Bad ear infection?

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Captain Jack is about 6 years old now and has been losing weight, although quite bright and active in himself.

Today I found him curled up oddly and when I picked him up I noticed he had a very gummy eye - with white mucus around it. On further investigation there was a foul stench coming from his ear, and it was full of what looked (and smelt!) like the sort of stuff that comes out of an abcess - i.e like runny snot, slightly green tinge to it. I've cleaned up his ear and his eye, but I was wondering

a) whether it could be a tooth problem causing it? His teeth are slanted, Vedra looked at them a few months ago and they were ok then
b) whether to give him baytril or septrin until I can get to Vedra (have texted her).

I know he's an old pig but he's a fighter and he's already had an extra summer after having a huge lump removed early in the year.

Any advice appreciated

Sophie
x

 

[Wiebke]

Sorry, I have no experience, so can't help you. I just wanted to send poorly Jack my vibes!

xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[alcesterpigs]

a) Very unlikely.
b) Try to find what caused the infection before considering anti-biotics.

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Thanks AP. It was just a thought.

I've no idea what caused it - there isn't a wound that I can see. It smells like when my labrador had a bad ear infection - nothing quite like it, is there!

He's in the indoor hospital cage eating away merrily. He can walk straight (or a straight as he ever does). Will see how he goes overnight and hope I can get to Vedra tomorrow.

Thanks

Sophie
x

 

[Farquhar]

Poor Captain Jack. Sending good luck wheeks for his visit to Vedra tomorrow.

 

[alcesterpigs]

At least, if he is walking straight, it is reasonable to assume that any infection is confined to the outer ear.
Have you cleaned the ear?

 

[Ryli]

Poor Captain Jack ........... sending healing wheeks from my naughty girls!

xoxoxoxoxoxo

Rach

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

Yes, I cleaned it with ear wipes but didn't delve too deep as I didn't want to make things worse. Have discovered a gap in my piggy first aid, I don't have anything for ears!

I cleaned up his eye too and it's still clean now. He is eating and wombling round and to be honest, doesn't seem that affected. I'm hoping it looked worse than it is. At that age, you think every illness will be their last! rolleyes

Sophie
x

 

[pompypigs]

Aww poor Captain Jack - healing vibes being sent for him xx

 

[Glynis]

HEAPS OF HEALING WHEEEEEKS FOR CAPTAIN JACK xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>

Oh gosh this little guy sure is a battler!
I wonder if he's had some hay caught in the ear and it's got *****? you know how they delve into the hay.....always worried they'll piece something :{

mmmmmm no idea it wont let me write...p * s s y

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Poor chap, how is he today? Did you manage to get up to Vedra's?

It "sounds" like an abscess that's burst, it certainly could explain why it came out of nowhere!

 

[sophiew (EAGPR)]

It SMELLS like an abcess that's burst!

He's a bit better today - I got some ear drops and there is nowhere near as much gunk in his ear or eye. He's very bright in himself. We didn't get to Vedra's yet as I've had a bad day with my health again, so we've been poorly together! rolleyes

He's by himself and getting fed every time I walk past the cage... so he's quite happy!

Sophie
x

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Not you as well! Nothing quite like feeling rotten together though. I can imagine he is as happy as anything being spoiled and fed extra, now is anyone doing the same for you?!?

Going off topic a little here I know, but those water bottles should arrive here tomorrow so if you are able to get up here with CJ in the coming days, do pop in! The boys are settling in fantastically, even done a photo shoot (pics uploading now). They are just divine, such happy and calm fellas!