What causes necrotizing fasciitis in cats?

Necrotizing fasciitis is an uncommon but life-threatening complication in immunocompromised hosts. Tissue infections in cat bite wounds are commonly caused by pathogenic bacterium known as Pasteurella multocida. Group A streptococcal infections are not reported following cat bites.

What causes necrotic skin lesions?

Necrotic tissue is the result of skin necrosis. Necrosis is a premature death of cells which occurs due to autolysis (self-digestion of cells after release of enzymes). These cells are a part of the living tissue inside the skin. Necrosis occurs due to external injury or trauma in a particular organ.

Why is my cats skin rotting?

Necrotizing fasciitis in cats is caused by a localized streptococcal infection with a systemic toxemia effect. The majority of necrotizing fasciitis cases are caused by the Streptococcus canis bacterial strain, but Prevotella bivia and Acinetobacter baumannii organisms have been reported to affect felines as well.

Can necrotic skin spread?

Antibiotics and surgery are typically the first lines of defense if a doctor suspects a patient has necrotizing fasciitis. Since necrotizing fasciitis can spread so rapidly, patients often must get surgery done very quickly.

Can cats get necrosis?

Minor wounds from animal bites, minor trauma and veterinary intervention such as dentistry or injections, including vaccinations, have been associated with cases. These probably are more likely in younger cats which predisposes younger cats to necrotizing fasciitis.

What does pyoderma look like in cats?

Small, solid bumps on the skin (called miliary dermatitis) is common. Hair loss, open sores (ulcers), bloody crusts, and draining wounds are usually seen when the pyoderma is deep within the skin.

What happens if necrosis is left untreated?

Untreated, avascular necrosis worsens. Eventually, the bone can collapse. Avascular necrosis also causes bone to lose its smooth shape, possibly leading to severe arthritis.

Can skin necrosis heal on its own?

If you only have a small amount of skin necrosis, it might heal on its own or your doctor may trim away some of the dead tissue and treat the area with basic wound care in a minor procedure setting. Some doctors also treat skin necrosis with hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT).

Will necrosis heal on its own?

If the area affected is small, the skin necrosis will heal on its own. Your surgeon can also prescribe antibiotics, surgical debridement, and hyperbaric oxygen therapy (HBOT) to manage skin necrosis after surgery.