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Guniea pig just got back from operation! Update

@Wiebke @Siikibam @Roselina ... I just popped into the vets to speak to the vet and they said they want to keep her in another night. I'll explain what was said. They said there's still alot of fluid building up in the area and some pus also? They have her on metacam and Baytril currently. They want to monitor to see if there is another build up over night and they maybe trying a different antibiotic if this doesn't work. They said she's lively and eating well and passing alot of poos which look well!

I asked why there is a sudden build up of pus and they said it could be just an infection formed from the incision and operation, or it could be from the abscess that was there before, but why would pus build up if the abscess capsule was removed totally which is what they have done. They have been draining and flushing the area out also to make sure. I was wondering what your thoughts are when you get a chance to read this. I'm just happy it's not me having to do all this! Her breathing seemed alot better and she was looking more well than when I first brought her in
 
Glad to hear she is feeling and looking a little better. I believe fluid building up after surgery can be normal. It can just be the bodies way of dealing with the space left by the abscess. As for the pus, I'm not sure but hopefully the antibiotics will sort it.xx
 
Glad to hear she is perking up and pooping lots!
 
IzzyGad said:
@Wiebke @Siikibam @Roselina ... I just popped into the vets to speak to the vet and they said they want to keep her in another night. I'll explain what was said. They said there's still alot of fluid building up in the area and some pus also? They have her on metacam and Baytril currently. They want to monitor to see if there is another build up over night and they maybe trying a different antibiotic if this doesn't work. They said she's lively and eating well and passing alot of poos which look well!

I asked why there is a sudden build up of pus and they said it could be just an infection formed from the incision and operation, or it could be from the abscess that was there before, but why would pus build up if the abscess capsule was removed totally which is what they have done. They have been draining and flushing the area out also to make sure. I was wondering what your thoughts are when you get a chance to read this. I'm just happy it's not me having to do all this! Her breathing seemed alot better and she was looking more well than when I first brought her in
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I am very sorry about the complications. It's happened to one of my own piggies once that despite the abscess being removed infection got in. But it is a VERY positive sign that your girl is better in herself, livelier and eating well; hopefully she can come home once your vet has worked out how to get on top of the infection and the fluid build up. It may be that she has to stay on diuretics for a while (the meds that drain fluid from the body). The fact that her breathing has improved also means that the fluid build up is not as much as it was before.

Take consolation that she is in the safest place possible!
 
Hello IzzyGad I’m glad she is being well looked after - it maybe that a different anti biotic is required to clear the pus/infection. Great that she is eating/passing normal poos. I agree with furry friends (TEAS) that the capscule area left will fill with fluid but as it heals new tissue replaces the fluid - I know this with human mouth abscesses and soft tissue is very similar generally in how it heals. She is doing so well so you must be feeling reassured and hopefully less anxious - sending you both lots of healing vibes and a BIG hug each 🥰
 
Just caught up with this thread, I'm sorry your abscess removal operation hasnt been straightforward :(
If it helps at all our skinny pig Tallulah had some very odd complications after abscess removal surgery, she had a huge seroma bigger than the original abscess, then developed a granuloma where basically she had a big allergic reaction to her sutures! She is fine now, we had a very worrying time with some very unusual post-op complications, but just wanted to say that sometimes piggies can have reactions to routine surgeries that neither you nor the vets could ever anticipate in advance- but your vet really seems to be doing everything they can here, they probably have this all under control and hopefully soon your piggy will be home safe and getting well.
Tallulah skinny pig (queen of and survivor of unusual medical reactions to anaesthesia drugs and abscess surgery and suture materials!) sends many healing wheeks to your poorly piggy x
 
Thank you for all the replies and support guys! @Wiebke did you ever get to the bottom of the infection despite the abcess being removed?

@PigglePuggle What were the symptoms of your guniea pig when she had all this going on after her removal of abcess?
 
IzzyGad said:
Thank you for all the replies and support guys! @Wiebke did you ever get to the bottom of the infection despite the abcess being removed?

@PigglePuggle What were the symptoms of your guniea pig when she had all this going on after her removal of abcess?
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Yes, you should. It is more of a matter of finding the antibiotic the infection responds to. Thankfully there is a wider range that are safe for guinea pigs than there used to be these days.
 
IzzyGad said:
Thank you for all the replies and support guys! @Wiebke did you ever get to the bottom of the infection despite the abcess being removed?

@PigglePuggle What were the symptoms of your guniea pig when she had all this going on after her removal of abcess?
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What we found with Tallulah was that her operation site (which had been very neat and clean after complete successful removal of the abscess capsule) started getting puffy and swollen and leaking fluid about 48 hours post-op, then she suddenly had a very dramatic bout of explosive diarrhoea poor girl, so we took her straight back to the vet who gave her antibiotic and pain relief injections... she just had a massive inflammatory reaction at the surgery site, very rare, and possibly this isnt quite what you are seeing with your piggy, I just wanted to mention it as another example of a successful abscess removal followed by some unexpected complications...
I can't post links on my phone but if you search the forum for "Tallulah's abscess" you should be able to see her abscess removal story! She is completely fine now, just a little scar on her neck, but we had a tough 3 or 4 weeks at the time!
 
The vets have just rang me to say that they want her in another night and have started her on another antibiotic alongside the other one to try and combat the infection. They said she's really lively and eating and pooing well and to look at her you wouldn't even know she has an infection. So that's good news right?

I asked what the infection might be from and they did say it could be from the needle or where they had to drain the other fluid and it didn't like it being opened up and drained alot. She's in good hands and fingers crossed she will be home with me soon.

I'm just worried about her friend who's still at home with me as she might not accept her back? Will she remember her if she comes back home?
 
IzzyGad said:
They said she's really lively and eating and pooing well and to look at her you wouldn't even know she has an infection. So that's good news right?
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My Elvis had surgery to remove an abscess and he was still his lively self through it all and recovered really nicely so hopefully your girl will do the same once you get to the bottom of this complication 🤞It comforted me through all of Elvis's vet visits to know he was still as happy as he was before so yes I'd say that's a good sign
 
Keep strong IzzyGad she’s doing really well and your Vet is taking great care of her. Sending you both a BIG hug
 
I'm guessing there's going to be an extra charge on top of the 340 pounds which was for the operation? I tried asking if her stays over night and monitoring is part of the 340 and they said they don't think it is :(((( I'm going to have to pay alot more. Do you think I could argue it should be included with the post op because the post op complications is to do with the surgery! @Wiebke @Roselina @PigglePuggle @Eddie & Elvis
 
Mmmm I think they might argue that it was ‘unforeseen ‘ post operative complications - They seem have looked after her very well and seem to care - some vets will allow a payment plan - maybe worth asking and explaining that you had no idea that this could happen and cannot pay straight away ? Hopefully they will sympathetic and understanding.
So sorry you’ve had to go thru this but the good thing is your little piggie is getting better and that horrid abscess has gone . Take care of yourself 🥰
 
@Wiebke @Roselina @Eddie & Elvis @everyone who has supported me in this difficult time.

I have just had my girl come back home. Looking much more well and herself. Her friend sniffed her and checked her out but I think she remembered her and there was no fus. It was almost like a greeting and the poorly one closed her eyes like they were having a hug! It was sweet. The vets had a little pus come out yesterday but today it seemed to of dried up they said and the wound was looking better. I hope they remembered each other, but it looked like they did. There was alot of sniffing going on from the piggy that hasn't been away!
 
I'm glad your piggy is feeling much better now and she can come back home to her friends and to you. I hope she continues to recover from now on ❤️
 
IzzyGad said:
@Wiebke @Roselina @Eddie & Elvis @everyone who has supported me in this difficult time.

I have just had my girl come back home. Looking much more well and herself. Her friend sniffed her and checked her out but I think she remembered her and there was no fus. It was almost like a greeting and the poorly one closed her eyes like they were having a hug! It was sweet. The vets had a little pus come out yesterday but today it seemed to of dried up they said and the wound was looking better. I hope they remembered each other, but it looked like they did. There was alot of sniffing going on from the piggy that hasn't been away!
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That is great news!

Guinea pigs have a perfectly good long term memory; I have had old mates going back together in an Elderlies group with minimal fuss after living in different groups for several years in the meantime; they also remember routines from several years past - or old enmities!
Just a few days are no problem with a stable bond. Problems only arise if there are underlying rifts in a relationship when it is put to the test although vets increasingly understand the importance of companionship during illness and allow the companion to come as (what I call) 'paw holders' with the ill one or the piggy that is being operated. I bet yours are happy to be reunited! All the best for being out of the woods now and further problem free recovery!
 
Oh wow that is great news ! I’m so pleased for you both - she and you will feel much happier now she is back where she belongs - her little friend will be great company and help her continue to get better ! You can relax more and enjoy your little piggies ! Have you got a lot of medication etc to give her ? 🥰
 
Hello. Just hit this thread. . .
Wow what a torrid time you are having and your very brave piggie.
Sending you lots tlc. Dave
 
IzzyGad said:
The vets have just rang me to say that they want her in another night and have started her on another antibiotic alongside the other one to try and combat the infection. They said she's really lively and eating and pooing well and to look at her you wouldn't even know she has an infection. So that's good news right?

I asked what the infection might be from and they did say it could be from the needle or where they had to drain the other fluid and it didn't like it being opened up and drained alot. She's in good hands and fingers crossed she will be home with me soon.

I'm just worried about her friend who's still at home with me as she might not accept her back? Will she remember her if she comes back home?
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Yes she will remember
 
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