudate; purulent infiltration; progressive necrosis; the formation of abscesses and the breakthrough of pus to the outside; self-cleaning, granulation and scarring.

Putrefactive and gas phlegmon is characterized by the rapid spread of inflammatory edema; with gas - in the center of the swelling, gases are detected on palpation, the skin is cold, painful, the exudate is foamy, with a putrid odor.

Phlegmon can be localized in various parts of the body, especially in the back of the head, withers, corolla, thigh, lower leg, forearm and joints of the limbs and manifest themselves with different clinical signs. With phlegmon of the limbs, severe lameness is observed.

During treatment, a sick animal is provided with rest, abundant bedding, frequent watering, good feeding, but the supply of concentrates is reduced. In the initial stage, warming alcohol, alcohol-ichthyol, and camphor compresses are used; general antiseptic therapy (administered antibiotics, antibiotics in combination with novocaine, cardiac medications, saline solutions, methenamine, calcium chloride). With this complex treatment, it is possible to stop the development of phlegmon and prevent purulent melting of tissues or accelerate suppuration (abscess formation). Mature abscesses are opened, drained and treated as a purulent wound.

In progressive forms, urgent surgical intervention is necessary (deep incisions are used to open all purulent-necrotic foci and ensure the outflow of pus), after which the wound is loosely packed with gauze impregnated with streptocide or syntomycin liniments, Vishnevsky ointment.

Empyema (suppuration)- accumulation of pus in any anatomical cavity of the body during purulent inflammation.

Most often affected by empyema are the pleura (with purulent pleurisy), the air sac and maxillary cavity in horses (with sinusitis), the frontal sinuses in cattle with fractured horns, and in horses with fractures of the frontal bones, pyemia and penetrating wounds of the joints.

Empyema is a pathology, often complicated by the transition of the process from local to general (pyemia).

Treatment is carried out only by surgery. The purulent-inflammatory cavity is opened, the pus is removed, a drain is inserted to drain it and treated with the open method using antiseptics.

Pustule- an abscess that develops in the skin and some mucous membranes (for example, in the oral cavity). Pustules can be caused by pyogenic bacteria (cocci in canine distemper), ultraviruses (smallpox, contagious equine pustular stomatitis) and appear as soft blisters filled with gray or reddish-gray turbid fluid and sometimes surrounded by a red rim. After opening them, a crust or ulcer forms. The pustule heals without a trace when localized superficially (in the epidermis) and with the formation of a scar when localized deeply (in the skin itself).

Papules- compacted areas that develop on the skin during various diseases, do not contain fluid and are slightly elevated above the surface of the skin. Ulcerative decay usually does not occur and often disappears without a trace. Papules occur more often with smallpox of various animal species, turning first into vesicles (vesicles filled with liquid) and then into pustules.

Surgical sepsis- a severe infectious disease caused by pyogenic pathogenic pathogens and their toxins circulating in the blood when the body’s reactivity is impaired.

The causative agents are streptococci, staphylococci, E. coli, and less commonly - putrefactive and anaerobic microbes. The source of general purulent infection can be open fractures, burns, wounds, phlegmon, arthritis and other purulent inflammatory foci.

The development of sepsis is also facilitated by the leaving of foreign bodies in the wound, dead tissue with a leak of pus, gross disturbance of the rest of the wound, failure to observe asepsis during the operation, delayed dissection of infected wounds, untimely surgical intervention in purulent-necrotic processes, insufficient opening of wound pockets, exhaustion, overwork of the animal , hypovitaminosis.

Clinical signs are the following indicators. With general signs of sepsis, body temperature is increased, there is no appetite, there is depression, weakness and sweating, progressive deterioration of the condition, disorders of all body systems: the composition of the blood changes, the functions of parenchymal organs are disrupted, protein appears in the urine, anemia, jaundice develop, and septicemia occurs. diarrhea.

The surface of wounds with the development of sepsis is dry, lifeless, inside the wounds there are deposits and necrosis.

With sepsis, the following complications are possible: septic bleeding, arterial thromboembolism, septic endocarditis, pneumonia. bedsores, traumatic (purulent-wound) exhaustion.

In patients with sepsis, no specific pathological changes are noted. Usually, hemorrhages, degenerative changes in internal organs, putrefactive tissue decay, and thrombophlebitis are detected. In sepsis with metastases - ulcers.

Treatment consists of surgery. They open the purulent focus, eliminate streaks of pus so that toxins, decay products of tissues and microbes do not enter the blood, remove dead tissue, foreign bodies, and treat with antibiotics and chemical antiseptics. It is recommended to use antiseptic agents (antibiotics, sulfa drugs, calcium chloride with glucose and caffeine), as well as agents that improve the condition of the central nervous system and increase the body's resistance. A solution of novocaine is administered intravenously, and blood transfusions are given in small doses to increase the body's resistance, reduce intoxication, and increase immunobiological strength. The sick animal is given rest and good, easily digestible fortified food.

Prevention of surgical infections involves early, complete treatment of wounds, timely treatment of primary purulent processes, prevention of mechanical damage to the skin, as well as the provision of complete fortified feed and good living conditions for animals.

Abscess in animals (Abscessus) is a limited purulent inflammation in an organ or tissue. This process is often called an abscess or abscess. Depending on the location, abscesses are divided into superficial and deep. Some abscesses tend to infiltrate pus into the surrounding tissue - malignant abscesses.

Causes of abscess in animals

The initiation of the process of acute purulent inflammation occurs when it enters the tissue:

• pyogenic bacteria (Staphylococcus sp., Escherichia soybean, Streptococcus sp., Pseudomonas)
• obligate anaerobes (Bacteroides, Clostridium sp., Eubacterium, Fusobacterium and Peptostreptococcus)
• mushrooms (Actinomyces, Nocardia)
• mycoplasmas

Most often, pus is a turbid liquid of various colors, consisting mainly of degenerative tissues with toxic granularity, trophils, as well as macrophages, lymphocytes and molten necrotic tissue.

The inflammatory process in animals most often develops in the skin, exocrine glands, eyes, and anus. In females, the mammary glands are often affected, in males - the prostate gland.

Causes of abscess formation- trauma, inflammation. A brain abscess is usually a complication of inflammation of the inner ear, sinusitis, or infection of the oral cavity. An abscess in dogs is often observed in the rectal area due to swelling or inflammation of the anal glands. A liver abscess can develop with omphalophlebitis (inflammation of the umbilical vein), a lung abscess is a consequence of foreign body aspiration, bacterial pneumonia, a breast abscess is a complication of mastitis. An abscess in the orbital region can complicate inflammation of the oropharynx. Subcutaneous abscesses are a consequence of injuries received in a fight with other animals.

Congenital or acquired immunodeficiency conditions often predispose to suppuration: infections with feline lymphotropic virus or feline immunodeficiency virus, diabetes mellitus, hypercortisolism, and immunosuppressive chemotherapy.

If the processes of resorption or removal of pus are insufficient, a fibrous capsule forms around the abscess. A rapid increase in pressure inside the capsule can lead to its rupture with the development of a fistula. With prolonged existence, the abscess becomes rigid, its fibrous wall thickens. Subsequently, the abscess cavity is filled with granulation tissue, and the disease can become chronic or recurrent with periodic outflow of pus through the fistulous tract.

Diagnosis of abscess in animals

Signs of inflammation are noted:

• redness
• local and general increase in body temperature
• organ dysfunction

Upon palpation, a painful, fluctuating or dense space-occupying formation associated with surrounding tissues is determined, sometimes compressing neighboring organs. If an abscess in cats communicates with the external environment, purulent exudate may be released through the fistulous tract. When an abscess breaks through into the body cavity, dissemination of microflora and the development of sepsis are possible.

Differential diagnosis

Volumetric formations. The cyst is characterized by mild or intermittent pain and slower growth. A fibrous scar in tissue is a dense, painless formation. Granuloma is also a painless, slowly growing, but denser formation without a softened center. Hematoma or serous effusion is an accumulation of fluid in tissues, which can fluctuate and be painful on palpation, but without systemic manifestations. The tumor is characterized by a dense consistency and progressive growth.

A drainage tract or fistula can be caused by a number of diseases: tuberculosis, tumor, mycetoma (bothriomycosis, actinomycosis, eumycosis), systemic mycosis (blastomycosis, coccidioidomycosis, cryptococcosis, histoplasmosis, trichosporosis).

Laboratory and instrumental research methods

A general blood test is normal or neutrophilia is detected; possibly with a regenerative shift in the leukocyte formula to the left. Septicemia is characterized by neutropenia with a degenerative shift to the left.

Changes in the results of urine and serum tests depend on the underlying disease and the affected organ. With a prostate abscess, pyuria may be detected, with a liver abscess - an increase in the activity of liver enzymes and bilirubin; with a pancreatic abscess - an increase in the level of amylase and lipase in the blood, as well as the content of bilirubin and sugar in the blood and urine (with the development of diabetes mellitus). In case of leukocytosis and increased serum protein levels, a cerebrospinal fluid analysis is indicated to exclude a brain abscess.

To identify the causative agent of infection, cultures are carried out on ordinary media. For migratory recurrent subcutaneous abscesses in cats and negative culture results, special media are used, in particular for feline immunodeficiency virus and lymphotropic virus.

X-rays are used to assess the density of soft tissue in the affected area and identify a foreign body. Computed tomography and magnetic resonance imaging are used to identify a brain abscess. Ultrasound examination allows you to determine the density of a space-occupying formation, its consistency, and also identify a foreign body. Purulent exudate is liquid with flaky sediment.

When aspirating purulent exudate, a red, white, yellow or green liquid is obtained: protein content >2.5-3.0 g/dl, leukocytes from 3000 to 100,000 per 1 μl (mainly consisting of degenerative neutrophils and a smaller number of macrophages and lymphocytes ). Pyogenic bacteria can be detected, including inside cells. If it is impossible to accurately determine the genus of the pathogen using Romanovsky-Giemsa staining, staining is used to identify mycobacteria, nocardia, or staining with PAS reagent (for fungi).

The biopsy specimen should contain areas of both diseased and unaffected tissue. It is necessary to stain and examine smears, prints and sections of material, as well as conduct a histopathological examination of the tissue and culture it on media to identify the pathogen culture.

Sowing exudate and/or washing off the affected tissue is used to obtain a pure culture of aerobic and anaerobic pathogens and fungi. The sensitivity of the pathogen to antibiotics is also determined.

Surgical treatment of abscess

Foreign bodies, necrotic tissue and any source of purulent inflammation are removed, the purulent focus is opened and drained, which prevents the formation of a chronic abscess. Adequate antimicrobial therapy is prescribed.

Technique for opening an abscess:

• wash the site of the future incision
• cut and shave the opening area
• treat the surgical field with a 5% iodine solution
• We carry out a local infiltration novocaine blockade
• It is preferable to open an abscess in small animals under general anesthesia
• the incision is made from the center to the periphery
• the cavity is washed with disinfectant solutions
• the abscess is examined for the presence of pockets
• drainage is installed and antiseptic ointment or liniment is applied

Indications for hospitalization are determined depending on the location of the abscess and the required amount of assistance. Most patients with post-traumatic abscesses are treated at home. With the development of septicemia, as well as with indications for extensive surgical interventions, hospitalization is indicated.

The pet owner should be advised of factors predisposing to the development of abscesses, the need for adequate drainage, and the importance of continuing antimicrobial therapy over time.

To combat the infectious agent before its identification, broad-spectrum antimicrobial agents that have bactericidal properties against aerobic and anaerobic microorganisms are used empirically. If sepsis or peritonitis develops, fluids and antibiotics are administered in large doses, and maintenance therapy is prescribed.

Subsequently, a decrease in the amount of discharge through the drainage, a decrease in the area of ​​inflammation, and an improvement in the clinical picture indicate recovery. Possible complications include sepsis, peritonitis/pleurisy, which can develop when an abscess located in the chest or abdominal cavity ruptures. Slow evacuation of abscess contents can lead to the formation of a chronic fistula.

In this series of articles, on the pages of the site website, I will introduce you to surgical infections. In surgery, purulent surgical infection, anaerobic infection, as well as some specific infectious diseases are studied. In today's article I will introduce you to such a concept as abscess in animals.
Abscess or abscess, is an isolated purulent inflammatory process in some organ or tissue. Which is accompanied by the appearance of voids filled with pus.

Causes. Abscesses arise as a result of an inflammatory process, which occurs due to the penetration of pyogenic microbes (staphylococci, streptococci, E. coli) or the causative agent of certain diseases into the tissue (epizootic lymphagnoitis, actynomycosis, botryomycosis). Microbes can penetrate tissue when the skin and mucous membrane are damaged (wounds, abrasions), or when foreign organisms enter the tissue. In addition, they can be introduced during treatment (injections, subcutaneous infusions), which are done without following the rules.

Abscess in animals

Abscesses often occur when hematomas suppurate and, as well as due to the transfer of microbes by blood and lymph from purulent infections to healthy tissues of the body (metastatic abscesses). So-called abscess pustules occur when certain medications (turpentine, gas, chloral hydrate and others) get under the skin.

Classification of abscesses. Abscesses are usually classified according to the morphological composition of the pus and the microbes that are in it - into benign and malignant.

According to the clinical course - hot (acute) and cold (chronic).
For localization - external, which develop on the skin and subcutaneous and deep, which are subfascial, intermuscular, intramuscular, subosseous, bone, parenchymal organs and others.

Benign abscess contains thick, creamy pus, in which there are many living leukocytes. There are few or no microbes in such pus. Such an abscess is formed when low-virulent staphylococci enter the tissue, as well as when turpentine is injected under the skin.

Malignant contains pus from a large number of microbes; there may be few or no leukocytes in such pus. This abscess occurs when purulent-rotten and anaerobic microorganisms penetrate into the tissue.

Hot abscess characterized by well-defined local inflammation, acute development and very rapid formation of an abscess that can rupture on its own.

Cold abscess develops when tissue is infected with low-infectious microbes. It most often occurs in old and emaciated animals with reduced immunity. The distinctive features of this abscess are the slow development and implicit manifestation of the main characteristics of the inflammatory process. The abscess wall is poorly marked.

Abscess in animals

Pathogenesis. With abscesses, the inflammatory process develops in the same sequence as with purulent inflammation. Although the development of some phenomena with an abscess has its own nuances, which characterize it as one of the affected forms of localized purulent inflammation.

With the development of purulent inflammation, necrotic tissues are subject to enzymatic melting, which results in a void that contains pus, tissue remnants that disintegrate, microbes and its waste products. An inflammatory infiltrate first appears around this void, and then an abscess wall forms. Its outer ball contains connective tissue fibers. The inner ball is formed by granulations. This barrier separates the abscess from the external environment.

Clinical features. In the initial period of abscess development, very pronounced swelling due to increased temperature is observed, which most often has a diffuse nature. Later (on days 4-6), tissue swelling is more clearly visible, becomes more visible, and fluctuation occurs. Although, if the abscess occurs deep, fluctuations may not be felt.

Diagnosis of an abscess in tissues is usually not complex. In controversial cases, especially with deep abscesses, a diagnostic puncture is made with a sterile thick needle (Bobrov needle).

If the abscess is chronic (cold), there are almost no signs of acute inflammation. In these cases, the reason for making a diagnosis is the presence of swelling, slight pain, fluctuation and data obtained through a puncture.

The abscess most often occurs in pigs and horses. They can occur on any part of the animal's body.

Abscess in animals

Treatment. In the initial stage, a short novocaine - pinicillin blockade is given around the site of inflammation.
Alcohol-ichthyol warming compresses, oily balsamic dressings for Vishnevsky, and UHF therapy are used locally. Antibiotics are used intramuscularly.

Abscesses that fluctuate on palpation are cut. The incision should be wide to allow free flow of pus. Postoperative treatment is the same as for purulent wounds.
For benign abscesses, instead of an incision, a puncture of the abscess that has arisen is sometimes made. In this case, the pus is drawn out, and the void that has formed is washed with a solution of penicillin, furatsilin and other antiseptics. If necessary, the puncture is repeated after 1-2 days.

Prevention. It is necessary to promptly detect and treat all mechanical injuries to the skin and mucous membranes. During surgical procedures, it is necessary to follow the rules of septicism and antiseptics. Also follow the rules for keeping animals.

In the following articles, on the pages of the site, I will talk about other surgical infections that can occur in animals.

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