Poor Pip! Abscess!

[rat.charmer]

Pipsqueak has an abscess - it looks like it's draining slightly. Do you guys think I should put her in a sitz bath or wait and see for now? How much should I be encouraging it to pop?

Also - I've heard mentioned that contact lens solution is great as a saline flush - anything particular I should be looking for when I run to the pharmacy?

Thanks!

 

[Argent]

I don't know about the contact lens solution, but sitz baths are a definate must! You want all the nasty gunk outta there and keep it as clean as possible so it can heal from the inside out ^_^

 

[rat.charmer]

Gotcha!! What a lovely thing to be doing before dinner....

 

[Argent]

Eurgh I know the feeling >.< Axel had two-once was lanced at the vets *sick* and the other popped and got infected *double-sick* >.< They're vile DX Hope Pip starts feeling better :3

 

[M0onkist]

I'd be careful about the contact lens solution - many have cleansers and protein removers to clean the contact lens - I don't know what it would do to an abscess...

Saline solution though is a definite go - you can get nasal sprays that are just saline solution (no cleansers or other things). Warm compresses, if you can hold her still for long enough, would help to bring it to a head, and also help keep it open and leaking.

I've had to deal with things like that before - on me, no less! Had cellulitis a few times, which drains 99% of the time and leaves a nice little hole that then has to heal up. Warm compresses and saline solution were best - I'd use a fresh gauze pad to apply the warm water to her, or to clean out the abscess, if you can.

 

[mamarat]

Poor you, poor Pip. I make my own saline solution..
1 cup tap water
1/2 tsp. table salt.

But it only keeps for 24 hours.
Good luck!

 

[rat.charmer]

I'll just make my own saline solution then! I had just been wondering how 'sterile' it had to be...but in all fairness, I've used a home made netti pot and if I can shove my own saline solution up my nose...it should be ok for Pip's abscess!

Poor girl is NOT happy with me at the moment. I did one sitz bath and she was terrified of the water....going to try again soon.

 

[mamarat]

Try giving her a treat she has to hold while doing the flushing. It works for my guys.

 

[jorats]

There is some contact lenses solution that is only saline and water, you'd have to read which ones but best to make your own.
You should be aggressively encouraging all the gunk to come out.

 

[rat.charmer]

How long can it take for an abscess to pop? Day two - nothing yet.

 

[jorats]

It can take quite some time for it to pop. Is there a scab yet?

 

[rat.charmer]

Yes, there's a little red mark.

 

[jorats]

How is it now? If the scab is getting bigger, you could try lifting it off.