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Thread: Lip Abscess Draining - Need advice on care

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    Default Lip Abscess Draining - Need advice on care

    Hello. After almost 3 weeks, my grey's lip abscess is starting to drain on it's own today. My question is, do I let it be, or is there an antibiotic I should be giving her to help? I've read a few posts suggesting Clindamycin and even Metronidazole. I have Metro available (prescribed for my dog) and also have Clindamycin, although it's a topical lotion (for son's acne). Are either of these recommended or even necessary? From the beginning, the abscess does not seem to bother or affect her. I did give her Meloxicam early on in case it was painful. Thanks for any advice.

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    Default Re: Lip Abscess Draining - Need advice on care

    What’s most important with an abscess is that it stay open and not reseal itself so everything can drain. Sometimes the puss inside is so thick it can’t flow and might need some help from you by applying some slight pressure to force it out.

    Giving an antibiotic might be helpful since it’s already opened and is draining. Someone will be able to help you with the metronidazole dosing but you must give the strength of the medicine and the weight of your squirrel.

    I’m not sure if metronidazole is the best choice for this. Do you have access to any other human antibiotics?

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    Default Re: Lip Abscess Draining - Need advice on care

    Quote Originally Posted by Mel1959 View Post
    What’s most important with an abscess is that it stay open and not reseal itself so everything can drain. Sometimes the puss inside is so thick it can’t flow and might need some help from you by applying some slight pressure to force it out.

    Giving an antibiotic might be helpful since it’s already opened and is draining. Someone will be able to help you with the metronidazole dosing but you must give the strength of the medicine and the weight of your squirrel.

    I’m not sure if metronidazole is the best choice for this. Do you have access to any other human antibiotics?
    Thanks so much for the response. I was able to gently remove the "crust" that is starting to form and pushed out a lot of puss with a Qtip. Once doing that, it is almost completely flat. I will keep checking to make sure it stay's open.

    The only human antibiotic I have is Sulfameth/TMP 800/160MG.

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    Default Re: Lip Abscess Draining - Need advice on care

    Quote Originally Posted by Tink's Mom View Post
    Thanks so much for the response. I was able to gently remove the "crust" that is starting to form and pushed out a lot of puss with a Qtip. Once doing that, it is almost completely flat. I will keep checking to make sure it stay's open.

    The only human antibiotic I have is Sulfameth/TMP 800/160MG.
    I would make sure to keep the wound open. Soaking it (if nothing else at least with saline), and clean it/flush it daily.
    I would put him on Clindamycin as AB, not the other. We would need his weight and the strength of your Clinda.
    "In the midst of our lives we must find the magic that makes our souls soar."
    My darling Scooter, beloved Hami, sweet gentle Simon... YOU are the ones who brought that magic in my life. You've changed the way I see all things around me now and, because of you, I want to be a better person. This is not goodbye, my sweethearts. You be at peace, your work here on earth is done... now you are finally, truly free. Until we meet at the Bridge again, please remember that I will always love you.
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    Default Re: Lip Abscess Draining - Need advice on care

    Quote Originally Posted by Tink's Mom View Post
    Thanks so much for the response. I was able to gently remove the "crust" that is starting to form and pushed out a lot of puss with a Qtip. Once doing that, it is almost completely flat. I will keep checking to make sure it stay's open.

    The only human antibiotic I have is Sulfameth/TMP 800/160MG.
    Can you call around to family and friends and see if you can locate anything else. As Skooterzmom suggested, Clindamycin would be great.

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    Default Re: Lip Abscess Draining - Need advice on care

    Actually, the SMZ-TMP isn't a bad choice here. Post your squirrel's weight and we can dose for you.

    Purchase a bottle of Betadyne - !0% povidone iodine, found with the wound care stuff at your local drug store. Dilute at 25drops per 1/4 cup water and se that for all of the soaking and cleaning you do to the abscess, including flushing the wound. It is just fantastic stuff - anti bacterial, fungal and viral, and no stinging or burning. Clean it all up and leave it wet to dry on it's own several times a day. No salves or creams - just use the betadyne solution.

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