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Specialist Dotty's Abscess

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Hank288

Hank288

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Some of you might know that Dotty has an abscess, she has managed to get one that only rabbits can get and is super uncommon in guinea pigs. She went for an x-ray and it had not spread into her mouth yet it was contained in her jaw and had not broken into the gums. So the vet is treating it closed with Zithromax and Metacam.
She had 0.7mls Zithromax for 5 days then 0.7mls every 2 days and is now on 0.7mls every 3 days. I have not felt the abscess get any smaller during this time and she only has 4 doses left. Does this mean that it will not respond to the antibiotics?
She is also now on much reduced metacam only 0.2mls am and pm. She seems to be struggling a lot more so I am going to up it to 0.4mls again as she was comfortable at this level.

My other major issues is that the vet said if it did not get better it would have to be opened up and treated with more antibiotics and flushing out everyday. I can't afford the operation so I was basically going to give her more metacam to make her comfortable and then have to have her put down when the time is right.

Would a stronger course of Zithromax work or is the only way getting the abscess opened up and flushed through?
Please help me I don't know what to do with her :(
 
I would suggest explaining your financial position to the vet, perhaps they would allow you to set up a payment plan.

My Fred had an abscess in his jaw which we originally tried to treat without opening but where unsuccessful, he had an operation. He is now 2 years on a happy healthy boy. I would definitely get the operation if needed as an abscess does not need to be the end.
 
Even with the best antibiotics, and Zithromax is definitely that, you need drainage to get a good result. You really do need to get this abscess lanced and drained and then with Zithromax you will start to see a huge improvement very quickly.
 
Sadly you cannot simply lance and drain abscess's in guinea pigs. The capsule itself needs to be surgically removed entirely for it to be solved properly. If the abscess is on the jaw, it can be done, but it's a long road to recovery and some pigs can do ok with this. I very much doubt that the antibiotics are going to penetrate.

I would consider seeing a specialist if you wish to pursue this route, as it's quite extensive surgery often and requires a long amount amount of after care, pain relief and antibiotics and lots of syringe feeding,

I hope she feels better soon. Thinking of you.

x
 
From what I understand you need to remove the abscess capsule. This might be what a vet calls lance and drain, if it's not explained. If you just lance a hole in it it will most likely refill. Perhaps the Zithromax does work this way but this is just my understanding of guinea pig and rabbit abscesses. They usually have to be surgically extracted and often marsupilised (stitched open) especially if there is any chance of the capsule remaining in there. Then they will heal ok.

x
 
With a lot of the abscesses I deal with, Simon lances, drains and marsupilises the abscess, as often, due to position, he can't remove the whole capsule. This is then kept open for as long as possible, and flushed a couple of times a day, in addition to taking Zithromax.
 
Liquorice only had hers lanced, not removed, and she still made a full recovery. Humbug was the same I think, can't remember @Hank288 you're quite close to me, I wish I could help :( but I'm just about's to go back to work on nights, but I would like to help you if I can.
It really doesn't cost that much.
 
the vets are very reasonable with payment plans so worth asking when you update them on dotty :)
 
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