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Persistent abcess?

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sophiew (EAGPR)

sophiew (EAGPR)

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Eddie has come back for a week's holiday with me, as he has an abcess that needs flushing twice daily.

He originally had a large abcess that was lanced under GA (I know... rolleyes) and which got better with antibiotics and flushing. However as soon as this one got better, another appeared right next to it, and this was two weeks ago. Even with twice daily flushing (with iodine solution) there is still a lot of gunk and you can feel it under the surface. He's very good being squeezed, bless him, but should it be going on for this long? Anything else I can try?

I've had quite a few abcesses here but not like this one. The vet apparently checked the teeth and all ok inside the mouth, he is eating normally and has not lost any weight. Any ideas?

Thanks

Sophie
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Sounds like there were multiple pockets in the original abscess which were not quite dealt with effectively first time round, given that this new one has occurred so close to the old site. To be very honest, I am not sure what can be done in cases where there are multiple pockets, other than applying careful pressure all around the area in the hope something may squeeze its way out. I know Vedra can be rather vigorous about squeezing out abscess gunk, poor Lottie (when she had an abscess on her upper jaw) managed a projectile incident, got it all over the windows of the cabin. :))

P.S. Great to see you back Sophie. :)
 
Thanks Laura

AP, it's on his cheek bone. I got lots of gunk out but can feel more below the surface. I know Vedra recommended putting Baytril straight into the hole, should I try this?
 
That's where Lottie's was. Took a lot of squeezing to clear it out! But then Vedra did also remove the necrotic tissue, so it didn't recur.

It is probably worth ringing Vedra about applying Baytril topically, it's worth double- checking due to the location.
 
Thanks, will do. I was worried that opening it up and flushing twice a day might be too often, previously I've tended to squeeze for a bit and then leave it to heal but this one is different and obviously it's not my pig so I'm a bit limited. The poor owner is worried he'll die from it - I take it that's unlikely, with good management?

It doesn't seem to be a bite wound either - very odd

Sophie
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It is unlikely he'll die from it - you're keeping the site clean and removing all that can come out. I have not heard of any cases of an abscess (infection) spreading anywhere, so it should just stay put and expand out! Charlie's lower jaw abscess got to the size of a golf ball, bless him - he ended up having it lanced three times, and it burst on its own twice. He was not on Baytril for the majority of his treatment.
 
Infection can spread to the bone. The seat of an an abscess in the head and neck region is usually remote from where the abscess discharges.
More than once I have carried out a post mortem and have been surprised at the extent of the infection. Pigs can die from the problem, often it is a case of managing, rather than curing, the condition.
Head and neck abscesses are notorious for being difficult to treat and cure.
As regards flushing the abscess cavity I use sterile saline solution, as sold for rinsing contact lenses. Flushing with any antibiotic is of questionable benefit because the abscess is a result of the infection, not the cause.
 
Sophie this is the problem i had with Dukey......the first time around he had multiple abscesses :)>>> one after another formed........i'm sure there was another reason for them all but we just could not pin point it!
AP really made sense from what i had to go thru........with both Duke and Sully :(


Please give Eddie lots of tender kisses and loves and wheeeeeeeeks from us all xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>>xx>>> and the girls send you lots of mini kisses xxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxxx
 
I appreciate that some of you will think I am being unduly pessimistic but I often find that I have to be content with managing the condition and to regard curing the problem as a bonus.
Patience and perseverance are called for in abundance, however I still find it disappointing that some abscesses can need cleaning out, maybe two or three times a day, for many weeks.
 
Thanks AP. There was a huge amount of gunk this morning, but I feel like it's finally empty - albeit briefly, and the tissue around it doesn't look too unhealthy. Amazingly he's such a friendly chap despite being put through this twice a day! I would really like it to improve over the week that he's here, I don't want to feel I'm doing a bad job!

Sophie
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Well today he's taken a turn for the worse. Instead of the usual pea size lump to drain, there was a second 'lump' much higher up, just below his ear. I was able to squeeze it down to the open bit and so much gunk came out, couldn't believe how much, but I checked his mouth afterwards and I think the abcess is leaking into his mouth - it smells foul. I have flushed the wound with the iodine solution but am now worried this is going into his mouth?

I have texted the owner to suggest he sees his own vet (not far from me) tomorrow. He has not lost any weight. Is there anything else I can do?

Sophie
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I am sorry that I can't help, but I'm sending my best vibes to the poor boy.

You must feel so gutted by this latest bad turn! :(:(:(

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My vet has found that the use of the antibiotic Zithromax has worked wonders with abscesses that have failed to respond to anything else, or that have recurred. Do you think you could get your vet to prescribe you some? If your vet needed to speak to my vet I know he would be more than willing to help.
 
Thank you for that - unfortunately it is not my own vet I'll be seeing, as Eddie is not my pig, he is registered at a different vet (the one that looked at the original abcess). Have had another feel and am sure it's tooth-related, poor boy. I'd love to take him to Vedra but I'm not driving at the moment because of the vertigo, his owner isn't back until Wednesday

Sophie
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His owner has just collected him from me and he's off to the vets tomorrow, I wrote down the name of the antibiotic for her, thank you. I'm sure it's related to his tooth, poor fella, but despite everything he's very bright, eating normally, no weight loss.... hope he's ok, she'll keep me posted. Thanks for your help

Sophie
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