Expert: Dr. Louis N. Gotthelf - 10/11/2006

Question
My cat a few months back was attacked by a dog. Her sinus cavity was puntured and the bone on her fore-head was fractured. She seems to be better as far as all that is concerned, but since then she started scratching her head by her ear a little to the left of where her skull was fractured. A scab came off and now there's a big circular red spot and she wont stop scratching it. Could the bone have chipped off and be pushing itself out or is this something else?

Answer
Yes, these frontal sinus injuries can show up like that.  The sinuses produce mucus and when there is a fracture that blocks the normal drainage of mucus, then it will come out of the skin wound.  These are difficult to deal with and it may require surgery to open up the sinus and clean it out.  Antibiotics may need to be continued for several months.