Course of action for Cysts?

[MemberX]

Hi All,

Taking Esme to the vet on Wednesday as I mentioned she has a Cyst...well, a lump on her head. Peter seems to think it is a cyst he has seen them before.

Anyway I just wondered if the vet were to drain it should she be put under GA?

A novice to all this so any advice welcome!

Thanks!

Louise

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Nope, no need at all, but good idea to check before you see the vet. Restraining the pig firmly (wrap in a lightweight towel/blanket so she cannot wriggle around) should be sufficient to keep her still enough to lance/aspirate the lump.

 

[Farquhar]

My sow was prone to cysts and I wouldnt let the vet use a GA to lancie. They managed to drain the cyst fine and needless to say on any subsequent vist to the vets for cyst draining were performed without question of a GA.

 

[alcesterpigs]

Find the centre of the cyst, either push in a large bore needle eg 19 gauge, or better still, make a small incision into the cyst with a scalpel blade and squeeze contents out. Topical anaesthetic may be needed, usually not if the cyst is under pressure and on the verge of bursting by itself, or if the "owner" of the cyst decides to have a scratch!
Note from admin

Please do not attempt this procedure yourself. This should be undertaken by your vet.

 

[MemberX]

Thanks guys. And no won't be doing it myself I trust my vets to carry out this procedure without GA.

Esme is very calm so I can't see there being a problem. I have an appointment for Saturday morning!

 

[Glynis]

all the best Lou for you both, awwwww give little Esme lots of wheeeeeeeeking cuddles and kisses xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[MemberX]

Thanks Glynis. I posted pics up in the picture gallery. She's a doll.

 

[alcesterpigs]

I regularly remove cysts, no problem. I am definitely not a vet.
It is important to describe what can be done at home even if the advice is "Don't try this at home"

 

[Glynis]

Thanks Glynis. I posted pics up in the picture gallery. She's a doll.

yeah Lou i saw drooldrool
what a cutie she is, bless xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx

 

[alcesterpigs]

I have seen on various threads how to treat abscesses, flushing out, removing the debris and removing the abscess lining. Is this not also minor surgery which should not be "tried at home"? Likewise, the giving of an injection carries a risk, so does trimming the teeth.
I personally consider dental treatment more of a problem that draining a cyst.
Can someone/anyone enlighten me as to the limits of home treatment as advised on this forum?

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I regularly remove cysts, no problem. I am definitely not a vet.
It is important to describe what can be done at home even if the advice is "Don't try this at home"

We cannot endorse giving DIY instructions on our forum for a procedure that really should be underaken by a vet.

I cannot stress enough that all lumps on your guinea pig should be checked by a veterinary surgeon.

 

[furryfriends (TEAS)]

I have seen on various threads how to treat abscesses, flushing out, removing the debris and removing the abscess lining. Is this not also minor surgery which should not be "tried at home"? Likewise, the giving of an injection carries a risk, so does trimming the teeth.
I personally consider dental treatment more of a problem that draining a cyst.
Can someone/anyone enlighten me as to the limits of home treatment as advised on this forum?

In cases where people are advised to continue treatment at home, under the supervision of a vet, then this is fine.

My concern is that we have many members on this forum who are new to the keeping of guinea pigs and look to more experienced members for help. Giving DIY instructions to remove something, that hasn't even been confimed is dangerous and not in the best interest of the animal.

 

[nutmeg]

If I am concerned about any issue with my piggies, I ask for information and advice on this forum from people who have a lot more experience than me. Everyone here is so helpful. This is never going to replace a visit to the vet, but sometimes it is reassuring to talk to people who have faced similar issues. I am sorry Alcesterpig but your advice, for me, is just far beyond what I am looking for, and if anyone out there is struggling financially, or feel time is not on their side, they may be tempted to try some of the procedures you detail, which personally I find incredibly dangerous. For me, this goes beyond the boundaries.

 

[MemberX]

I agree Jane. I know bits and bobs about what to give guineas but performing a minor cut no not for me I'm afraid. What if it went wrong? You would never forgive yourself.

We share the same vets so you know how good they are too.

 

[Laura-CCC4]

Most guinea pig owners are not experienced in medical care - and unless you know the member personally outside the forum and you know their capabilities, it is best to advise specialist veterinary treatment in all cases. It is up to the individual owner to decide if they wish to treat at home (as is allowed by law) with the advice they have been given, or seek other medical help.

I would give injections/scrape abscesses/lance a cyst - even syringe feed - only if given personal, hands-on direction. Advice given online is useful, and often essential, but being shown in person (and indeed in pig) is second to none. A confirmed diagnosis is also essential before undergoing treatment, wherever/however you decide to treat.

 

[alcesterpigs]

If nothing else my information *** at least give you some idea of what is involved and the sort of questions you need to ask your vet before giving informed consent to any given procedure.