Abscesses

Abscesses have recently been quoted as being more accurately termed fibriscesses due to unique nature of avian and reptilian abscess formation. Instead of the liquid puss we are more familiar with in mammals, reptiles and birds form a solid, caseous, dried swelling surrounded by a thick shell of fibrous tissue. This is due to lack of lysozymes that help liquefy foreign matter. Instead the reptile engulfs the material in immune system cells to contain the problem further throws up a think connective tissue wall around the area, forming a solid swelling. These may form anywhere, but a common site in chelonians is the middle ear, causing bulging of the ear drum. The pathogens involved are frequently Gram negative species, although presence of fungi in abscesses well recorded.