Update - Minky & Manuka Honey

[Stewybus]

Those of you who've been following my previous posts about Minky & her abscess removal ops will be glad to know that she's on the mend.

I went to a new vet who was recommended to me as being guinea pig savvy & wow what a difference. I'd only been to my former vet yesterday but was not too happy about having to have Minky knocked out with gas again so shortly after her op on Friday. This was because the drain hole on her abscess had healed over. Anyway went to clean it this morning and I held Minky while Sue cleaned the wound but we weren't sure which was the hole as it was all a bit messy.

After that I rang and made an appointment at the new vet's and got Minky in this afternoon. On examining Minky, she found another smaller abscess or cyst close to the problem one & she checked it but at present there just appeared to be blood in it. She checked Minky's wound & showed me where the hole is & how to clean it also agreeing that it would be good to put Manuka honey in the hole to keep it open & clean. I also asked about the Metacam doseage because I had been told just 2 drops a day which seemed far too little. I'd actually been giving her 8 drops on lettuce or dandelion leaf. This is a bit hit or miss as you get big drops and small drops so it must have varied day to day. After reading threads on here I decided to give her 0.2 ml by syringe this morning & when I asked at the vets she said I could safely give her this twice a day.

I'm taking her back next Friday but I feel a lot more happy & knowledgeable after this visit. I think the rest of my gang will be getting registered there next week.

I've learned a lesson that you must do what you think is right for your piggies. We have our dog registered at Minky 's former vet & are extremely happy with the treatment he's getting but some vets are more expert with some animals than others so nothing against the old one but if you've got any doubts ask you local rescue.

 

[sport_billy]

Thanks for the update on Minky, poor little thing is having a ready tough time. Which vets are you using if you dont mind me asking. I always like to know cavy savvy vets in case someone asks.
Lots of vibes to Minky

 

[Mizzpigz]

Awww bless little kinky, I love her name too! Oh I feel sure the honey will help with the healing. When I worked as a nurse I saw some amazing results on really awful leg ulcers that would not heal by other methods x

 

[Stewybus]

Thanks for the update on Minky, poor little thing is having a ready tough time. Which vets are you using if you dont mind me asking. I always like to know cavy savvy vets in case someone asks.
Lots of vibes to Minky

The vet's is Jacqui Paterson's who have 2 surgeries in Stockton-on-Tees. The guinea pig savvy vet who was recommended to me is Dominika who I took Minky to see this afternoon. For anyone who's interested, their website with all contact details etc is http://www.jacquipatersons.co.uk/

 

[piggyfan]

Great you have had some good advice. Get well soon little one.

 

[Stewybus]

Awww bless little kinky, I love her name too! Oh I feel sure the honey will help with the healing. When I worked as a nurse I saw some amazing results on really awful leg ulcers that would not heal by other methods x

I've still got to keep Minky in a separate cage from the other piggies but she's thriving on her own. I suppose with the Manuka honey (which shouldn't be eaten by piggies) it will be best to keep the other piggies away from her as they do tend to try & help to clean wounds including taking the stitches out!

 

[Mizzpigz]

I meant minky and not kinky! I'm sure she doesn't wear knee high boots! Oh so they can't eat it ok. Well if she's thriving that's good. Would love to see her healing updates x

 

[Stewybus]

I meant minky and not kinky! I'm sure she doesn't wear knee high boots! Oh so they can't eat it ok. Well if she's thriving that's good. Would love to see her healing updates x

I'm going to try to get a pic of Sue cleaning the drain hole & applying the honey but it could be awkward as I'm holding Minky while Sue does this. It would be a good reference for someone else who has to do this in the future.

 

[Stewybus]

We successfully cleaned Minky's drain hole this morning & also put some Manuka honey in the hole. I held her & Sue used the cotton buds. Minky was really good & didn't struggle through what was probably an uncomfortable situation for her. We have to do this every day so as soon as I'm OK holding her with one hand I'll take photos for future reference.

 

[sport_billy]

How's Minky getting along today? Well I hope.

 

[Stewybus]

How's Minky getting along today? Well I hope.

Thanks for asking, she's doing very well. She had her meds & veggies earlier on & she's had some fresh grass. We've just cleaned her drain hole & the abscess has really gone down since yesterday. It's quite hard under the skin but no big lump like earlier. She's put on weight the last 3 days & is really good in herself, she doesn't appear to be missing being with the other girls but I might put her in the outdoor run with one of the others under supervision.

I'm really happy the way things are going with her & hope that this abscess will heal up & go away. Then we've got to see what treatment the other abscess or cyst needs when she goe's back to the vets on Friday.