Purina Proplan

Health

Unless you’re a trained expert, the language used to describe your dog’s health can often be confusing. Our simple health encyclopaedia translates a selection of the most common terms into plain English - to help you understand exactly what your vet is telling you.

A to Z of Health

Select term alphabetically, or by scrolling the list. To read a description, click on the term selected. When appropriate, links to further reading are supplied.

Booster

Abscess

An abscess will appear as either a firm or soft swelling and can occur anywhere in the body. There are two types of abscesses, septic or sterile, but the vast majority are septic i.e. caused by infection. Septic abscesses contain liquefied material called pus and are formed by the body’s reaction (i.e. the immune system) to the invading foreign material (i.e. the bacteria). Designed to contain the infection, the abscess is characterised by a fibrous capsule. Skin abscesses are often caused by a bite or scratch, but any puncture of the skin e.g. a splinter may become infected. Affected pets are often in pain and sensitive to touch around the infected area and this can manifest as a behavioural change such as uncharacteristic aggression. A minor abscess may drain naturally or burst when the capsule softens, but if this does not happen, your dog can develop a temperature or go off their food. This is an indication that the infection may have spread outside the abscess and veterinary attention is required. The vet will prescribe appropriate antibiotics and may lance the abscess, releasing the pus.

Emergencies

If your dog is injured or has an unexpected medical emergency, it's important to act quickly. Knowing how to act in different situations can be the difference between life and death.

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