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| Definition An abscess is a localized collection of pus in any part of the body that is surrounded by swelling (inflammation). Causes Abscesses occur when an area of tissue becomes infected and the body's immune system tries to fight it. White blood cells move through the walls of the blood vessels into the area of the infection and collect within the damaged tissue. During this process, pus forms. Pus is the build up of fluid, living and dead white blood cells, dead tissue, and bacteria or other foreign substances. Abscesses can form in almost every part of the body and may be caused by infectious organisms, parasites, and foreign substances. Abscesses in the equine... We all know that horses can suffer from hoof abscesses... these cause the horse pain and in some instances can require a LOT of time and medical attention. However horses can also suffer from abscess in most other parts of their body, such as the jaw, ovaries, cornea and abdomen. Depending on the location of the abscess they can be hard to diagnose and treat, for instance chronic colic with a fever of unknown origin and weight loss might indicate an abdominal abscess, but may be mistaken for another form of colic. Many abscesses can be the result of another problem, such as an ulcer of the eye can then lead to a corneal abscess, horses that suffer from strangles can also develop intestinal abscesses. |
Abdominal Ulcers: Glory's Story
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