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Post by lexie on Jul 19, 2008 2:23:59 GMT
Hello Everyone,
I adopted a 10 month old boar two weeks ago which appeared to be fine & healthy. This morning I noticed that he had a sizable lump below his ear . It's very hard & firm, but doesn't seem to hurt him when I touch it. I'm amazed that this developed so quickly; I had him out the night before & didn't see any changes in him. He''s eating & drinking normally and is acting fine. I was going to take him to the vet today, but he is out of town until Monday. Does anyone have any ideas or opinions of what this might be ? Does he need emergency care ? Thank you in advance for any help you can offer.
Lexie
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Post by delukem on Jul 19, 2008 8:20:28 GMT
I think you need the advice of a vet as soon as you can. He may have scratched himself and it could have become infected but I would have thought that he would have been unwell as he would be in pain.
Perhaps someone else on the forum may have had a situation like this and I am sure that they will reply to you today. But my advice would be to get him to a vet before he becomes unwell as guineapigs can go downhill very quickly.
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Post by pelicano on Jul 19, 2008 10:14:39 GMT
Does it seem to be attached to the skin (ie just under) and moves about as you move the skin, or is it stationary? If it's moving about with the skin it's probably not anything to worry about, but I'd get it checked out just in case.
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Post by lexie on Jul 19, 2008 13:48:05 GMT
I can palpate the entire lump & it moves slightly. Again, my piggie doesn't seem to have much discomfort. It hasn't gotten any bigger overnight. It's still very firm, but doesn't feel warm / hot to the touch. His food bowls were empty this a.m. I'm going to make an appt. to have him examined first thing on Monday morning. I really trust my vet . Doesn't it always seem that when you need medical care, your vet is on vacation ?  |
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Post by rayfay on Jul 19, 2008 17:48:03 GMT
It sounds like an abscess. If it is, your vet should be able to drain it and give you antibiotics and you might need to flush it out daily.
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Dawn - Admin
Administrator 
MOTM May 2006, TPOTM Nov 2007
Dawn and the Cutiecavies
Posts: 22,784
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Post by Dawn - Admin on Jul 19, 2008 19:48:18 GMT
Yes it sounds like an abcess it will need draining. I would make and apointment at the vets to get it looked at.
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Post by lexie on Jul 19, 2008 21:35:58 GMT
How does a pig get an abscess ? I've been so careful with keeping their enclosures & food bowls clean. Thanks to everyone who responded.
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Post by rayfay on Jul 19, 2008 21:41:12 GMT
It could be caused from a lot of things. A piece of hay getting stuck in their skin, being bitten by another pig or a bug, an infected cut, lots of other ways as well.
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Post by Niki on Jul 19, 2008 22:18:16 GMT
I asked myself the same question when i found a "mark" on one of my boys.
It may not be an abscess, it may be a cyst but your vet will determine which it is ;D
Niki x
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Post by lexie on Jul 31, 2008 20:36:30 GMT
I just wanted everyone to know that my piggie did indeed have an abscess. The vet was able to move a lot of pus, but unfortunately, the lump is starting to return. The vet also prescribed Baytril. Would it be better to have the abscess burst on its' own or take him back & have the vet treat him again? the vet was concerned that it might return & showed me how to clean it daily. The pig is eating & acting normally, but it looks so uncomfortable. I have tried squeezing it, but nothing comes out and I don't want to upset the pig anymore than I have to. Thanks for any help you can offer.
Lexie
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Dawn - Admin
Administrator
MOTM May 2006, TPOTM Nov 2007
Dawn and the Cutiecavies
Posts: 22,784
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Post by Dawn - Admin on Jul 31, 2008 20:38:53 GMT
I would take him back to the vet so that he can lance it and get the puss out.
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Post by celia on Aug 1, 2008 0:06:16 GMT
How long ago did the vet lance it ? Is the wound still open ? If the wound is fresh you can clean it to get the puss out but if you are finding it hard to do then it would be best to go back to your vet . Let us know how you get on x
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Post by lexie on Aug 2, 2008 15:43:38 GMT
The abscess popped on it's own during the night. There was blood & pus all through his enclosure. I was able to squeeze a lot more out then flushed it with peroxide then applied neosporin to it. He's still on antibiotics. The vet said that I did the correct thing & for the present there isn't much else he could do. He said to continue the peroxide flush & antibiotics & wants to see him next week. He's not optimistic that the abscess won't return. I thoroughly disinfected his enclosure & he seems to be resting comfortably now.
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Post by fitnessgal on Aug 2, 2008 18:16:02 GMT
Awe that's great that he's resting. Was it scary/gross having to clean out the abcess? I'd be so nervous that I'd hurt my piggie. How do you do the peroxide wash? Hugz, Tina
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Post by lexie on Aug 3, 2008 0:58:32 GMT
Well, this isn't a job for anyone with a weak stomach. I wrapped him in a towel then gently began squeezing the abscess. There was still a lot of blood. The pus came out in clumps. My little pig was very brave & cooperative throughout the entire process. After a certain point I could sense that it was become painful for him. I have a big plastic syringe that I filled with peroxide then squirted into the abscess. The vet said that I'll need to keep removing the scab to flush the inside of the abscess. He warned me that tomorrow the area might be pretty tender, but to try & keep the area open. I hate to hurt the little fellow, but I still think there is more pus that needs to be removed. He's eating & drinking normally.
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Post by celia on Aug 9, 2008 22:24:56 GMT
How is he getting on now ?
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Post by lexie on Aug 10, 2008 16:48:26 GMT
Hi Celia,
It still is not completely healed. I flush it daily & am able to squeeze a small amount of pus out. There is a small lump which the vet said is the core of the abscess. He told me to massage it which might help to squeeze it out. He said he prefers not to lance it again. I don't need to take him back in as long as the abscess remains open so that I can continue to flush it. My little pig is eating & drinking normally. He seems quite happy until he sees me coming with a towel to hold him. This has been a very frustrating process. I didn't expect that I would still be getting pus from the abscess. Thank you for asking about him.
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Post by celia on Aug 10, 2008 19:24:45 GMT
I know its a long time to get it sorted and its not fair on the pig getting stressed out but it needs to be done . You seem to be coping with it well ? I know what you mean about them running away when they see you i have 2 with fungal patches just now and jeeze its so bad trying to catch them ( mines have the run of the shed ) . I also have a big rabbit who is 8 and she has soft poo all the time so she runs when its bum cleaning time . I honestly think she hates me right now but i cant leave her to get flystrike . See all the great jobs us owners have to do lol . Please let us know how you get on x
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Post by lexie on Aug 10, 2008 21:02:00 GMT
I really love caring for my pigs. All this attention that has been showered on this little one has calmed him down quite a bit from when I first adopted him. He also knows that he receives a treat when I'm finished treating him. The abscess oozes some during the day & he seems to enjoy when I wipe his coat . I try to talk to him for a while before & after treating him so that he doesn't associate just negative things with me. We do a lot for our pets, but the satisfaction, enjoyment & love they return to us means so much. I'm sure your rabbit doesn't hate you, but the process of cleaning her bottom. I'll keep you updated. Thanks again.
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