When Crisco was found by the side of the road near Brighton it was discovered that she had a horrific injury to her left axilla or armpit. She was promptly taken to Brighton Veterinary Services where her injury was assessed.
Staff cleaned up and clipped the hair around the wound and found it to be significantly infected and foul smelling. What was most concerning was that several maggots had to be removed from the area.
She was administered pain relief, antibiotics, and anti-inflammatory medication. With a long recovery ahead of her and no sign of an owner, Crisco was transferred to Ten Lives.
A few days later and now in the care of Ten Lives, our Vet Team assessed Crisco.
The initial infection was now under control with help from the antibiotics and the horrible smell was gone. On inspection, it was likely that the wound was caused by a collar injury. It’s possible that she got the collar stuck on a branch and when trying to break free ended up with her left leg through the collar. In the struggle the area around her armpit became significantly abraded.
We will never know exactly how long Crisco spent struggling to get the collar off, nor how long she had been suffering with the injury afterwards.
These photos were taken a week later during one of her regular bandage changes that occur every few days. The difficulty of healing a wound on a mobile joint is apparent in how slow the progress is. Though, with the Vet Team’s patience and perseverance Crisco will recover.
As the initial infection has subsided the antibiotics and anti-inflammatories can be discontinued. Though it is evident that Crisco is still in a great deal of pain as the wound starts to heal. She will continue with pain relief.
Applying a bandage to a cat is both an art and a science. The process starts with Solosite, a gel that keeps the wound hydrated. Melolin, an absorbent dressing then provides cushioning. Soffban provides additional cushioning, and conform bandaging then holds together the layers under it. Additional layers of Vetwrap and elastoplast ensure that Crisco won’t be able to remove the bandages and interfere with the wound.
That is the science, and of course the art is how the bandages are expertly applied around the joint, ensuring that the wound is dressed appropriately and the joint is mobile.
With Crisco all bandaged up and her pain managed it will be a few more days before her next vet check up. By then we hope to see gradual progress in how the wound is healing and Crisco will soon be ready to be placed in foster care.
As a V.E.T.S. Club member it is your subscription that allows the Ten Lives vet team to provide the much needed care that Crisco received – and for cats just like her. So, thank you.
Words and images by: Rich East, Ten Lives Creative Team
