Sooo glad you found the abscess/cause! Know how you feel when these medical mysteries occur on our pets. We have to trim the front nails of our cats, weekly. They got used to it and don't complain anymore. Started by snuggling into a cozy chair with cat next to me and under control, then just touched and spread their front toes a bit, a couple times a day. Finally added the nail clipper, snip, snip, and done.
Isn't wonderful how helpful this forum can be. Nice way to just "pass it on" great info. Folks on line have sure helped me, too!
I am so happy you found out the problem. My Tigger used to get abcesses often because he would have to beat up everybody that came in his year. They can be quite troublesome for them. I sure hope he isnt fighting in heaven (ha ha)
It was a distinct bite mark from our other male cat that he plays/fights with. Yuk, we all know what nasty bacteria is in a cat's mouth. Thank you everyone for the well wishes.
abscesses can really hide on a cat. We had a cat with one and didn't know until it broke open while holding the cat - YUCK! Instant run to the vet and she had also already been seen with no sign of the injury.
Barb