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If you own a cat that loves to explore the outdoors and has a high chance of encountering wildlife or other pets, they are more likely to get injured. Cats can be territorial, which means the possibility of a fight is high. Furthermore, if you live in a forested area, the chance of a puncture wound from a branch or stick is also more likely, and both these wounds are prone to abscesses that will require treatment.
The price of treatment and veterinary care varies depending on different factors, and abscess treatment for a cat will generally cost between $300–$2,000 depending on their location and extent. In this article, we’ll break them down to help you get a better idea of the cost of cat abscess treatment.
Disclaimer: Please be mindful that these are just approximations and generalized estimates. For an accurate expectation of costs associated with treating your cat’s abscess, speak to your veterinarian. The prices will vary greatly based on their size, location, severity, and the cat’s overall health.
The Importance of Treating an Abscess in Your Cat
An abscess is an infection of a particular area generally underneath your cat’s skin that usually affects the skin and the underlying tissue. It is typically caused by a puncture or bite wound that allows bacteria to enter the tissues below, resulting in a pus pocket beneath the skin. However, some abscesses can form inside the body and may not be visible.
It is rare for an abscess to be fatal, but the prognosis is determined by where it is on your cat’s body, how long it’s been infected, and which bacteria are present, as well as does your cat suffer from any other health issues. An abscess must be treated to heal completely.
Otherwise, the infection can spread and cause your cat to become very sick. Untreated abscesses can also lead to antibiotic-resistant bacteria and systemic spread of infection. If your cat has an abscess, your veterinarian can clean the area, prescribe antibiotics, and advise you on proper home care.
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How Much Does Abscess Treatment Cost?
The cost of treating an abscess in your cat can vary depending on many factors, such as the cost of required diagnostic procedures, the severity and extent of the condition, location, necessary medication, any potential complications, and the clinic you choose. It can cost anywhere between $300–$2,000. In some cases of very minor abscesses caught early, a procedure that drains the abscess and antibiotic treatment can cost less than $150. On the other hand, with a more advanced infection or an abscess inside a body cavity, advanced imaging such as a CT scan may be required, as well as surgery, and the costs may rise over $2000.
Diagnosing an Abscess
Your veterinarian will need to examine your cat, learn about their medical history, and see if there is a likelihood of bites or puncture wounds. They may perform a blood test to get an overall view of your cat’s health based on their age, health history and physical exam.
Once the swelling is located, the pus will be drawn out with a syringe to confirm the presence of the abscess, as a fluid-filled pocket could also be a hematoma or a mass. Your veterinarian may use a fine needle and a sterile swab to collect a small sample of the discharge to identify the type of bacteria by sending it off for a culture.
Severity of Abscess
If your cat’s abscess is already draining, it may only need to be cleaned and the cat started on antibiotics. If it hasn’t, your cat may require sedation for a mild procedure, in order to lance and drain the abscess.
Hospitalization for a day procedure can cost about $50-100 for admission. Abscess drainage and wound repair can cost anywhere from $200 or more, depending on the extent of the abscess, but if the abscess is large and has formed a big gap underneath the skin or has led to skin necrosis, it may require more surgical management, meaning the cost of treatment could be significantly higher.
The treatment of an abscessed wound is performed under sedation or general anesthesia. Anesthesia may cost around $85 for the first 30 minutes, with an additional $70 charge for each additional 30 minutes, but this will greatly depend on the clinic and the anesthetics used. For a more accurate estimate, please contact your vet.
Your Location and Type of Clinic
Your location can play a significant role in your cat’s treatment cost. As the cost of living varies by region, so does veterinary care, especially between urban and rural areas. This is true for the type of clinic you choose to take your cat to.
Additional Costs to Anticipate
When treating an abscess on your cat, the total cost will be in addition to other factors involved in diagnosing and treating. They can be broken down into the following factors.
Consultation Fees and Lab Fees
A consultation fee is standard, no matter what the situation is. Once your vet has finished the consultation, they may need to run some tests. If surgery is required, a blood test must be done before an anesthetic is administered. A consultation fee can cost about $50, depending on the clinic.
Vaccinations
If your cat’s abscess is due to a bite wound inflicted by a wild animal and their shots are not up to date, your vet will most likely administer a rabies vaccine. Some states also require that pets get rabies boosters if they’re bitten. A rabies vaccination can cost $20–$40. A complete in-house bloodwork panel can cost around $140.
Elizabethan Collar
Your cat may require an Elizabethan collar to prevent them from scratching and irritating the wound. They can cost $15–$25, depending on the size.
Follow Up Appointment
Your cat may need a follow-up appointment to ensure the wound is healing correctly and remove stitches if necessary. Depending on the severity of the abscess, more than one appointment may be required. A follow-up consultation can cost about $30.
Approximate Price Range for Abscess-Related Veterinary Services
| Consultation Fee | $30–$80 |
| Drainage and Wound Repair | $150–$450 |
| Medication | $10–$70 |
| Anesthesia | $85–$350 |
| X-Ray or Ultrasound | $200-$500 |
| Advanced Imaging, Such as CT | $1500 or more |
| Surgery | $300–$2,000 |
| Rabies Vaccine | $20–$40 |
| Elizabethan Collar | $15–$25 |
| Follow Up Appointment | $30–$50 |
Please speak to your vet for more accurate estimates on treating your cat’s abscess.
How Can I Prevent Abscesses?
Cats are territorial, so fights in areas with a large population of felines are common, making bite wounds more likely. Male cats should be neutered to reduce territorial behavior, which can reduce fighting and prevent future abscesses.
If your cat spends a lot of time outside, ask your veterinarian about vaccinations, flea treatment, and deworming. Outdoor cats should get vaccinated against FeLV. Check their body for bites and scratches regularly, and if you find a puncture wound, trim the hair around if they let you do so safely and thoroughly wash it with warm water, before heading over to see your vet.
Does Pet Insurance Cover Abscess Treatment?
Most pet insurance policies cover accidents, which include bite wounds. With that comes services related to the accident, such as sutures, medication, surgery, and hospitalization. If your cat’s abscess is related to a dental condition, it is possible that your insurance won’t cover it since dental coverage is usually an add-on to your policy.
To avoid unnecessary costs, seek immediate veterinary attention for your cat if you notice any troubling signs. You might be surprised to learn that not all pet insurance companies cover exam fees for qualifying conditions, which are typically included in almost every veterinary bill, so it’s essential to check what your policy covers.
Conclusion
Abscesses can be common in cats, especially if they are outdoor cats. If your cat needs treatment for an abscess, the overall price depends on many factors. The entire process of treatment can cost $300–$2,000.
Pet insurance can be beneficial in the case of a bite wound, so it should be considered. If you do not have pet insurance, comparing quotes from different providers doesn’t hurt. If you can’t afford to pay the bill, talk to your vet about payment options they can offer to help you.
Featured Image Credit: SofikoS, Shutterstock
I have never had a vet as cheap as listed above. Great article.
Hi Dawn, thanks for reading. Glad to hear you enjoyed the article. Vet costs vary from state to state, and sometimes even just from clinic to clinic. Knowing the average rates can help you make the best decisions for you and your furry friend.