Wounds and Abscesses
Wounds and abcess wounds, whether accidental or surgical, can result in pain,
bleeding, infection and loss of function. Unattended wounds are an ideal breeding ground for
infection predisposing to abcess formation. Basic wound management includes:
- control of bleeding
- removal of debris and affected tissue
- drainage
- promotion of healing
- wound closure
How Infections Start
Most infections begin with a break in the skin or membranes that permits
normally present bacteria to invade underlying tissues. Aerobic bacteria and facultative anaerobes
(see the sidebar article for definitions) deplete the available oxygen, creating the ideal
environment for obligate anaerobes. Most infections are mixed, containing both obligate and
facultative anaerobes. Mixed infections often progress through several stages as the bacterial
populations shift with their changing environment.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Preliminary diagnosis of an anaerobic infection is usually based on clinical
clues, because testing for anaerobes is a difficult and time-consuming process. Successful
treatment of anaerobic infections almost always begins with drainage and the removal of affected
tissue. These procedures help restore normal circulation and promote healing. Your veterinarian
then will prescribe antibiotics to kill anaerobic germs and prevent their spread to nearby tissues.
Common Antibiotic Options
Your veterinarian may consider the following antibiotics for treating wounds
and abscesses. The health and comfort of your pet depend on the proper selection.
For more information on common antibiotic options, please visit the ANTIROBE® (clindamycin hydrochloride) Liquid, CLAVAMOX® (amoxicillin trihydrate, clavulanate potassium) Drops, and ZENIQUIN® (marbofloxacin) Tablets overviews.
Definition of Terms
Aerobic, Anaerobic…What's the Difference?
You hear these terms often in discussion of infections. Here's what they mean. |
Aerobic Infections
Aerobic means that an organism can grow only in the presence of air or free oxygen. A
common aerobic bacterium, Staphylococcus aureus, is responsible for many infections. Gaining
entry through broken skin or mucous membranes, the bacteria rapidly multiply. Tissue damage often
reduces or restricts the blood supply, and this shields the bacteria from the host's immune system and
favors continued growth. The invading bacteria also produce substances that accelerate the death of
surrounding cells and tissue. Some types of bacteria create a physical barrier between the infection
and the body's defenses by enclosing themselves in capsules.
The simple staph infection produces inflammation, dead tissue and collections of pus. If staphylococci
enter the bloodstream, they can easily invade almost any tissue and organ in the body. For example,
staphylococci can cause osteomyelitis (infection of the bone and associated tissues), pyoderma
(pus-associated skin infections), pyometra (pus in the uterus) and empyema (pus in the chest cavity).
Effective treatment of staph infections often starts with draining and cleaning the wound. Effective
antibiotic therapy requires an antibiotic that penetrates to the site of infection and kills staphylococci.
Anaerobic Infections
Anaerobic means that an organism can live without air or free oxygen. This type of bacteria is
divided into two groups. Obligate anaerobes are true anaerobic bacteria. Facultative
anaerobes normally don’t live in the presence of oxygen, but they may acquire this ability under certain circumstances.
The body’s normal bacterial population is predominantly anaerobic. These bacteria colonize virtually
every mucous membrane surface of the body. In the mouth, for example, obligate and facultative anaerobes
outnumber other bacteria 10 to 1. Anaerobes survive in the mouth because aerobic bacteria lower
the oxygen level and create a welcome environment. This bacterial synergy is important in the development
of anaerobic infections.
When ANTIROBE was tested in clinical trials, vomiting and diarrhea were occasionally observed.
CLAVAMOX is contraindicated for use in animals with a history of allergic reaction to any of the penicillins or cephalosporins. Safety of use in pregnant or breeding animals has not been determined.
ZENIQUIN, as with all fluoroquinolones, is not recommended for use in immature cats during the rapid growth phase, or in cats known to be hypersensitive to fluoroquinolones. The most common adverse reactions observed during clinical studies were decreased activity, loss of appetite, vomiting and diarrhea.
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