My 4 month old guinea pig has a puncture wound just below his ear. Today is was quite pusy. I have squeezed it out and put some tea tree oil dream on it. Anything else I could do? He seems quiet alert and happy for cuddles but I am worried. I have separated him from his two cage mates. Do you think one of them may have bitten him? He is always on his own and I suspect the other two boys don't like him much. I don't know how else it could have happened? (and this isn't the first time either :-( )
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How To Care For A Piggie With A Puncture Wound?
- Thread starter tracey70
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If he has a wound and pus is coming out then he needs to be seen by a vet asap.
It sounds like he has an infection, and a serious abscess could develop - this will require regular flushing and antibiotics, whch can only be prescribed by a vet.
I think separating him was good idea, and he may not be able to go back with his cage mates, so in the longer term you might want to look into a companion for him. I know boar trios are very unstable and don't often work out, so it is good you have space to keep him away from the others.
It sounds like he has an infection, and a serious abscess could develop - this will require regular flushing and antibiotics, whch can only be prescribed by a vet.
I think separating him was good idea, and he may not be able to go back with his cage mates, so in the longer term you might want to look into a companion for him. I know boar trios are very unstable and don't often work out, so it is good you have space to keep him away from the others.
Please see a vet. It sounds like an abscess from a bite wound and will need an antibiotic to clear and to keep from blowing up into a large swelling. Teat tree oil is by far not enough!
Three young boars rarely work out when they hit the teenage months between 4-14 months old.
Boars: Bullying, Fighting, Fall-outs And What Next?
Thanks for your advice. The wound is so much better today. Almost all closed up and no sign of infection. So I'm thinking he will have to be separated from the other permanently now. Will I need to get him a mate? I though piggies needed a friend. I don't know what to do, advice much appreciated.
thanks, Tracey.
thanks, Tracey.
Glad he is looking better today, but be very careful now.
If the wound is an abscess and closing up he will develop a very nasty infection as pus builds up under the skin.
One of the challenges of abscesses is to keep the wound open to allow it to drain.
As for a friend he will definitely need some company, so it is great that you are already thinking about this.
Lots of rescues will help you find a compatible companion for him and lots of them offer 'boar dating' where you can take him along and they will let him meet a few guinea pigs until he finds one he likes. This way you don't take the risk of buying a guinea pig that he doesn't like and ending up with even more single males!
If you let us know roughly where you are located, then people will be able to advise you on a good local rescue.
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