Upper molar abscess

[darcidual]

My exotic vet has recommended an extraction as part of a plan to treat an abscess.

Piggie hasn't had an xray yet, but I am being told that one will be taken to identity which tooth is causing the problem, before the extraction is attempted. Then they will make an incision into her face to remove the abscess.

The socket and facial area will be left open to drain.

I've been told it's a complex surgery and a long anesthetic but the vet thinks she has a good prognosis.

From what I am reading, this operation is only carried out as an emergency or last resort and I am panicking.

I am from the Isle of Man and so there aren't many vets to choose from. I am going somewhere this afternoon for a second opinion, but it's not with an exotic vet.

I've been syringe feeding my piggie Pepper now for 6 weeks, as prior to this, they thought she had a URI and we think the antibiotics have masked the abscess. She has had blood and urine samples, as well as spurs filed off her molars. Apart from a higher white blood cell count (and the long term use of ABs with one instance of diarrhoea), she is healthy otherwise.

Has anyone had this sort of procedure done successfully or have any advice for a very upset and nervous pig mum?

What questions should I be asking the vet performing the surgery which is scheduled for this Friday.

 

[weepweeps]

I’m so sorry Pepper has an abscess.

I’ve had a piggy (also called Pepper!) with a tooth root abscess. It was his incisor though.
He didn’t have any teeth removed or an X-ray, but it did fall out anyway because the infection sometimes kills the root.

My vet marsupialised the abscess and left it open to drain. It was huge (4cm wide and 20ml of fluid in there). I had to flush it out 3 times a day and stop a scab forming for as long as I could. He was on high pain meds and also a very good antibiotic for abscesses is Zithromax. He had a six week course of it but it did stop his appetite completely. So I had to completely syringe feed him for 8 weeks. He lost a lot of weight. But the good news was that it cleared up and did not return.

Good luck with your second opinion. Keep me posted and feel free to ask any questions.

I think it is risky to pull out molars.

The Cat and Rabbit Vets in Northampton might be able to speak to your vets and give them some advice. They are piggy experts.

 

[darcidual]

I’m so sorry Pepper has an abscess.

I’ve had a piggy (also called Pepper!) with a tooth root abscess. It was his incisor though.
He didn’t have any teeth removed or an X-ray, but it did fall out anyway because the infection sometimes kills the root.

My vet marsupialised the abscess and left it open to drain. It was huge (4cm wide and 20ml of fluid in there). I had to flush it out 3 times a day and stop a scab forming for as long as I could. He was on high pain meds and also a very good antibiotic for abscesses is Zithromax. He had a six week course of it but it did stop his appetite completely. So I had to completely syringe feed him for 8 weeks. He lost a lot of weight. But the good news was that it cleared up and did not return.

Good luck with your second opinion. Keep me posted and feel free to ask any questions.

I think it is risky to pull out molars.

The Cat and Rabbit Vets in Northampton might be able to speak to your vets and give them some advice. They are piggy experts.

Thank you for your response, it is very much appreciated

I'm glad to hear your piggie Pepper made a full recovery, that's amazing news. How were his poops with the antibiotic long term? My Pepper has been on Baytril and Doxycare for 6 weeks now, and her poops have gone green, so I've been mixing a probotic into her syringe feed. She has a small appetite for veggies, so I'm still feeding those once a day at the moment.

Well done for syringe feeding for 8 weeks, that is no east feat and I fear if my piggie recovers, we could be syringe feeding a whole lot longer too.

I've heard lots of good things about that clinic. Is it as simple as getting in touch with them to contact my vet? I'm just concerned about the time frame with her being booked in on Friday.

I'm also worried about her occlusion with having a molar out and that the lower tooth won't have anything to grind against.

 

[weepweeps]

It was a few years ago but I think his poops were small but definitely not green. How much syringe feed is she taking a day? Is she losing weight? It’s good you are giving a probiotic. Just make sure is given two hours before or after the antibiotics.

I think it usually works that your vets get in touch with them. But I’m not 100% sure.

I also agree that the other tooth will have nothing to grind on. But again I’m not an expert. That would definitely be a question for the vets.

 

[darcidual]

It was a few years ago but I think his poops were small but definitely not green. How much syringe feed is she taking a day? Is she losing weight? It’s good you are giving a probiotic. Just make sure is given two hours before or after the antibiotics.

I think it usually works that your vets get in touch with them. But I’m not 100% sure.

I also agree that the other tooth will have nothing to grind on. But again I’m not an expert. That would definitely be a question for the vets.

She's getting about 60ml of EmerAid a day, which is double what the packet recommends. Her weight is steady which is why I haven't been feeding her any more.

I've just had a second opinion and the 2nd vet said to go for the surgery, and didn't have much else to offer, as she was not an exotic vet.

I'm so nervous as there is obviously no guarantee and the surgery sounds horrendous. I also have no idea what her quality of life will be like post-op, as she isn't 100% herself at the moment, but I have also had pigs in a much worse state than her. I just want to do what is in her best interest.

 

[weepweeps]

It’s so hard. We all wish we had a crystal ball and see what the future holds. Sending you hugs.

Maybe you could call the Cat and Rabbit Vets and ask their opinion?