Reptile & Amphibian Forums

Hi Dr Tobin-
I have a male cat with an abscess on his tail, about an inch down from the top (or tail head, as my vet says.) We have working with it for about 6-7 weeks now. He was in the hospital for 3 1/2 days initially when I took him in, as it turned out to be much worse than they thought at first. It was almost all the way around his tail and very deep. They lanced and cleaned and debrided it and sent him home with a hydrogel dressing on it, and we go back 2-3 times a weeks for dressing changes. At first it seemed to be doing well, but now it has stopped progressing and it may be infected. Have you heard of using honey as a wound dressing for these kinds of wounds? If it doesn't progress his tail may have to be amputated, but the problem with that is that it is so far to the top there may not be enough healthy tissue to cover the wound. Thanks for any help you can give.
Erin

Honey can be used for infected wounds because it is hygroscopic, drawing water to itself, which means that syrum, along with bacteria flow towards the honey dressing. Due to its sugar content, it also kills bacteria. It is worthwhile trying, but I would also consider calendula extract to flush out the wound, as it also kills bacteria and promotes wound healing. You might want to give homeopathic Hepar sulphuris or Lachesis orally, along with echinacea and golden seal .