Abscess Treatment and Repair in Pets

An abscess is a localized pocket of infection that forms under the skin, most commonly caused by bite wounds, punctures, or bacteria entering through a small break in the skin. Abscesses are painful and can worsen quickly if not treated, making prompt veterinary care important.

Learn More

How We Treat Abscesses

Treatment depends on the size, location, severity of infection, and your pet’s overall health.

Sedation or Anesthesia

Small or less painful abscesses may be treated under sedation
Larger, deeper, or more painful abscesses often require general anesthesia to allow thorough treatment and keep your pet comfortable and still

The Procedure

During abscess treatment and repair, we will:

Clip and clean the surrounding area
Open and drain the abscess to remove infected material
Thoroughly flush the area to reduce bacterial contamination
Remove dead or infected tissue if necessary
Close the wound when appropriate, or leave it partially open to allow continued drainage

In some cases, a surgical drain is placed to prevent fluid from reaccumulating and to promote proper healing.

Aftercare and Going Home

Most pets are able to go home the same day following abscess treatment.

Your pet will be sent home with:

Pain medication to keep them comfortable
Antibiotics to treat and control infection

Drains

When a drain is placed, it is typically removed in 4–5 days
Drain removal can be performed by our hospital or your primary care veterinarian (GP)

Sutures or Staples

If the wound is closed, sutures or staples generally need to be removed in 12–14 days
A recheck appointment is important to ensure the infection has resolved and healing is progressing as expected

Home Care Instructions

Careful home management is essential for recovery:

Keep the area clean and dry
Do not bathe your pet or allow swimming unless directed by a veterinarian
Monitor the site daily for swelling, redness, discharge, or odor
Your pet must wear an E-collar (cone) at all times when you are not actively supervising them

Licking or chewing at the site can delay healing and reintroduce infection.

When to Contact Us or Your GP

Contact a veterinarian immediately if you notice:

Increased swelling, redness, or discharge
Persistent or worsening pain
A foul smell from the wound
Fever, lethargy, or decreased appetite
The wound opening or sutures coming loose

Our Goal

Our goal with abscess treatment is to eliminate infection, relieve pain, and support safe healing. If you have any questions or concerns about your pet’s recovery, please contact us, we’re happy to help.

Abscess Treatment and Repair in Pets

Home Care Instructions

When to Contact Us or Your GP

Our Goal

Quick Links

Contact

Hours