Hydrogen peroxide for cat abscess cleaning?

Question

My cat had an abscess drained. The vet said to clean the wound once a day for seven days by putting hydrogen peroxide on a cotton swab, sticking it inside the drain hole, and rubbing it inside the wound. Will this work? I've heard that hydrogen peroxide isn't good for cleaning wounds because it kills healthy tissue.

Answer 1

I don't think hydrogen peroxide is a good idea. You could use bedadine, I think thats what it's called I can't remember.  

Answer 2

You don't trust your vet!  If he said to do it than do it. You may need additional meds.

http://www.allivet.com/Cat-Wound-Care-s/...

Answer 3

General rule: trust your doctor over a website full of amateurs.  A surgical scrub like betadine is not required for maintenance cleaning.  It will, in fact, kill more than the hydrogen peroxide does.  Hydrogen peroxide is safe and will be fine.  Avoid salt water; it is a desicating agent and can cause infection if not sterile.  Animax ointment is not for internal use (i.e. inside a drain hole).

If you do not trust your doctor or me (I did, after all, start off this post by saying not to trust a website full of amateurs) call another vet and get a second opinion.  It's free and every hospital and clinic I have ever worked for is happy to help.

Good luck and happy healing to your cat.