Abscess burst behind ear

[Guptheguineapig]

Good evening
I was checking on the piggies and found that my little special needs pig Tippy had a tuff of hair that had a hardened spot on it. Two seconds later I realized an abscess (I believe) has burst. It’s located behind her right ear. Immediately called the vet (piggy friendly) they recommended I flush it with hydrogen peroxide and water. I also had silver sulfadiazine they recommended to fill it with. Prior to antibiotic the hole from whatever burst was quite clear the size of a ballpoint pen tip. I have never heard of something like this behind their ears. Is there anything else I should do for her?

 

[Wiebke]

Good evening
I was checking on the piggies and found that my little special needs pig Tippy had a tuff of hair that had a hardened spot on it. Two seconds later I realized an abscess (I believe) has burst. It’s located behind her right ear. Immediately called the vet (piggy friendly) they recommended I flush it with hydrogen peroxide and water. I also had silver sulfadiazine they recommended to fill it with. Prior to antibiotic the hole from whatever burst was quite clear the size of a ballpoint pen tip. I have never heard of something like this behind their ears. Is there anything else I should do for her?

Hi!

A picture would help us with any assessment.

Are you sure that is was an abscess (very smelly but generally watery or pus filling) or not a burst harmless sebaceous cyst with a typically cheesy substance. It can look like bit of a crater when burst but is not very deep?
Sebaceaous cysts would be much more common for the location; they are the most common 'lump' in guinea pigs. They need disinfecting in order to prevent them from becoming infected. Sebaceous cysts can refill; if they become a nuisance depending on size and location, operative removal may be discussed with your.

An abscess should ideally be treated with an antibiotic and twice daily flushing of pouch to help it heal from the inside out.
You have been prescribed more in the way of a strong antiseptic in order to prevent an infection. It can also be used to treat a more superficial abscess; more typically from an infected boar bite to the rump or face - but not usually in the location you have encountered your burst lump! My guess is that your vet is suspecting a sebaceous cyst, too; but is covering both bases lacking a hands-on examination.

Guinea Lynx :: Lumps

 

[Guptheguineapig]

It was a very watery milky colored discharge. I don’t have a picture currently.
It decently deep and left an open home but the discharge threw me for the loops it was very watery and yellowy color

 

[Guptheguineapig]

Only picture I have now after treatment doesn’t appear to be blood coming from it.

 

[Guptheguineapig]

Any additional insight for my baby tippy? I posted the pictures thought they went through

 

[Merab]

Hope everything heals well

 

[Guptheguineapig]

Update: after a few days I have noticed next to the open abscess there is another bump. The new bump is squishy feeling, doesn’t appear to cause pain upon touch. It’s feels like the size a dime maybe slightly smaller. I also noticed on the same side of her face as this new bump her eye seems to have creamy discharge which I wasn’t sure was her eye cleaner
She’s currently on antibiotics for a flare up of her current ear infection issue.

I am becoming increasingly concerned about my little Tippy. I have to be realistic that she was predicted to have a shortened life due to her issues with ear infections, but I just don’t know what to do at this point.

before I rush panic her to the vet I was curious what advice people had. @Wiebke not sure who else to tag?

 

[Merab]

Can’t help with advice apart from see a vet but wanted to offer support.
It’s worrying especially at a time like this.

 

[PigglePuggle]

I would strongly advise seeing a vet if you possibly can, if a new lump has appeared near the old one so quickly and is affecting her eye it sounds like it may be an abscess that would need proper removal or opening and flushing by the vet x

 

[Guptheguineapig]

Planning on getting there on Monday. Unless she takes a turn before then. She is eating fine, acting herself, drinking. Which is a positive

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

Update: after a few days I have noticed next to the open abscess there is another bump. The new bump is squishy feeling, doesn’t appear to cause pain upon touch. It’s feels like the size a dime maybe slightly smaller. I also noticed on the same side of her face as this new bump her eye seems to have creamy discharge which I wasn’t sure was her eye cleaner
She’s currently on antibiotics for a flare up of her current ear infection issue.

I am becoming increasingly concerned about my little Tippy. I have to be realistic that she was predicted to have a shortened life due to her issues with ear infections, but I just don’t know what to do at this point.

before I rush panic her to the vet I was curious what advice people had. @Wiebke not sure who else to tag?

This sounds like further pockets of pus are forming, which would mean that the abscess is leaking under the skin. Definitely get a vet appointment, with a guinea pig savvy vet, on Monday.

 

[GPTV]

If it is an abscess with multiple pockets forming (as furryfriends suggest) ask if you can have Zithromax to treat it with, this is the 'big guns' of abscess antibiotics, it generally seems to be well tolerated & is effective in clearing the infection, it takes a while though.

My Grace was on Zithromax for 3-4wks, she also had the abscess site drained & marsupialised (stitched open) to let the pus drain out, that was in the 2nd week.
Post op treatment was batheing the healing scab off & syringing regular Baytril into the hole, hers was in her cheek, so the top of his head might be a bit tricky/messier to syringe?

Abscesses heal from the inside out, this is why they need to be flushed & kept open.

If the lumps grow or multiply over the weekend try & get him seen by a vet sooner rather than later to avoid complications.

Good luck & healing vibes being sent your way for a full & speedy recovery xx

 

[Guptheguineapig]

What are serious emergency signs that I should go to the emergency vet before Monday?

 

[GPTV]

If the lump/s grows quickly within hrs, or if any burst creating an open wound where there may be infection/pus being spread around his cage.
Or if he begins to act unwell, signs like sitting hunched up often facing a corner, not eating, drinking or peeing/pooping, squeaking in pain & generally looking uncomfortable, then get advice from your vet ASAP.

Looking on the bright side if he's still stable now & if it's an abscess brewing then a non emergency vet visit Monday will be fine.
Fingers crossed for a full & speedy recovery xx