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Abscess in DogsAn abscess in dogs occurs when an infection develops in a part of the body that can open into a pocket. Learn how to use herbal and
homeopathic remedies to treat abscesses in dogs.
An abscess is a "pocket" or lump that contains pus, which is an accumulation of dead bacteria and dead inflammatory cells (mostly white blood cells) that have moved into the
area in an attempt to inhibit and eliminate bacterial growth.
The formation of a pocket is the body's way of "walling off" the infection so that the rest of the body is
not affected. Thus, an abscess is actually the body's ingenious way of managing infections.
If the white blood cells are able to destroy the bacteria, the abscess will heal on its own without any treatment. In this case, the source of infection is elminated
by the white blood cells and and the body will slowly absorb the pus and the abscess will eventually go away.
If the white blood cells in the pocket cannot clean up the infection on their own, the pus will accumulate and eventually the abscess will rupture, due to the increased
pressure from the pus. In most cases, the rupture allows the pus to drain to the outside of the body and facilitates elimination of the infection. (In rare cases, however,
the rupture may drain into a body cavity (e.g. the abdomen), which may cause serious problems and requires immediate medical treatment.)
Sometimes, an abscess keeps draining but does not heal (called a fistula). This is usually due to the presence of a foreign object (such as foxtails, porcupine
quills, splinters, etc.) in the tissue.
Symptoms of An Abscess in Dogs
Causes of an Abscess in DogsAbscesses happen more frequently in cats than in dogs, and cats can generally handle abscesses better than dogs. Most abscesses in dogs are due to puncture wounds (from dog or cat fights for example). An abscess in dogs can also be caused by foxtails or plant awns that get trapped in the hair and work their way through the skin. This usually happens on the dog's feet, between the toes; sometimes in or around the ears and between the hind legs. TopHow to Treat an Abscess in DogsAlthough abscesses in dogs look serious (especially when pus is draining out), in most cases they are manageable at home with the help of natural remedies such as herbal and homeopathic remedies. Here is what you can try:
How to Treat an Abscess in Dogs - HomeopathyVery often, an abscess in dogs is caused by a foreign object (such as foxtails, plant materials, splinters, etc.) embedded in the tissue, in which case the discharge will not stop until the object is removed. This can be done either surgically or by a natural expelling process aided by the homeopathic remedy Silicea (30C). Since surgery involves more risks and causes more pain, not to mention it is difficult to locate something small like a piece of splinter, it is advisable to first try using the homeopathic remedy. You may want to seek the help of a holistic vet for dosage and continual monitoring of the abscess.Related Topic Dog Wounds References D. Hamilton, Homeopathic Care for Cats and Dogs (North Atlantic Books, 1999). Pitcairn and Pitcairn, Dr. Pitcairn's Complete Guide to Natural Health for Dogs and Cats (Rodale, 2005). TOP of Abscess in Dogs |
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