My outdoor cat was lame for a few days last week, and now has an awful smelly spot on her back leg. What is this and should I take her to the veterinarian?

It sounds like your cat has one of the most common problems we see with outside cats. You are describing

what sounds like a cat fight abscess.

This happens after a cat gets in a fight with the neighborhood "bully." When dogs bite, the wounds often tear open, so they leave a long cut that drains well on its own. When cats bite (other cats and humans), their little teeth puncture the skin and the tiny holes heal very quickly.

Unfortunately, this closes a site that is filled with inflammation and bacteria, and infection grows quickly. Because of their hair, the wound is not easily visible, but the cat might limp on, show signs of discomfort, or the area might feel warm to the touch. Because they often have a fever, cats may stop eating or just seem a little "under the weather."

Within days of the bite, the abscess ruptures and releases a purulent discharge that smells and looks awful. At this point, the cat probably feels relief, but there is still an infection to clear up.

It is critical for these cats to have the wounds clipped and cleaned and for them to be started on oral antibiotics to prevent the area from continuing to discharge or spread infection. Another complication of fights and abscesses is the potential spread of serious diseases like rabies and feline leukemia. The only way of preventing these problems is to keep your cat indoors. So, play it safe and keep them in. You’ll save money and lots of heartache in the long run.

This information, prepared as a public service by the Rhode Island Veterinary Medical Association, answers problems Rhode Island veterinarians currently are seeing in their practices, as well as new developments in animal care.