Allie - really bad abscess

[Traci]

Leaving the penrose drain in is a prudent approach, since you want as much pus to drain as possible. Removing it too early could invite worsening infection. Heed your vet's advice and try to keep the area clean at least twice a day, you can use a soap and warm water solution, or ask your vet for a vial of surgical scrub solution. In any event, I'd call him right away and inform him the area seems to be more swollen...this could have been tissue irritation as a result of the drain placement, but you want to be sure. If it's hot to the touch, she could have a fever that may need to be addressed.

[k9Karen]

The extra swelling was there when I picked her up, and he pointed it out to me. It is slightly bruised in appearance, and he is concerned it could become necrotic, so he wants me to watch it carefully. This morning it is still swollen, but seems to be 'pinking up' a bit - which hopefully means the circulation in the area is intact so it will be unlikely to necrose. As best I can tell, it isn't any different in size than it was last night. The wound is still draining, so we'll see if the drain can be removed. They said it might be Sunday, which is fine if it's necessary. I've made her a loose 'shirt' to cover it up. Foxy and Angel were way too interested in it, and I didn't think it prudent to have them sniffing or worse, licking the area. My hubbie had some old cotton briefs that no longer fit. I washed them in bleach and put them in the dryer on its hottest setting, which should take care of any nasty 'beasties' that might be on them. I cut a hole in them for her head, and so, she is wearing backwards underwear. Surprisingly, she isn't trying to take them off! This way, I don't need to worry about something contaminating the drain or the wound from the carpet or floor, etc., plus, any drainage is caught before it gets in the carpet. The vet suggested keeping her in the kitchen or bathroom to protect the carpet, but, if you're that worried about your carpet getting dirty, you either don't have pet (or kids for that matter), or you don't have carpet!!