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Bertie - abscess on toe

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Sappho

Sappho

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Hello all,

Well after my last visit to the vets, we were informed that Bertie was not long for this world... well he's still here four weeks later and is looking brighter than he has done for a long time.

I've just been away for a week for work, and I've come back to my gorgeous piggies to find that Bertie, whose toe has been 'enlarged' for the best part of 8 months, now has a very definite abscess underneath the nail on the footpad of his middle toe.

My wonderful husband has been looking after the piggies, and he's distraught that he's missed this.

There was a sort of scab hanging off his toe when I picked him up up to look at it, and lots of ooze. I've cleaned it up the best I can, and put him down to bed on towels tonight. I'll ring the vets first thing tomorrow, but I wondered what to ask about antibiotics - as he's still fairly unwell (see this thread http://www.theguineapigforum.co.uk/showthread.php?t=76611&highlight=bertie) with kidney failure, I don't want to put him on loads of meds, as they really affect his stomach and appetite even with probiotics. Are there topical things to use instead? If I put him on stuff by mouth, I just know it will lead to syringe feeding and a slow decline :(

Any help appreciated :)
 
I'm sure it is something to do with that. He's been on antibiotics and anti-fungals for it before (for an extended period) and it didn't change it in anyway. He's just so frail, i don't want to put him through a horrible course of antibiotics now only for him to stop eating and fall prey to the kidney problems.

I know he hasn't got long - I just want him to be comfortable now, not battling a stupid abscess.
 
Awww sorry to hear he is so unwell. Try the ointment meant for piggies feet of gorgeous guineas. Worked a treat on my bilbo, 6 months ago the vet was talking about amputating and it's almost gone now!
 
Firstly, can we take step back from the vet saying he hasn;t long for this world please?

On what basis did he make that diagnosis given your info to date?
Inexperience perchance?

I agree with Zara.....think bumblefoot and heart problems...

OK so he has an abcess on his toe - this should be easily sorted with suitable anitbiotics and possible hibiscrub (2%) bathing. However the fact it is in his extremities suggests an underlying circulatory problem i.e. heart.....again easily sorted with 1mg/kg fortekor and 2mg/kg furoseamide.......

Also as per your previous post.....other symtoms could be kidney problems

You could give it your best shot for him bess him?....heart neds/sub-cu and see how he goes over the next few days..........

HTH
x

























Please PM me for my contact details if you want a chat before seeing your vet

HTH
x
 
That would be great, I will do.

I have suspected heart problems for a while, but two vets have shot down my theories so far. I know heart problems can really affect kidney function too.

I'll ring the vet and get an appointment as soon as I can.
 
You would not believe the number of vets I have tried! I've seen about 5 this year. There is one vet at my practice who specialises in exotics, and he's great, but it's just getting the appointment with him!
 
Just thought I would update on this!

What first looked to be an abscess turned out to be an infection of the bone, possibly through beginning phases of bumblefoot. Due to his kidney problems, we were unsure whether to attack it with a combination of meds and bathing or to have it amputated. As he struggles with oral antibiotics, even with probiotic, and with the risk that the infection might spread to the rest of his foot, we decided it was probably best for him to have the op.

So today he went in and had the surgery. We now have a two-toed boy :) It has been completely removed, the vet cut right back to healthy bone. He is bright and chipper and waddling around the cage eating whatever we put in for him (broccoli and cucumber, his favourites!)

We were so worried that he might not, with all his problems, make it through the GA. I found my husband in tears last night saying his goodbyes with Bertie just in case!

What can I say - my little boy is a fighter :)
 
GOOD LUCK BERTIE XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX
HEALING WHEEEEEEEEEEKY LOVES FROM US ALL XXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXXX

Gosh what a little trooper he is!
I think you're doing wonderfully with him, he is very luck to have you both xx>>>
 
Oh Bertie, you brave boy. Here's some healing vibes for you :laluot_29:
 
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