Guinea pig abscess: Can I treat it at home or should I see a vet?

Abscess means infection. Clover needs antibiotics and that is not something you can do at home. The longer you leave an infection in the body the worse it becomes. You need to what is best for him. If you cannot afford a vet it is best to surrender him so he can get the proper care. You can also try to see if any of these organizations can help but they are mostly for dogs and cats. ( https://www.dogingtonpost.com/need-help-with-vet-bills-or-pet-food-there-are-resources-available/ )

Thank you for your question about Pickles. There are a couple of things that the lumps could be. You are correct that they could be abscesses, as these don't occur uncommonly in guinea pigs. Another potential is a type of tumor called a trichofolliculoma. This is a special tumor that occurs in guinea pigs, and typically occurs around their rear ends/hip/back region. It would be a bit strange to have multiples of them, but it can happen. I would recommend taking Pickles to the veterinarian. Depending on your area, the exam fee may range from $50-80 typically. After a thorough examination, your veterinarian can perform a fine needle aspirate and cytology of the masses. This means that they put a needle into the mass and extract some cells. They put these cells on a slide and look at them under the microscope. If they see bacteria, it is likely to be an abscess. If they see other cells, then it would be something else (such as the trichofolliculoma). A fine needle aspirate and cytology can vary in price, anywhere from $30-60 depending on the practice. After that, depending on what is found, the veterinarian may make further diagnostic recommendations, such as a culture if the masses are abscesses, or surgery if they are tumors. Thankfully, if it is a trichofolliculoma, surgery is curative. They may also have treatment recommendations, including pain medications and antibiotics. Please don't give Pickles any human medications, as many of them are harmful to our furry friends. If you are unsure about what veterinarians are comfortable seeing guinea pigs in your area, you can look at the Association of Exotic Mammal Veterinarians website. They have some resources on finding a vet in your area. I hope that gives you a place to start, and I wish you the best of luck!

This is likely an abscess which will need to be seen and treated by a veterinarian. The vet will need to lance the abscess and flush it. Since it may be involving the teeth, your vet may want to x-ray the head to see the extent. Kuri will need antibiotics. If you have financial concerns, investigate the possibility of getting care credit (www.carecredit.com), make a few phone calls to some pet charities in your area and talk with your vet about a payment plan.

Thanks for reaching out about Galya. You can clean the abscess are with a warm, moistened cloth or cotton tipped applicator. Topical medications are often ingested and can cause gastrointestinal upset, so not recommended. Try clipping the fur around the open lesion to lessen contamination. Continue with the oral antibiotics if hamster appropriate. Providing heat support in the 75 F range could give some aid, not letting it get too cold. If this veterinarian can't help you, find one who can. Good luck.

Poor baby! He probably needs some oral antibiotics but since cost is a concern, you can try treating at home. I would gently try to express any pus out of the ruptured area. I would do this the next few days until you are no longer getting any pus out. I would try to clean it with some mild soap and water after you squeeze it. If it is near his ears or eyes, be care to not get it in his ears or eyes. You can try putting some neosporin on the area twice a day as well. If possible, do not let him lick it. You can use a small piece of plastic and make a small cone collar to prevent this if needed. With these guys being so tiny, you will likely have to make your own temporary collar. I have attached a video of how to make one for a sugar glider which are similar in size. I hope this helps and you are able to get it to heal on its own. Just know that if he stops eating or it isn’t improving within a couple of days then it likely won’t heal without some oral antibiotics. Also if the abscess is near the mouth, it could be a tooth root abscess which will also need to be treated by a vet. https://m.youtube.com/watch?v=67Zn5rsPW5Y

I'm sorry your hamster is sick. If the abscess is open and draining, you can use warm compresses to help it drain. But really, she needs antibiotics and possibly for a very to drrain it. These are just not things you can do at home.

Thanks for reaching out about Hamsy and Shamcey? Abscesses usually require systemic antibiotics to cure, so a veterinary visit is needed. Trying to keep clean with a dilute betadyne will help. Monitor appetite and water intake. good luck.