Cat Abscess Treatment Cost
Last Updated on June 19, 2021 | Written by CPA Alec Pow
First Published on June 19, 2021 | Content Reviewed by 
CFA Alexander Popivker
If you notice your little furry friend has an obvious lump or sac that is filled with pus, and he seems to be in a lot of pain then it’s likely the cat has developed an either bacteria-or foreign material-related abscess. Once these types of lesions rupture at some point and they will usually drain out all their contents. An abscess usually comes with redness and discomfort for any animal companion suffering from this painful condition.
If your cat is unable to naturally fight off an abscess, you will need to talk to a veterinarian about treatment options. In some cases, white blood cells from the infected area can destroy what’s causing it but they are not always able to do so on their own.
How much does a cat abscess treatment cost?
Surgery for removing a cat abscess will cost anywhere between $300 and $2,000. If instead, your cat needs a simple “lancingȚ treatment, that will only drain the abscess, this will usually cost $150 or less.
There are many different factors that go into the cost of treating a cat abscess such as your geographical location, what treatment is necessary, and if other procedures or tests need to be done.
You might also like our articles about the cost of treating a broken leg on a cat, declaw, or deworm a cat.
According to a recent study by WagWalking.com, the cost of an abscess can range anywhere from $200 to $3,000 or even more, depending on how severe it is. The national average is around $700, according to the same study.
Dr. Magnifico had a lot to say about the costs of caring for one patient cat: $50 just for an exam, another $30 worth of antibiotics, $20 more if they need NSAID drugs and fluids that cost $25 each – it all adds up to over $150 for just one treatment.
Cat abscess treatment details
While many clinics will have their own billing policies when handling cat abscesses, there are still several commonalities that should always be included on price estimates: vet fees for consultations and surgical procedures; medication like antibiotics following surgery; cost of any follow-up visits, if needed.
An abscess is a pocket of pus near the skin or inside an organ. Some common signs that your cat may have one, are fever, puss with foul-smelling discharge if it was drained, and listlessness. These can occur in any part of your body but are most often found on the mouth & head; limbs; back and base of the tail.
Before any surgery is considered, the veterinarian will recommend trying to drain out the pus from an abscess. They’ll perform a physical exam of your pet’s body and locate anything abnormal in order for them to determine where it could be located. Once they’ve identified what looks like an abnormality on their skin or under the fur, they’ll insert a syringe into that area with the intent to suck up all of the pus until there isn’t any more coming out. If this can get rid of it completely (or at least relieve some pressure), antibiotics may also be prescribed after draining as this helps fight off bacteria while treating wounds/abscesses.
The surgery to get rid of cat abscesses can be very complicated and should only be performed by a veterinarian. First, the vet might sedate or anesthetize your kitty to cut out any necrotic tissue in order to prevent it from spreading further. If there is a larger wound that needs draining, they may also have you keep on flushing the surgical drain with regular saline solution until all of the fluid has drained away; usually, this takes up to three weeks depending on how large your feline friend’s abdomen was before surgery. Afterward, antibiotics will need administering so as not to allow infection during recovery time.
Your cat should be back to its old self in a week, as long as the treatment has gone according to plan and you follow through on the antibiotic regimen.
Any extra expenses to consider?
The cat’s surgery is a risky procedure, and there are potential complications that may occur. Any complications will, of course, mean additional costs added to the final bill. The medication costs $10 to $30 after the operation has been performed.
The cost of a vet visit can vary based on the veterinarian, but it’s important to check with them beforehand. Ask about anesthesia fees and follow-up visits before you leave so that there are no misunderstandings when it comes to the final bill.
Many vets will administer a rabies vaccine if they are not up to date on their shots. After the procedure, most doctors recommend a cone – at $10-$20 in price – and an antibiotic shot.
Important things to consider
A cat with an abscess needs to get veterinary treatment as soon as possible. If left untreated, the infection may spread and lead to septicemia which can be more deadly with every minute that passes.
When a cat has an abscess, it will show signs such as bumps or swelling near the wound. They may also be licking and cleaning around it constantly because of puss seeping from the wound. If this is in their mouth, then you may notice that they are not eating much at all. Overall, they will feature a lethargic behavior that usually indicates pain.
If you are struggling to afford veterinarian expenses, there is hope and help available. Many vets in your area will be more than happy to work out a payment plan for you or even refer you to an organization that may be able to assist with the cost of care.
Another important thing is to try to avoid any alternative solutions you might find online, as usually, these will only make things worse.
Any way to spend less?
Don’t wait to do something about your cat’s abscess. The longer you put off taking it in, the higher chance that they are going to have to go through costly procedures.
If you’re ever in a tight financial situation and can’t afford to pay your vet bill, don’t worry. There are plenty of options. Talk with them about payment plans or even recommending non-profit organizations that may be able to help out financially.
It doesn’t hurt to get more than one quote, even if you’re loyal to one vet, to make sure you find the clinic that offers the best services for the best prices.
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