Abscess or something else? - Page 2

spacebyte · 10-07-2017, 09:46 AM

No we didn't get a full diagnosis but the vet wasn't doom and gloom about it. The hope is it's just an abscess and now the gunk has been drained she will heal with some baytril. She is going back next Saturday for another look over.

If not then she will have some surgery- the vet said if she was more docile it would be easier to get a sample, but as she isn't she'd need some gas to knock her out, so she may as well just remove it all in one go. This could then be sent to the lab if need be. The vet didn't seem to think surgery would be an issue at her age because she's pretty healthy. My student loan has been delayed so I am glad I have some savings for this!

SKB_Hamsters · 10-07-2017, 09:53 AM

Okay, it’s good that the vet doesn’t think it anything to worry about to much. It does sound like it could be an abscess - especially that fluid was removed from it. I hope she takes her medicine like a good girl. I hope it clears up with the antibiotics. She might appreciate some yummy special treats with her medicine. Wishing Luna a speedy recovery
She sounds like she is in good health for surgery - my girl successfully underwent surgery when she was almost 2 years old and recovered really well.

spacebyte · 10-07-2017, 02:19 PM

She had her antibiotics in some baby food (as recommended by the vet) absolutely no bother. She is happy tonight, I am feeling less anxious about her health, and I'm glad she isn't grumpy at me after taking her to the vet this afternoon ��

SKB_Hamsters · 10-07-2017, 02:51 PM

Glad to hear that Luna took her medicine without a fuss! - I had to give baytril to 3 of my hamsters (1 who liked it and the other w absolutely hated it and would swipe the syringe away from their mouth even when disguised).
I’m sure Luna knows that you only took her the vets to make sure everything was okay with her and help you not to worry to much about her. They often can’t stay mad for long and i’m so pleased to hear that she isn’t grumpy with you!

spacebyte · 10-14-2017, 06:02 AM

Adding an update. Luna went back to the vet today. No biting only screams.

The spot seems to have gotten maybe a little smaller, it's hard to tell. It certainly hasn't grown. The main change is in the colour, before it was angry raw red, now its healing over. She's to keep on the antibiotics and is going for a super early appointment on Tuesday- if it's not gotten better and she needs the surgery she will get it then.

I am happy it is not getting worse. I am going to do some reading on what to expect if she has to have surgery.

SKB_Hamsters · 10-14-2017, 09:50 AM

Thank you for sharing an update - I have been thinking about Luna and I'm pleased to hear that the spot has gotten slightly smaller and it looks like it healing over.
I hope everything goes well on Tuesday.

I thought I would share my experience so you know what you might expect if Luna requires surgery -
When my Sherbet had here surgery to remove her abscess the operation was fairly quick - they give them a little gas anaesthetic and which her cheek pouch abscess they removed the scab which was visible beneath her ear and flushed the wound to clean it. They left her wound open to stop another abscess from forming and I had to bathe it with saline solution to make sure it didn't get infected and healed over properly. Sherbet came around from the anaesthetic fairly quickly and was a little sleepy the rest of the day and her face was a little sore which made her a little restless- but she had metacam as pain relief which helped her to feel better. She was soon back to her usual self.

CMB · 10-14-2017, 12:40 PM

I hope she gets better soon.

spacebyte · 10-15-2017, 01:31 PM

I mistyped on my last post (yesterday was RIDICULOUSLY busy) and the appointments actually a week on Tuesday at 9am. Luna was in high spirits when I gave her the antibiotics this morning. Hopefully surgery won't be needed but I'm glad to hear it is a quick procedure. The vet doesn't seem worried about her having the surgery. I am a bit worried she will scratch the wound/stitch if there is one...

I was so panicked yesterday, but the vet was really nice and didn't charge me for seeing her for a checkup. I am less worried about the surgery after the vet seemed so calm about it. I will give an update a week on Tuesday again (or before if she heals up, which the vet said was a possibility)

spacebyte · 10-24-2017, 01:13 PM

Hello,
This will (hopefully) be our final update! Luna had her surgery today. She scared a student vet with her aggression! But she was good for the vet once the surgery was over. She has come round from her anesthetiser and her painkillers no bother. She is eating and resting in her temporary cage (and climbing...) and tomorrow night she will go back to her own cage (without sand for 7-10 days). The surgery was quick and easy. If the stitch had been anywhere else she could have worn a sock but she needs her bottom free, so we are hopeful she will not scratch it. She's seeming back to normal already!

SKB_Hamsters · 10-25-2017, 03:31 AM

Pleased to hear her surgery went really well - it is such a quick procedure. I hope Luna leaves her stitches alone and it heals over quickly. I'm sure Luna will be back to her usual self in no time.