Abscesses are a result of infection and can form anywhere on a guinea pig’s body. They start as inflamed areas that are swollen, red, warm, and painful. As they progress, these inflamed areas become filled with pus.
While tooth abscesses can arise from dental diseases and pose significant health concerns, foot abscesses (often termed “bumblefoot” or “pododermatitis”) are commonly seen in older, overweight guinea pigs and may result from unsuitable housing or poor hygiene.
Abscesses from bite wounds
Skin penetrations from bite wounds have a high tendency to evolve into abscesses. If the abscess is beneath the skin, hair around the affected area begins to fall off, and the skin might display a bluish tint. As the condition advances, the abscess’s skin might break, releasing the pus.
Cervical lymphadenitis
Cervical lymphadenitis is a condition common in younger guinea pigs where an infection leads to the formation of abscesses in the lymph nodes of the neck. The condition presents as noticeable lumps or swellings on the neck. It is caused by the streptococcal bacteria, commonly found in the environment, which can enter a guinea pig’s body through cuts, scratches, or the respiratory system.
Symptoms of cervical lymphadenitis
- Visible lumps on the head, neck, or underneath the chin. While these swellings can grow significantly, many guinea pigs might not show obvious discomfort.
- May have difficulty breathing and eye or nose discharges.
- May display signs of lethargy, weight loss, and decreased appetite.
If left untreated, the infection can spread to other parts of the body, like the lungs or heart, resulting in more severe complications.
A head tilt might indicate the infection has reached the inner or middle ear.
These abscesses can mature and burst spontaneously, significantly increasing the risk of transmitting the bacteria to other guinea pigs in the same enclosure.
How to prevent abscesses
While it’s impossible to guarantee that abscesses won’t occur, there are several measures you can take to minimise the risk for your guinea pig:
- Maintain a clean and spacious habitat: Regularly clean and disinfect your guinea pig’s cage, ensuring dry and moisture-free bedding. Avoid overcrowding, as this can lead to increased stress and injuries.
- Safe play and proper handling: Ensure the cage and exercise area are free from potential hazards. Additionally, educate all household members on correct handling techniques to prevent injuries.
- Weekly health checks at home: Each week, inspect your guinea pig for any signs of cuts, scrapes, or dental issues that could develop into an abscess.
What to do if a guinea pig’s abscess bursts
- Drain the pus carefully: If pus is visibly oozing from the wound, apply gentle pressure around the area to help release it. However, if there’s any bleeding, stop applying pressure immediately.
- Clean the area: Gently clean the ruptured site using a warm saline solution (a 1/4 teaspoon of salt dissolved in 150ml of boiled and cooled water).
- Avoid touching inside the abscess: Inspecting or probing the abscess’s cavity might be tempting, but refrain from doing so. This can introduce new bacteria or push existing bacteria deeper, potentially causing more harm.
- Isolate the affected guinea pig: Temporarily separate the guinea pig from any companions to prevent them from licking or nibbling at the open wound. This also reduces the risk of the infection spreading to other guinea pigs.
- Consult a veterinarian: After initial cleaning, contact your veterinarian as soon as possible. The vet can provide proper guidance, clean the abscess further if required, and prescribe antibiotics or other necessary treatment to prevent secondary infections.
Abscess treatment
If you suspect your guinea pig has an abscess, consult a veterinarian immediately. The pus within an abscess is laden with bacteria, and if consumed by a guinea pig, it can lead to severe infections.
A veterinarian can appropriately drain, rinse, and disinfect the abscess. In certain situations, antibiotics may be necessary. Often, the drainage point of the abscess is left open, allowing any newly formed pus to escape. It’s vital to keep this lesion clean to prevent further infections.
The vet may recommend keeping the guinea pig separate from others for some time, depending on the type of abscess.