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Suspected abscess - vet unavailable

Froggerella

Froggerella

Junior Guinea Pig
Joined
Oct 30, 2015
Messages
117
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90
Points
300
Location
Wirral, UK
Hi all

One of my sows, Sketch, has a history of an abscess on the side of her body. This was drained a year or two ago by the vet, and healed well. There was some evidence of scar tissue which left a small bump but the vet said this was not a concern, and there were no further issues - we've just monitored this ever since.

Yesterday I noticed this lump has doubled in size, and Sketch is NOT a fan of this being touched - she gets quite tetchy if you try. I strongly suspect this is another abscess in the same place as the first.

I've called our vet today, but unfortunately they don't have any open appointments for the next few days (they're under a lot of strain due to current circumstances, obviously). These are the only local vets I will trust to be cavy savvy. They've advised us to monitor, and that as long as it's not causing restrictions in her movement, etc, that she should be ok for now. The abscess is closed.

Is there anything I can do at home while we're lacking vet contact? I'm very confident administering medications and dealing with various health stuff, although of course don't have access to any medications unless a vet prescribes these. Is it worth attempting to open and drain the abscess at home or is it recommended that I leave this as long as it doesn't appear to be affecting her movement?

Thanks.
 
Froggerella said:
Hi all

One of my sows, Sketch, has a history of an abscess on the side of her body. This was drained a year or two ago by the vet, and healed well. There was some evidence of scar tissue which left a small bump but the vet said this was not a concern, and there were no further issues - we've just monitored this ever since.

Yesterday I noticed this lump has doubled in size, and Sketch is NOT a fan of this being touched - she gets quite tetchy if you try. I strongly suspect this is another abscess in the same place as the first.

I've called our vet today, but unfortunately they don't have any open appointments for the next few days (they're under a lot of strain due to current circumstances, obviously). These are the only local vets I will trust to be cavy savvy. They've advised us to monitor, and that as long as it's not causing restrictions in her movement, etc, that she should be ok for now. The abscess is closed.

Is there anything I can do at home while we're lacking vet contact? I'm very confident administering medications and dealing with various health stuff, although of course don't have access to any medications unless a vet prescribes these. Is it worth attempting to open and drain the abscess at home or is it recommended that I leave this as long as it doesn't appear to be affecting her movement?

Thanks.
Click to expand...

Hi!

Please see any vet asap you can get to if the abscess is starting to blow up again. You will have to ask for lancing and stitching the hole open to flush it twice daily while it is healing; and you will also need a strong antibiotic.
Please don't home treat yourself.

@furryfriends (TEAS)
 
Wiebke said:
Hi!

Please see any vet asap you can get to if the abscess is starting to blow up again. You will have to ask for lancing and stitching the hole open to flush it twice daily while it is healing; and you will also need a strong antibiotic.
Please don't home treat yourself.

@furryfriends (TEAS)
Click to expand...

Thank you - I suspected as much but wanted to double check. They've asked us to try calling tomorrow as they may have more appointments available then, we'll just have to see what happens. In the meantime she appears fine in herself, we're watching her closely.

Do you know if there would be any particular reason for this to reoccur in the same place after so long? Is it possible it wasn't completely drained and flushed last time?
 
Are there any Forum-recommended vets you could visit instead of your regular one? :(
 
Froggerella said:
Thank you - I suspected as much but wanted to double check. They've asked us to try calling tomorrow as they may have more appointments available then, we'll just have to see what happens. In the meantime she appears fine in herself, we're watching her closely.

Do you know if there would be any particular reason for this to reoccur in the same place after so long? Is it possible it wasn't completely drained and flushed last time?
Click to expand...

Even the tiniest spec of infection that remains inside can eventually cause the abscess to come back. Abscesses need to heal from the inside out; that is why deep seated encapsulated abscesses need be operated out whole or abscesses close to the surface need to be lanced, marsupialised (i.e. the opening stitch open wider) and then be flushed twice daily for as long as possible in order to get every little bit out. Unfortunately even with the best of care, that is not always quite possible which is why abscesses should never be taken lightly and why they can have a bad habit of coming back. :(
 
HeatherW said:
Are there any Forum-recommended vets you could visit instead of your regular one? :(
Click to expand...

I'm on a local animal Samaritans group on Facebook, so I've asked for recommendations on there for vets good with small animals - just waiting on responses now!
 
@Merab's Slave & @PigglePuggle are near the Wirral, they may be able to recommend a local Guinea savvy vet?
Or the recommended vet locator
Vet Locator

Please get her vet checked as soon as possible. if it is another abscess ask the vet about Zithromax as it's a strong, effective antibiotic on many abscesses (still might take 3-4wks) . In addition to these, you'll probably find the vet will lance, drain & stitch open the site so you can flush it daily, this let's it heal from the inside out.

Good luck & let us know how you get on. Healing vibes xx
 
GPTV said:
@Merab's Slave & @PigglePuggle are near the Wirral, they may be able to recommend a local Guinea savvy vet?
Or the recommended vet locator
Vet Locator

Please get her vet checked as soon as possible. if it is another abscess ask the vet about Zithromax as it's a strong, effective antibiotic on many abscesses (still might take 3-4wks) . In addition to these, you'll probably find the vet will lance, drain & stitch open the site so you can flush it daily, this let's it heal from the inside out.

Good luck & let us know how you get on. Healing vibes xx
Click to expand...

Thank you - I've dealt with a few pig abscesses via the vet in the past but they've never prescribed that particular antibiotic, so I'll definitely ask about that!

I've now got a list of local vets that local rescues have recommended so we're going to call around and hopefully get her seen by tomorrow.
 
Froggerella said:
Thank you - I've dealt with a few pig abscesses via the vet in the past but they've never prescribed that particular antibiotic, so I'll definitely ask about that!

I've now got a list of local vets that local rescues have recommended so we're going to call around and hopefully get her seen by tomorrow.
Click to expand...

I had to sign a disclaimer as Zithromax is a human antibiotic, but it's very effective for guinea pigs, my Grace was happy to take it as it was Banana flavoured/smelling.

Although she needed the abscess drained & stitched back(marsupialised) originally to reduce the amount of pus too.

Good luck xx
 
So I have an update!

Our normal vet was able to see Sketch today (the poor thing must feel so betrayed - she was very excited to come out, probably expecting it was grass time...) He's examined the lump and attempted to drain, but there was no fluid - so he believes it isn't an abscess. It may be some kind of wart... He did say that if he saw a lump that colour on a lighter skinned guinea pig, he would think melanoma, but Sketch is very dark so the lump and the skin are all black - so there's nothing to suggest that right now.

Because it definitely bothers her when it's touched, his plan of action is to remove the lump, whatever it is. She's booked in to be dropped off next Friday - he'll attempt to do what he can with local anaesthetic, before putting her under general for as short a time as possible to fully remove it and stitch it up. She'll be back home with us the same day, and he's advised a few days of painkillers post op while she's healing. He discussed at length that it's fine to ensure she has enough food for the day because of the way their digestive systems work, and he's planning on keeping the general as short as possible to reduce any risks.

He appeared quite confident with this plan, and he talked my partner (who took her in - I was stuck in work) through the risks. I have a lot of faith in this vet, he's well known for dealing with exotic animals of all kinds. So... Does this seem fair enough? Has anyone had experience of something similar?
 
Froggerella said:
So I have an update!

Our normal vet was able to see Sketch today (the poor thing must feel so betrayed - she was very excited to come out, probably expecting it was grass time...) He's examined the lump and attempted to drain, but there was no fluid - so he believes it isn't an abscess. It may be some kind of wart... He did say that if he saw a lump that colour on a lighter skinned guinea pig, he would think melanoma, but Sketch is very dark so the lump and the skin are all black - so there's nothing to suggest that right now.

Because it definitely bothers her when it's touched, his plan of action is to remove the lump, whatever it is. She's booked in to be dropped off next Friday - he'll attempt to do what he can with local anaesthetic, before putting her under general for as short a time as possible to fully remove it and stitch it up. She'll be back home with us the same day, and he's advised a few days of painkillers post op while she's healing. He discussed at length that it's fine to ensure she has enough food for the day because of the way their digestive systems work, and he's planning on keeping the general as short as possible to reduce any risks.

He appeared quite confident with this plan, and he talked my partner (who took her in - I was stuck in work) through the risks. I have a lot of faith in this vet, he's well known for dealing with exotic animals of all kinds. So... Does this seem fair enough? Has anyone had experience of something similar?
Click to expand...
Which vet do you go to?
We moved here last year and so far I’ve been very happy with Irby Vets.
Hope all goes well for Sketch’s surgery
 
Merab's Slave said:
Which vet do you go to?
We moved here last year and so far I’ve been very happy with Irby Vets.
Hope all goes well for Sketch’s surgery
Click to expand...

Ahh, hello! We're with Hoylake Vets - Rob has been fantastic for the last few years with the many pigs we've paraded through with various lumps and bumps and haypoke. I don't know anything about Irby vets but I'll keep them in mind for anything in the future if we're not able to see Rob - we're only in Saughall Massie so not far at all!
 
I’m not far from you as we live in Irby.
I just thought it would be good to try the local vet before going to Hoylake vets
 
So I have an update... Sketch was originally scheduled for her surgery tomorrow morning. However, early this evening she began to present as very lethargic. We quickly realised she'd lost interest in food, and she was also having the occasional shake/tremor. Sketch has always been a very active and sassy girl, so this was a big character change.

We got an emergency vet appointment. Vet has said there could be a few causes for this - infection, tumour, etc. He's given her a cocktail of medications via injection - b12, calcium, antibiotics, painkillers, and gut stimulant. She's not eating so I'm having to syringe feed critical care. We're to give the vet an update in the morning.

She's spent all evening on the sofa with my partner and me, switching between various different positions lying on me. She's just so lethargic, and I don't know what else I can do. I'm just cuddling her.
 
Another update (I'm keeping it all to this thread since the original issue is potentially relevant) - my partner stayed up all night to syringe feed Sketch every couple of hours. Sketch appeared slightly brighter this morning - sitting up instead of lying flat. She's still not eating by herself, we're continuing regular syringe feed. We've spoken to the vet again and have a further appointment today, they forgot to give her metacam in her drug cocktail yesterday so they're going to give that today and see what else can be done. I've seen no evidence of Sketch pooing since yesterday, which obviously concerns me. I've seen her wee once, and I'm trying to encourage fluids too.

Vet appointment #2 is at 5pm, any advice or tips in the meantime would be wonderful. We've dealt with poorly pigs and syringe feeding many times in the past, but never when the illness seems to have come on so fast as this. I honestly didn't expect her to still be with us this morning, but she's here and fighting.
 
Good girl keep fighting! Poo output is 1-2 days behind. So I guess keep up with the syringe feeds and maybe she may. How's her weight been?
@Wiebke @VickiA can be of more help. Keeping my fingers crossed for you.
 
I think you are doing all you can while waiting to get her back to the vets. In your shoes I would be syringe feeding her meds and CC/other recovery food plus some water and waiting until the vet sees her later today. Please let us know how you get on. We know how hard it is when you are trying to keep them going until the vet can see them.
 
Thanks everyone. Her weight isn't bad - she's within her normal range according to my scales, although the vet reckons she lost a small amount since he saw her a week ago.

We've continues syringe feeding every couple of hours - I have her out now and she's very lethargic again. She's not happy with the feeding and half heartedly fighting it. She's done about 3 small poos that I've seen today.
 
Froggerella said:
Thanks everyone. Her weight isn't bad - she's within her normal range according to my scales, although the vet reckons she lost a small amount since he saw her a week ago.

We've continues syringe feeding every couple of hours - I have her out now and she's very lethargic again. She's not happy with the feeding and half heartedly fighting it. She's done about 3 small poos that I've seen today.
Click to expand...

Keep on feeding! Fingers very firmly crossed.

PS: This guide link here also contains tips how to work out when your girl is losing her battle (last chapter) in case the lethargy is getting worse and your girl stops being able to process food.
Emergency, Crisis and Bridging Care until a Vet Appointment
 
Update: second vet visit in 24 hours done. She's not dehydrated, and there was evidence of food in her mouth - obviously, as a result of the syringe feeding. There's no wheezing.

The vet suspects the two main contenders for this are pain or infection, so he's given two sets of painkillers plus another set of antibiotics by needle. He's advised us to keep syringe feeding, but not to do it overnight as she's going to need some sleep to help her energy levels.

Full list of meds Sketch has had by injection in the last 24 hours now:
  • Marbocyl x 2
  • Vetergesic
  • Metacam
  • Emeprid
  • B12
  • Calcium
We're to call with an update tomorrow at 9.30am and we'll take it from there depending on how she is.
 
But if you stop feeding and she’s not eating enough by herself....I don’t know. I’m sorry you don’t seem any further along in finding out what is wrong. Hopefully the more experienced members will be along in good time to help you.
 
I hope that the pain relief helps. I disagree with not feeding during the night, I would still give one feed in the night to ensure their is something going through the system. Good luck
 
Thanks everyone - I see where the vet is coming from but I agree with you all, and I think I'll aim to feed her at least once overnight even if it's not the every two hours that we did last night.

She's had a sudden string of small poos this evening. Still lethargic though.
 
Sketch passed away early this morning.

We gave her a night feed around 4am and we could tell then that she was declining. I went to get her for another feed this morning and she'd gone.

Whenever I lose a guinea pig, I always torture myself with all the "what if" scenarios, and questioning whether I could have changed the outcome over and over again. In this case though, both my partner and I feel confident that we did everything in our power. When we noticed Sketch was off her food on Thursday, she was at the vet within an hour. We kept up regular syringe feeds, we kept her warm, we got her back to the vet for a second time yesterday, she had all the appropriate medication. She just hid her illness too well until it was too late.

I might post on the rainbow bridge when I feel ready, but I hope no one minds me saying this here. Sketch was my sassiest and smartest guinea pig - she knew what she wanted and wasn't afraid to let you know! I was there when she was born in my bedroom 4.5 years ago, this perfect little bundle of black and brown swirls and tufts. She had her best friend in her mother, Jenga, until Jenga passed away in January... In the last few months she's had a new best friend, our rescue Alanis, and it's been so lovely to watch her grow so close and be so affectionate with another pig after losing Jenga.

Sketch is going to be very much missed.
 
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