What does a rat abscess look like? - briefly
A rat abscess appears as a localized swelling that is raised, with reddened or purplish skin and a soft‑to‑firm, pus‑filled core. The surrounding fur may be sparse or absent, and the area often feels warm to the touch.
What does a rat abscess look like? - in detail
A rat abscess appears as a localized swelling that may range from a few millimeters to several centimeters in diameter. The tissue around the lesion is often raised and firm, sometimes tender to the touch. The skin over the mass can be stretched thin, giving a glossy or shiny appearance. In early stages the surface may remain intact, while advanced cases often show a punctum or ulcerated opening that releases pus.
Typical visual characteristics include:
- Color: The surrounding fur may become dull, and the skin can turn pink, red, or purplish, indicating inflammation. The pus itself is usually creamy white, yellow, or greenish, depending on the bacterial flora.
- Texture: The core of the abscess feels fluctuant, suggesting fluid accumulation, whereas the outer capsule feels firm or rubbery.
- Discharge: When the abscess ruptures or is manually expressed, a thick, odorous exudate emerges. The odor is often foul and metallic.
- Location: Common sites are the face, paws, tail base, and abdomen, where injuries or bite wounds are frequent.
- Surrounding signs: Edema may extend beyond the primary mass, and the animal may exhibit reduced mobility or grooming of the affected area.
In chronic abscesses, a fibrous capsule develops, giving the swelling a more defined edge and a darker, scar‑like skin tone. Necrotic tissue may be visible as blackened patches within the cavity. Observation of these features assists in diagnosing the condition and determining the need for veterinary intervention.