Abcess?

[Nicolaj36]

Took my boy, Murphy, out this mornin for his cuddle and he had a massive boil on his neck. Didn't notice it yesterday when i had him out for floor time but it def wasn't there on Monday. Phoned the vet who said to take him in tomorrow mornin. Checked him a while later and it had burst! Have bathed it a few times in warm salty water and will obviously still take him to the vet in the mornin. He is absolutely fine in himself, eatin, drinkin and runnin around just wondered if anyone had any advice. What should i expect from the vet? Is this actually an abcess? Never had to take any of them before. Thanks x

 

[alcesterpigs]

Where abouts on the neck? Did the lump contents smell? What was the lump size?
To me massive means bigger than 3cm diameter, (or 1 1/2 inch)
It could be a sebaceous cyst, but they are relatively slow growing so I would, like you, assume it to be an abscess.
What should the vet do?
1 Try to establish the cause of the abscess.
2 Establish drainage, (which has already happened)
3 Then and only then prescribe an antibiotic.

It is not necessary to give a general anaesthetic to drain an abscess.
Depending on the cause of the infection and the site of the abscess on the neck, the condition may resolve itself fairly quickly. There is a but!
Head and neck abscesses can sometimes be extremely difficult to cure, in which case they are "managed".
The standard antibiotic is Baytril. Oral dose is typically 0.4ml (of 2.5%Oral Baytril ) twice daily.
The abscess needs to be flushed daily, preferably with sterile saline, as sold for use with contact lenses.
The two fingers I use for typing are now aching, more tomorrow!!

 

[Nicolaj36]

It's directly below his mouth about an inch down. Didn't really notice a smell though. It was easily an inch in size, burst all down his wee chest.

He is still absolutely fine this mornin so will see what the vet says.

Thanks

 

[alcesterpigs]

I presume it is on the front of his neck. It could be related to his lower inciosr teeth. I shall "watch this space".

 

[Lucinda]

I have had to deal with these several times before. They take time but do heal.

The only point I would add to AP's post is this: if your vet will prescribe it, ask for Zithromax rather than Baytril. In my experience Baytril doesn't do a great deal for abscesses. Rocky has had an abscess for a couple of weeks now. Baytril was not helping, and was only giving her appalling diarrhoea. Since changing to Zith the whole character of the abscess has changed, and is much more managable. It's not licensed for guineas so you may have to sign a consent form. Be careful he doesn't use his hand to wipe the abscess. Rocky did this and now has an infected hand.

I also have a question for AP regarding the smell. Most abscesses I have dealt with before smell mainly of ammonia. Rocky's seemed to be more a septic, necrotic smell; then ammonia, then back to necrotic. I assume this is all to do with the behaviour and type of bacteria? But I wondered if you had any more info.

 

[Nicolaj36]

Well that's us back. Prescribed 0.2ml Baytril twice daily and also to burst it every day.

It is on the front of his neck AP but vet said it is definitely an abcess, so lets hope that's all it is.

Thanks Lucinda, will keep an eye on toilet habits and if the Baytril appears to be causin problems or not bein effective i will ask for Zithromax on our next visit.

Thank you

 

[alcesterpigs]

Lucinda.
Yes, I think it does depend on the causative organism as to what "flavour" the smell is!
I have no experience of Zithromax, I shall have to obtain some.
Nicolaj36
That dose of Baytril is too low. Assuming the vet has prescribed Oral Baytril 2.5% solution the dose should be 0.4ml twice daily.

 

[Lucinda]

Thanks AP.

Agree that the dose seems too low....