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Abscess

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Sunny1

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Hiya,

So my guinea pig had an abscess operated on last week and I called the vet again yesterday as he still has a lump there and was wondering why it hadn't gone. He is concerned that it may have refilled (even though still on antibiotics) and I'm taking him back this morning. I'm worried they will want to operate again or pts. The specialist near me isn't seeing new patients at the moment either. Is an abscess something he may need to be pts for? Many thanks
 
It depends on what surgery was done, is the abscess open and being flushed out daily (I’m assuming not as you’ve said it seems to have refilled)
What antibiotic was he given? Some just aren’t strong enough to deal with abscesses
@furryfriends (TEAS) has had a lot of experience in dealing with piggy abscesses so hopefully can offer advice
Abscesses can be problematic, but are treatable
 
Sunny1 said:
Hiya,

So my guinea pig had an abscess operated on last week and I called the vet again yesterday as he still has a lump there and was wondering why it hadn't gone. He is concerned that it may have refilled (even though still on antibiotics) and I'm taking him back this morning. I'm worried they will want to operate again or pts. The specialist near me isn't seeing new patients at the moment either. Is an abscess something he may need to be pts for? Many thanks
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Was the abscess marsupialised? If so, have you been flushing it, at least twice daily? Which antibiotic have you been prescribed?
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
Was the abscess marsupialised? If so, have you been flushing it, at least twice daily? Which antibiotic have you been prescribed?
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Thanks for replying. The abscess site was stitched shut after they cleaned the pus out and he's on 0.3ml baytril twice daily.
 
Sunny1 said:
Thanks for replying. The abscess site was stitched shut after they cleaned the pus out and he's on 0.3ml baytril twice daily.
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On no! Unless the whole abscess capsule was removed, it should've been stitched open, so you can flush regularly, as the abscess will continue to produce pus, that is now sealed inside. This needs to be re-opened asap. Also, baytril is not strong enough, in most cases, to deal with an abscess. You need an antibiotic, such as Zithromax (azithroymycin) or a combination of Marbocyl and Metronidazole.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
On no! Unless the whole abscess capsule was removed, it should've been stitched open, so you can flush regularly, as the abscess will continue to produce pus, that is now sealed inside. This needs to be re-opened asap. Also, baytril is not strong enough, in most cases, to deal with an abscess. You need an antibiotic, such as Zithromax (azithroymycin) or a combination of Marbocyl and Metronidazole.
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I'm based near Taunton in somerset and used Livia Benato with a previous piggy in Exeter but last time I called them they weren't seeing new patients but perhaps if my vet refers me they will.... This is such a nightmare. He's four years old and was sent home barely able to lift his head and they just told me to get him eating again, they hadn't done any feeding. (thank goodness I had critical care myself!) and now the thought of having to go through this again is horrible bless him.
 
Sunny1 said:
I'm based near Taunton in somerset and used Livia Benato with a previous piggy in Exeter but last time I called them they weren't seeing new patients but perhaps if my vet refers me they will.... This is such a nightmare. He's four years old and was sent home barely able to lift his head and they just told me to get him eating again, they hadn't done any feeding. (thank goodness I had critical care myself!) and now the thought of having to go through this again is horrible bless him.
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It makes me so cross when vets don't deal with things properly, but are happy to take the clients money. Abscesses are very treatable, with the right surgery and good antibiotics. I am currently dealing with a guinea pig who had a jaw abscess, that leaked under the skin, because the previous vet did a fine needle aspirate of the abscess capsule, without doing any further surgery. The abscess pus tracked down his whole body, eventually bursting out through his tummy. This resulted in an abscess covering the whole length of his body. It has taken months, but we are close to a full recovery. I would ring around other vets and see if you can find someone who can deal with this properly. If you were closer, I would suggest you coming to see the vet we use, here in Northampton.
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
It makes me so cross when vets don't deal with things properly, but are happy to take the clients money. Abscesses are very treatable, with the right surgery and good antibiotics. I am currently dealing with a guinea pig who had a jaw abscess, that leaked under the skin, because the previous vet did a fine needle aspirate of the abscess capsule, without doing any further surgery. The abscess pus tracked down his whole body, eventually bursting out through his tummy. This resulted in an abscess covering the whole length of his body. It has taken months, but we are close to a full recovery. I would ring around other vets and see if you can find someone who can deal with this properly. If you were closer, I would suggest you coming to see the vet we use, here in Northampton.
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So sorry you have had such a horrible experience! Called city vets again and they can now offer a specialist again which is great. Thank you for all your help
 
Little update. The abscess has refilled and he needs to have it marsupialised. If anyone has any helpful tips on what to expect and how to best care for him after this is done that would be amazing. Many thanks
 
Sadly this isn’t surprising to hear given it was stitched. Again, TEAS is the best person to advise on after care but flushing regularly and ensuring a good antibiotic and pain killer is given. Alongside weighing to ensure your piggy is eating well following surgery, syringe support feeding where necessary
 
Piggies&buns said:
Sadly this isn’t surprising to hear given it was stitched. Again, TEAS is the best person to advise on after care but flushing regularly and ensuring a good antibiotic and pain killer is given. Alongside weighing to ensure your piggy is eating well following surgery, syringe support feeding where necessary
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Thank you. I'm still topping him up with syringe feeding following his previous operation as his weight dropped after it. Apparently they will pack the abscess with antibiotic beads. Is this common? I'm being referred to a specialist for the op but that is what my vet said they would do...
 
furryfriends (TEAS) said:
I will post advice this evening! I'm out this afternoon, with a number of piggies at vets. I've never had abscesses packed with antibiotic beads, but will let you know how we deal with abscesses when I have time to reply properly.
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Thank you so much. Hope your appointments go OK x
 
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