Large Cyst.

[Mr Biggles]

Advice please! Lottie has had a cycst for a while now, first diagnosed by the vet 5 months ago. Was told that as it was in a 'capsule' just to keep it clean and as it wasn't bothering her, just carry on.
Fast forward to three weeks ago, I took her back and saw one of the partners, an exotics vet, who confirmed diagnosis. I took her back because I noticed it was a bit smelly so squeezed it and a lot of yuck came out and it looked as though some of the flesh was coming out of the hole. He got a little more out, said he didn't think there was any infection and to carry on but to use very weak hibiscrub instead of weak salt water but he did suggest she had metacam for a few days. I had started that on the Saturday so at leas least it would stop it hurting as I couldn't see a vet till Monday.
It keeps forming a scab which seems to be basically dried blood as smells like that but it is now about the size of a pound coin (unchanged from when I saw him)! She's a bit quiet but I'm putting that down to her losing her sister, Lillie, last weekend, completly out of the blue. She's still eating ok but it seems to be a bit sore (I've given her metacam again over the last couple of days).
Am I best to keep it free of that scab?
(Next question bit stupid!) they have always been on hay. Would I be better off using fleece or towels (she won't like that as she loves tunnelling). o
Would I be better to clip the hair round the cycst.
Sorry about the waffle and reading this back the questions sound a bit stupid, but I went down to speak to one of the vet nurses this morning and was told rather grumpily to see a vet. I would/will do so but am not in a hurry to spend £30-40 to be told exactly the same as I was 3 weeks ago.
(I really hope this lot gets to the page it's meant to - not much of a techi bod!)
Thank you in advance!

 

[Wiebke]

Advice please! Lottie has had a cycst for a while now, first diagnosed by the vet 5 months ago. Was told that as it was in a 'capsule' just to keep it clean and as it wasn't bothering her, just carry on.
Fast forward to three weeks ago, I took her back and saw one of the partners, an exotics vet, who confirmed diagnosis. I took her back because I noticed it was a bit smelly so squeezed it and a lot of yuck came out and it looked as though some of the flesh was coming out of the hole. He got a little more out, said he didn't think there was any infection and to carry on but to use very weak hibiscrub instead of weak salt water but he did suggest she had metacam for a few days. I had started that on the Saturday so at leas least it would stop it hurting as I couldn't see a vet till Monday.
It keeps forming a scab which seems to be basically dried blood as smells like that but it is now about the size of a pound coin (unchanged from when I saw him)! She's a bit quiet but I'm putting that down to her losing her sister, Lillie, last weekend, completly out of the blue. She's still eating ok but it seems to be a bit sore (I've given her metacam again over the last couple of days).
Am I best to keep it free of that scab?
(Next question bit stupid!) they have always been on hay. Would I be better off using fleece or towels (she won't like that as she loves tunnelling). o
Would I be better to clip the hair round the cycst.
Sorry about the waffle and reading this back the questions sound a bit stupid, but I went down to speak to one of the vet nurses this morning and was told rather grumpily to see a vet. I would/will do so but am not in a hurry to spend £30-40 to be told exactly the same as I was 3 weeks ago.
(I really hope this lot gets to the page it's meant to - not much of a techi bod!)
Thank you in advance!

Hi! Please have the cyst seen in case it has gone infected. Your girl may need an antibiotic in that case to be on the safe side.
If there is pus and gunk under the scab, then please work it off as long as there is some in order to prevent an abscess/infection from developing.

The bedding doesn't play a role; if your girl is happy on hay, then that is fine. Most members that keep their piggies on fleece have got a hay area for the piggies to eat and burrow in.

Here are our tips on what you can do for bereaved piggies: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Your closest good rescue is Little Pip's Guinea Pig Rehoming. It may be worth contacting the lady who runs the rescue. Most have single piggies that are looking to be bonded with another single/bereaved mate. This rescue is one that offers to do the bonding at the rescue, so you have none of the hassle and come home with a stably bonded pair at no risk of a fall-out (or with sows, at no risk of a pregnancy) if you decide to go down this route.
https://www.facebook.com/littlepipsguineas/
I am very sorry for your loss!

 

[Mr Biggles]

Hi! Please have the cyst seen in case it has gone infected. Your girl may need an antibiotic in that case to be on the safe side.
If there is pus and gunk under the scab, then please work it off as long as there is some in order to prevent an abscess/infection from developing.

The bedding doesn't play a role; if your girl is happy on hay, then that is fine. Most members that keep their piggies on fleece have got a hay area for the piggies to eat and burrow in.

Here are our tips on what you can do for bereaved piggies: Looking After A Bereaved Guinea Pig
Your closest good rescue is Little Pip's Guinea Pig Rehoming. It may be worth contacting the lady who runs the rescue. Most have single piggies that are looking to be bonded with another single/bereaved mate. This rescue is one that offers to do the bonding at the rescue, so you have none of the hassle and come home with a stably bonded pair at no risk of a fall-out (or with sows, at no risk of a pregnancy) if you decide to go down this route.
Little Pip's Guinea Pig Rehoming
I am very sorry for your loss!

Thank you Wiebke for putting this where it should be!

I've just read 'Looking after a Bereaved Guinea Pig' and I think did the first bit right. I was holding back on a new companion because of the cyst as I didn't want her to get hurt in anyway but I will get in touch with Little Pips.