Biology Reference
In-Depth Information
DEFINING SOME TERMS
Cytology
is a term used to describe the evaluation of cells under a
microscope.This is different than a full
biopsy
with
histopathology
,
which involves microscopic evaluation of tissue.The larger the sample,
the more cells there are available for making an accurate diagnosis.
If your veterinarian recommends a biopsy, the entire growth or
just a piece may be removed. In general, it is a good idea to take as
much tissue as possible the first time so that if a problem is found,
the animal may not need another surgical procedure.
If you notice red, inflamed skin or scabs on your cat that seem to go
away and then come back, you should have the area examined by a vet-
erinarian. It is not common for a cat to injure herself repeatedly in the
same area. Sores that don't seem to heal may be indicative of skin cancer.
Indoor cats are not at as much risk for SCC as outdoor cats, but many
cats like to lie in shafts of sunlight that shine in through the windows. If
the ultraviolet rays are not decreased by window shades or tinting, indoor
sunlight is still harmful.Waterproof sunblock can be applied to white ear
tips and pink noses to help protect skin against the sun. Keeping an at-
risk cat inside between 10
A
.
M
. and 2
P
.
M
., when the sun is strongest, will
decrease exposure to the most direct and damaging rays of sunlight.
INFECTIONS AND ABSCESSES
Pyoderma is a bacterial infection of the skin, but it usually occurs second-
ary to another condition such as a wound, allergies or excessive grooming.
Pyoderma is a superficial infection that responds to antibiotics. Medicated
baths can help cool the skin, remove crusts and dry out the infection.
Abscesses are deeper infections that start out as punctures or pene-
trating wounds, most often as a result of cat bites.The infection festers
and pockets of pus form under the swollen skin.To effectively treat an
abscess, the infected pocket must be surgically lanced and flushed, most
often under sedation or anesthesia.A drain is placed to prevent swelling
from again trapping infection under the skin, the surgical incision is
closed with stitches, and the cat is started on antibiotics. The drain is
removed in about three days, and the stitches in 10 to 14 days. A pro-
tective collar prevents a cat from chewing on her stitches or pulling out
the drain during the healing process.
