Why is my cat's leg swollen and painful after an abdominal abscess?

Question

My cat is suffering from an abscess in his abdomen. I have had hum at the vet 3 times, the last time he stayed overnight. Abscess has been drained and he is on antibiotics. Seems to be responding to them. Now the problem. He cries out when I touch his back leg which is on the same side as the abscess. I noticed just now that his back leg is swollen. He cannot jump up and doesn't put much weight on the leg. Would this be an effect of the abscess? I see no injury. Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Male | neutered | 11 lbs

Ricardo Fernandez, DVM · Accepted Answer

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is indeed most likely due to the abscess. I would be suspicious that some of that pus and inflammation has migrated to the leg and is causing pain as well. At this point I think this may be require more investigation into the underlying cause of the abscess. I would be suspicious of foreign material that has migrated and is underneath the skin. If that is the case, surgery and possibly further diagnostics like a CT scan as well as long courses of antibiotics may be needed to treat this appropriately. A culture of this wound should be obtained if that has not been done to make sure that the correct antibiotic is used. I recommend that you have Spock reevaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. Good luck and have a good night!

Why is my cat's leg swollen and painful after an abdominal abscess?

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