Serving the needs of animal patients across northeastern Illinois, Joel Todd Leroy Prince maintains membership in several professional organizations including the American Veterinary Medical Association. Knowledgable about diverse aspects of veterinary medicine such as soft tissue surgical procedures, Joel Todd Leroy Prince treats canines that have developed abscesses, or “pus pockets” that may be hidden under thick coats.

1. Approaches to Treating Pet
Abscesses
Joel Todd Leroy Prince

2. Introduction
• Serving the needs of animal patients across northeastern Illinois, Joel Todd
Leroy Prince maintains membership in several professional organizations
including the American Veterinary Medical Association. Knowledgable
about diverse aspects of veterinary medicine such as soft tissue surgical
procedures, Joel Todd Leroy Prince treats canines that have developed
abscesses, or “pus pockets” that may be hidden under thick coats.
Among the most common causes of abscesses are injuries involving bites,
with bacteria such as escherichia coli and staphylococcus spreading in the
infected area. The pocket of pus is typically treated either through flushing
and draining, or surgery. Abscesses are particularly difficult to treat when
they are relatively deep and involve embedded foreign objects. The objects
must be completely removed or else the abscess will come back.
Following abscess removal, a dog will receive antibiotic therapy to destroy
the type of bacteria involved. Pain is a significant concern following
treatment and pain medications may also be prescribed. After surgical
abscess removal, the dog should be kept quiet and contained, and draining
from the abscess monitored until it is fully healed.