Also known as: 膿瘍
膿瘍は被包化された感染巣であり、咬傷、掻傷、その他の皮膚損傷に日和見細菌が侵入することに続発して爬虫類に非常に多くみられる。爬虫類の膿は液状ではなく硬いチーズ様であるため、膿瘍は単純には排膿しない硬い腫脹として現れる。皮膚、口腔、耳、顎、内臓器官に生じることがあり、未治療の場合は局所破壊や全身性疾患を引き起こすことがある。通常、固形の膿瘍芯を外科的に摘出する必要がある。
An abscess is a localized, walled-off collection of infection. Abscesses are among the most common surface lesions in reptiles and form a firm mass rather than a soft, drainable swelling, because reptile pus is thick and solid (caseous) rather than liquid as in mammals.
Most abscesses follow trauma such as cage-mate bites, fight wounds, rodent prey bites, or punctures that introduce opportunistic bacteria under the skin. Poor hygiene, husbandry stress, and immune suppression from suboptimal temperatures increase the risk.
Owners notice firm lumps or swellings under the skin, around the jaw, ears, or limbs. Abscesses near the mouth, ears, or joints can impair eating, hearing, or movement, and the animal may have a reduced appetite or appear generally unwell if the infection spreads.
A veterinarian examines the swelling and may aspirate or image it, then submits material for culture and sensitivity testing to identify the bacteria involved and select an effective antibiotic.
Because the pus is solid, treatment usually requires surgically opening the abscess and removing its entire caseous core, followed by flushing, packing, antibiotics chosen by culture, and pain relief. Simply lancing and draining is rarely sufficient.
Prevent abscesses by reducing trauma and aggression, housing incompatible animals separately, supervising or pre-killing rodent prey, maintaining clean enclosures and correct temperatures, and treating any wound promptly before bacteria become established.
This content is for educational purposes and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice. If you are worried about your pet, contact your veterinarian.
