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Pip has a cyst

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Leigh P

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Just thought I'd find out if anyone has any tips for soaking and trying to get rid of muck out of a cyst!

Pip has had a cyst for a little while now (did originally take him to the vets with it, who put him on antibiotics... this didn't work so they were going to "do a little procedure", but this was going to cost £270!)... anyway, I have noticed that there is a small scab on the cyst, so I am going to try to get this off to see if anything yukky comes out. Will obviously take him to the vet over the weekend if I don't have any joy (but a different vet to the one who was quoting so much for treatment).

My question is... how long would it normally take to soak a scab off before the skin is soft enough to do a bit of light "squeezing"? I don't want to give Pip any unnecessary pain or discomfort. The cyst is around his anal area so probably quite a sensitive spot anyway.

Also, has anyone elses Piggie had this before, and if so, did a vet just lance the cyst or was a full procedure needed (ie general anaesthetic etc)..?

Thanks for any help given.

Leigh and Pip x
 
I don't have any experience with cysts, I'm afraid, so I can't give any specific advice. I don't think trying to get the scab off is a good idea though. This will leave an open wound that could become infected. It will probably be very uncomfortable for Pip too. Scabs form to protect the damaged area, and will only drop off naturally when the skin is healed.

If you are not happy with the vet's diagnosis, then it would probably be best to find another one and leave them deal with the cyst/scab, rather than try to do so yourself.

I hope you find a solution for Pip soon x
 
I am in agreement with Jerrybelly. I would not try anything yourself as it may get infected and complicate matters. If you are not happy with your current vet, I would seek out a new one and ring around asking if any vets are experienced with Guinea Pigs
 
Ditto to above aswell, most vets do payment plans if the cost is a worry to you, maybe you could spread it out over a few months. x
 
If you do it yourself you are risking:

a) causing pain to your pig
b) getting infection inside the wound especially considering its location
c) causing a problematic immune response to the area

have a look at this thread on guinealynx http://www.guinealynx.info/forums/viewtopic.php?t=25794 does the lump look similar?

I would maybe get a 2nd opinion from an exotics vets with a specialism in small mammals, vet prices can vary hugely & you may well find one who will do an instalment plan.
 
Thanks for all the replies. I have already decided to go to another vet - called around this afternoon and am seeing a new one on Saturday morning who has been with the practice for "a very long time so has seen lots of guinea pigs". Discussed cysts and absysses (hope I spelled it right), and their various treatments. Obviously won't know what it is till Saturday, so hoping that it won't need major surgery (not the cost, just that I don't want to put Pip through any anxiety etc). Anyway, fingers crossed that its a simple diagnosis. (Shiny, I will take a look at the link you sent through, just to see if I get a better idea - thanks)
 
A quick update - Pip has been booked in to have his cyst/absyss drained on Monday. Am really worried about the anaesthetic, but he is young and healthy, so hopefully all will go OK.
 
Best wishes for Monday :)
 
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