| Information sheets | | | Elsenburg infopaks | | | Animals, diseases: 21 |
Abscesses
Afrikaans | Xhosa
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When puss-forming bacteria invade a wound in any part of an animal's body, it may develop into an ulcer. A major cause of losses among small stock is the result of the ulceration of
lymph glands.
Staphyllococcus, Streptococcus and Pasteurella are common bacteria in the environment that are responsible for the ulceration of wounds. Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis and Arcanobacterium pyogenes (formerly Actinomyces) are the two foremost causes of the ulceration of lymph glands. |
Contaminations of this kind can accumulate in the environment where pens, mangers and fences often form the sources of infections. Stock may also be infected by carrier animals which may, for example, carry the infection in their lungs. Germs invade the body through wounds or mucous membranes.
Next these bacteria spread through the blood, whereupon they localise in the lymph glands which serve as filters. When the infection gains the upper hand, an abscess develops in the gland. The contents of the abscess comprises cell debris, dead cells, white blood cells and bacteria. When abscesses erupt, they pollute the environment and infect the next animal.
Tick bites are a highly prominent cause of wounds that get infected. Unhygienic practices during shearing, milking, branding, castration and inoculation also contribute greatly to problems with abscesses.
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Abscesses lead to financial losses when parts of a carcass are condemned at the abattoir. Major infections may inhibit growth and result in the odd mortality when abscesses occur in
vital organs.
It is important to drain visible abscesses in a controlled manner. The surface must be disinfected and a cross incision must be made at the lowest and softest point of the ulcer. The puss must be collected and incinerated. As much puss as possible should be massaged out of the abscess. An old spoon may be used to scrape out the abscess. It is advisable to apply an antibiotic locally to the inside of the abscess, as well as intramuscularly. An aerosol product to repel flies is a useful additional precaution. |
Hygienic practices such as the incineration of carcasses and the early draining of abscess are basic precautionary measures. There are vaccines available against Corynebacterium pseudotuberculosis.
Care must be taken to avoid contact between wounds on humans and the source of contamination, since contact may lead to serious infections in humans. If abscesses are inadvertently cut during the slaughtering process, dangerous contamination of the meat can occur.
MP van Aardt
ELSENBURG / SPRINGBOK Veterinary Services
