Abscess and a possible need for surgery?

[Marrow]

My piggy developed an abscess on her cheek about a month ago and it had to be lanced and days, no, weeks of draining pus, hot compresses, baytril and flagyl have followed and the infection still seems to be grumbling on.

I'm not getting anymore pus out and I'm not sure what is still in there because it feels like a fairly solid lump. The vet said the lump felt softer to him and wants me to continue as I am for another 2 weeks. The vets seem reluctant to operate on her because of the risk with the anaesthetic and they don't seem to be sure what is going on in there. We're not even sure if the abscess is a dental abscess or if it was caused by a molar spur cutting her cheek and an infection getting in.

If she does have to have surgery, it would be to remove whatever that mass is and whatever it may be connected to. The vets say they wouldn't know until they performed the surgery if they would be able to get 100% of it out or 95% of it and then have to refer her to someone else.

I was wondering if anyone has experienced a similar problem and if anyone has an idea of what this hard lump may be and what kind of care at home you did for your piggy to help make them well again? :3

 

[Wiebke]

I am sorry about your problems. Abscesses can be very tenacious and frustrating.

Would your vet consider trying this antibiotic here? Zithromax (azithromycin) is especially good with bad abscesses and URIs. It has been researched by this guinea pig specialist here, if your vet would like to consult him first:
http://www.catandrabbit.co.uk/contact_us.htm

I know that it has helped with guinea pigs with bad post neutering op abscesses and infections where baytril has failed. It is not licensed for guinea pigs, though, and you may have sign a form that you giving your consent and take the responsiblity for non-standard treatment. Zithromax has certainly served Hywel's life earlier this year!