Abcess?

[annaa]

We have found a lump on our new guinea pig Patch's side. It has a wound on top and smells awful. Is it an abcess? And has it been caused by a bite that had become infected? Or do they occur for other reasons?
We've had her less than a week - I feel terrible now as she had rumbled at me a couple of times when I was stroking her, I thought she just didn't like having her bottom touched, but realise now it was probably because this hurt her

 

[annaa]

I'm quite worried, she seems alright in herself, but then so did Millie before we lost her. There aren't any recommended vets near us, but I'm taking her to one that is open today. Didn't want to wait as it is a BH weekend, and I don't know how quickly she might become unwell with this.

 

[Claire W]

I'm sorry that your new piggy isn't well. If the wound smells foul then the likihood of it being an abscess that has burst is high. Please try not to worry, they are treatable. Good that you're taking her to the vets

 

[annaa]

Thank you.
Well it looks like Mouse bit her as there is a corresponding mark just above the wound - but I never saw any blood on her at anytime. But I guess if it happened on the first night then she might have cleaned it off before I checked her in the morning? She has had some of the pus squeezed out and anti immflamatory and baytril injections. Back on Tuesday to see how it is as it's not that big at the moment and the vet was hopeful that it may respond to the abx treatment without the need for surgery.
I forgot to ask about probiotics when I was there - can they be got from a pet shop?

 

[7squeakers.]

Yes, that looks like an abscess to me. Bonnie had one on her right hip that looked just the same; round with a hole in the top. I don't know what caused Bonnie's, as she lives in her own cage.

 

[Claire W]

Thank you.
Well it looks like Mouse bit her as there is a corresponding mark just above the wound - but I never saw any blood on her at anytime. But I guess if it happened on the first night then she might have cleaned it off before I checked her in the morning? She has had some of the pus squeezed out and anti immflamatory and baytril injections. Back on Tuesday to see how it is as it's not that big at the moment and the vet was hopeful that it may respond to the abx treatment without the need for surgery.
I forgot to ask about probiotics when I was there - can they be got from a pet shop?

I'm glad that you have had her seen. It could be a bite wound but it's hard to tell.

You can buy pro C probiotics for small animals from pets at home

 

[annaa]

This is it with the surrounding hair clipped - I can't think of any other way she would have got a wound like this it's such a shame - they are getting on so much better now (Mouse even starts wheeking when Patch gets taken out of the cage and she is left behind)
Patch was so good when I was cleaning the wounds out - didn't struggle or squeak, just sat there licking my arm

 

[annaa]

It's looking better today, I've been cleaning it regularly, but not squeezing as I can't see much pus, but there is still quite a lump (about 1.5 cm) - is this just inflammation or is it likely that there is pus still underneath?
My next question is - does anyone have tips on how to get a syringe of antibiotics into a guinea pig? We really struggled this morning and I can see it getting worse as she gets wise to what we are doing!

 

[Keiko The Pig]

There is a complete syringe feeding guide if you go to the home page and check under the heading "health and Illness" I'm on my phone and for some reason can't link it to you but it is a sticky thread and should be lots of help! Try to give her the probiotics about an hour after her medication. Is she still eating well on her own? Also if you have an empty toilet paper roll my boys LOVE to eat these and it's good fibre for them!