Blocked anal or sweat gland? Help!

[Allena]

Hello. I took my long-haired guinea pig, Freddie, to the Vets tonight for a pedicure and general check over. To my distress, it was discovered he has a blocked anal/sweat gland?! It is swollen and painful when touched. I am to bathe his rear end with diluted Hibiscrub every day for a week and bring him back into the Vet next week. I am very worried as Freddie has never been ill before and so I should appreciate some expert advice. Is this a common ailment in guinea pigs? I keep Freddie well groomed and his cage very clean He lives inside my home. I am distraught to think my poor wee chap was in discomfort and I didn't realise! Please can anyone tell me how best to bathe him, and the best treatment for this ailment. Thank you.

 

[DMS260820]

If its a blocked sack bit where he poos from? It will be impaction. How old is he?if it is this, its common in older boars, and it will need cleaning out probably daily. It shouldnt be painful unless left for too long, causing it to build up

 

[Allena]

If its a blocked sack bit where he poos from? It will be impaction. How old is he?if it is this, its common in older boars, and it will need cleaning out probably daily. It shouldnt be painful unless left for too long, causing it to build up

Thanks for your prompt response. I really don't know what it is. He is sore and squeals if I touch his back end, for example if I should try to brush him! He is pooing normally though and doesn't cry when he does so. He's eating normally too, and apart from this swollen area on his bottom, seemed fine. (Why I was so shocked to find out he actually isn't well tonight!) Freddie is approximately 3 years old. (As a rescue piggie, I do not know his birthdate). Any advise as to *how* I bathe the sore area with cotton wool? I have never tried to wet him, ever!

 

[Tangle]

Did the vet say bathe as in “let soak for a couple of minutes” or as in “give it a good wash”? Sorry - I see you mention “with cotton wool”: is that what the vet said? If it’s really sore then to start with I’d maybe soak the cotton wool in your hibiscrub solution and just hold it on the affected area to let it soak in without causing any more distress than you have to - but I’m no expert, that’s just the way I’d treat an injury on any animal (including my children!). If its more of a dunk his entire rear end then the guides below will help massively.

Is he short or long haired?

Try not to beat yourself up. These things can happen even with the best of care. The important thing is that you know about it and do something to make it better

(Can’t Do links through my phone... There’s lots of answers in these guides, so take a deep breath and have a read to get started.)
How To Bathe Guinea Pigs - Including Ears & Grease Glands
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

 

[Betsy]

Hope you get your poor boy sorted. I'm confused about where it is cos the grease glad is in a different place towhere a piggie poops from.

 

[Allena]

The swollen part seems to be slightly to the left of his anus?!? It's difficult to see properly, as he won't let me touch him. He is still pooping okay so he isn't constipated or compacted.

 

[Allena]

Did the vet say bathe as in “let soak for a couple of minutes” or as in “give it a good wash”? Sorry - I see you mention “with cotton wool”: is that what the vet said? If it’s really sore then to start with I’d maybe soak the cotton wool in your hibiscrub solution and just hold it on the affected area to let it soak in without causing any more distress than you have to - but I’m no expert, that’s just the way I’d treat an injury on any animal (including my children!). If its more of a dunk his entire rear end then the guides below will help massively.

Is he short or long haired?

Try not to beat yourself up. These things can happen even with the best of care. The important thing is that you know about it and do something to make it better

(Can’t Do links through my phone... There’s lots of answers in these guides, so take a deep breath and have a read to get started.)
How To Bathe Guinea Pigs - Including Ears & Grease Glands
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

Our Vet advised soaking the cotton wool pad in the diluted, warmed, Hibiscrub and then hold the damp pad against Freddie's sore part for a few minutes. Rest and repeat a few times. Hopefully, after a couple of days, this will remove and clean any debris/blockage. Can but hope!

 

[Allena]

Our Vet advised soaking the cotton wool pad in the diluted, warmed, Hibiscrub and then hold the damp pad against Freddie's sore part for a few minutes. Rest and repeat a few times. Hopefully, after a couple of days, this will remove and clean any debris/blockage. Can but hope!

Did the vet say bathe as in “let soak for a couple of minutes” or as in “give it a good wash”? Sorry - I see you mention “with cotton wool”: is that what the vet said? If it’s really sore then to start with I’d maybe soak the cotton wool in your hibiscrub solution and just hold it on the affected area to let it soak in without causing any more distress than you have to - but I’m no expert, that’s just the way I’d treat an injury on any animal (including my children!). If its more of a dunk his entire rear end then the guides below will help massively.

Is he short or long haired?

Try not to beat yourself up. These things can happen even with the best of care. The important thing is that you know about it and do something to make it better

(Can’t Do links through my phone... There’s lots of answers in these guides, so take a deep breath and have a read to get started.)
How To Bathe Guinea Pigs - Including Ears & Grease Glands
Boar Care: Bits, Bums & Baths

 

[Allena]

Hello. I took my long-haired guinea pig, Freddie, to the Vets tonight for a pedicure and general check over. To my distress, it was discovered he has a blocked anal/sweat gland?! It is swollen and painful when touched. I am to bathe his rear end with diluted Hibiscrub every day for a week and bring him back into the Vet next week. I am very worried as Freddie has never been ill before and so I should appreciate some expert advice. Is this a common ailment in guinea pigs? I keep Freddie well groomed and his cage very clean He lives inside my home. I am distraught to think my poor wee chap was in discomfort and I didn't realise! Please can anyone tell me how best to bathe him, and the best treatment for this ailment. Thank you.

UPDATE on Freddie:
Have bathed his sore bottom daily with diluted Hibiscrub as prescribed by our Vet. Treatment has worked well. Inflammation has gone down significantly. Was back at Vet's for a check-up tonight, and she was very peased with his improvement. Am to reduce Hibiscrub bathing to once a week now, for a month. All's going well. Freddie's in good form and his happy wee self once more. Thanks for all your advice. A&F

 

[Posyrose]

That's great news