Abscess in cat tail- help!

[Jenda]

My little black moggie Louie is 3 and has come home with a hefty lump on his tail. He's gone off his food a bit and is very sleepy so im sure its an abscess. He wont let me touch it but when I tried to have a look it started pussing, ick. Ive had my best mate and my dp trying to swaddle him so I can try and clean it before we can get him to a vet but hes crying and causing such a fuss, wont let me near it poor thing.

We have been stupid and not got insurance yet because he hasn't had his boosters- we haven't had him long and had a couple of unexpectedly shite months financially so getting this was a payday thing. I know we sound like irresponsible pet owners- we can afford him we've just had a bit of misfortune. Im going to have to borrow money to take him to the vets, which is no problem because I wouldnt leave him in pain

So my questions are:

How much is this going to cost me? Presumably just a check and anti bis?

How the hell is the vet going to hold him down when three of us can't?

Will he hate me forever for taking him?

Ive no kids yet so he is my baby!!

Thanks

Just to warn you they may want to sedate or give him a GA to lance it and flush it out. They will then give him antibiotics to clear up the infection. I was a vet nurse but it was 10 years ago, to hazard a guess I'd say between 100-150 quid if he needs a GA. I wouldn't give him any brekkie tomorrow just in case he does need a GA. He won't hate you you are making him better. This type of thing usually comes from fighting with other cats a bite or scratch from another cat can infected very quickly especially if he contributes to the germs by licking it himself. As it is on his tail it suggests he was probably trying to escape from being attacked , poor puss hope you get him sorted out.

Jesus Christ on a bike Korma! 1200 quid? Vets are raking it in nowadays- why was it so much or am I totally out of touch?

My cat had an abscess on her back.

The vet took her into another room to sort her out.

She screamed. (The cat, not the vet) All done.

Cost £30.

Lynette I need your vet!

Korma- that makes me what to be sick. £1200!

Thanks Nobhead, i wondered if they might have to do that. If thats the case they best have a payment plan!

The vast majority of abscesses can be treated for under £50 particularly if it has already burst. Yes if it needs lancing £150 sounds about right.
Thousands is exceptional rare only had this once in my career when the abscess had been caused by a mink biting all the way to the pelvic bone.

Just incase any of you are having trouble sleeping worrying about my cat - got it sorted with an anti b injection for £58!