Abscesses in Cattle: A Common Surgical Challenge

Background

Abscesses are localized collections of pus that occur within tissue, typically caused by bacterial infection. In cattle, abscesses are commonly found on the body surface and are considered one of the most prevalent surgical swellings encountered.

Causes and Risk Factors

Various factors can contribute to the development of abscesses in cows, including:

• Trauma or wounds, allowing bacteria to enter the body
• Injection site infections
• Underlying infections in other organs, such as the lungs or uterus
• Immunosuppression or impaired immune function