What to do if a guinea pig has an abscess in its mouth?

What to do if a guinea pig has an abscess in its mouth?

It is almost always necessary for the abscess to be opened and cleaned, although some skin abscesses do resolve themselves. Abscesses in the mouth are difficult to treat as they can obstruct the back of the mouth if they suddenly swell with pus and the animal can begin to choke and will quickly die.

Why does my guinea pig have a swollen jaw?

Fights between guinea pigs can sometimes cause wounds that develop into abscesses. Neutered males can sometimes get abscesses on their surgery site for several months following the procedure. You should also check your guinea pig’s jaw frequently. They can develop tooth root abscesses, which can cause swelling to the guinea pig’s face or jaw.

What should I do if my guinea pig has dental disease?

Your vet will generally use a specialised speculum or otoscope to look inside your guinea pig’s mouth. In some cases, dental disease is not always obvious during an intraoral exam, and in these cases, radiographs (x-rays), CT, or an examination under general anaesthesia may be recommended.

What happens to a guinea pig when it gets old?

As is the case with old lady Feebee, mobility seems to be one of the most common issues experienced by older guinea pigs. As guinea pigs age, their joints are prone to become inflamed and develop arthritis. This means that older guinea pigs don’t explore or exercise as much as their younger counterparts.

What should you do if your guinea pig has an abscess?

Abscesses happen with guinea pigs, and knowing the treatment can help soothe your worries. An abscess is one of the injuries that you should seek treatment by a vet. Improper treatment for abscesses may result in a very sick guinea pig or death. Remember, Guinea Pig Center is not a substitute for veterinary advice. What is an Abscess?

Why does my guinea pig have an abscess in her jaw?

Abscesses in the jaw are common in guinea pigs since their teeth are constantly growing. The teeth structure that accommodates the growth also allows bacteria into the jaw. These jaw abscesses require treatment so that the bacteria do not end up in the guinea pig’s digestive system.

What can I use to clean my guinea pig’s wound?

You can buy a sterile wound wash solution from a local pharmacy, pet store, or vet. Fill a needleless syringe with the solution, and squirt it through the shunt daily to clean out any pus. Prevent the guinea pig from chewing or licking the wound. Your guinea pig or its cage mates may try to lick or nibble the area.

What should I do if my guinea pig bit itself?

Your guinea pig or its cage mates may try to lick or nibble the area. If so, take a chewing deterrent (which you can buy at a pet store), and dab it around the wound. Do not put it in the wound itself. Your vet may give you a special collar that you can put on your guinea pig to prevent it from chewing the wound.