Abscess treatment

[Santi4407]

Hello to all,
I would like to know if anyone knows whats the best way for me to clean out a lanced abscess. It was a pretty big one unfortunately which I had unsuccessfully treated in the past by a vet. It was pretty hard and the vet seemed to lance only the very top, and explained that it had affected the bone a little and how it should be cleaned. I been cleaning it for a few days now and it seems like its still filled with hardened puss I try to do as much as I can with the q-tip and the solution and topical she gave me which seems painful to her. Just want to see if this is all that can actually be done for now. The vets cham experience seemed minimal at best but she seemed ok otherwise compared to other vets I've been to. She tried to get me to begin antibiotic treatment through injection before a culture was actually done. I wasnt sure about this and really questioned having to give her a shot for 2 weeks along with cleaning a lanced abscess each day. It seemed like a lot. Im Im wrong in this somebody please weigh in. But until the culture comes back I agreed to giving baytril orally.

 

[djfishygillz]

I would fill this out and post pictures of the abscess

Here is some recommended information to include when asking for help in the health clinic forum. By providing this information, you will receive more accurate and beneficial responses. It might not be necessary to answer all these questions, but the more you provide the better. Please remember that even the most knowledgeable person can only guess at what your problem may be. Only an experienced reptile veterinarian who can directly examine your animal can give a true diagnosis of your chameleon's health.


Chameleon Info:

Your Chameleon - The species, sex, and age of your chameleon. How long has it been in your care?
Handling - How often do you handle your chameleon?
Feeding - What are you feeding your cham? What amount? What is the schedule? How are you gut-loading your feeders?
Supplements - What brand and type of calcium and vitamin products are you dusting your feeders with and what is the schedule?
Watering - What kind of watering technique do you use? How often and how long to you mist? Do you see your chameleon drinking?
Fecal Description - Briefly note colors and consistency from recent droppings. Has this chameleon ever been tested for parasites?
History - Any previous information about your cham that might be useful to others when trying to help you.


Cage Info:

Cage Type - Describe your cage (Glass, Screen, Combo?) What are the dimensions?
Lighting - What brand, model, and types of lighting are you using? What is your daily lighting schedule?
Temperature - What temp range have you created (cage floor to basking spot)? Lowest overnight temp? How do you measure these temps?
Humidity - What are your humidity levels? How are you creating and maintaining these levels? What do you use to measure humidity?
Plants - Are you using live plants? If so, what kind?
Placement - Where is your cage located? Is it near any fans, air vents, or high traffic areas? At what height is the top of the cage relative to your room floor?
Location - Where are you geographically located?


Current Problem - The current problem you are concerned about.

 

[Santi4407]

Thanks for the response I forgot to add pics. Ill be able to add more information later or tomorrow.

 

[djfishygillz]

I would say injection antibiotics look needed. Oral baytril may not be enough. I would listen to the vet.

 

[Oliviabryant]

Just curious how your little guy is doing ?
Mines currently in a quarantine cage- just had his lanced. His was from rostral rubbing though which caused a bit of an abrasion and from there am infection. He's lucky it wasn't serious but I'm sure it hurts right now for him.
I have him on taking antibiotic shots every 3 days which I administer and I use gloves- sterilize the area and inject. Same this open wound- gloves, sterilize by very,very gently dabbing a q tip that has a copious amount of sterilizing wash and I apply Neo Poly Bac ointment

 

[Carlton]

Hello to all,
I would like to know if anyone knows whats the best way for me to clean out a lanced abscess. It was a pretty big one unfortunately which I had unsuccessfully treated in the past by a vet. It was pretty hard and the vet seemed to lance only the very top, and explained that it had affected the bone a little and how it should be cleaned. I been cleaning it for a few days now and it seems like its still filled with hardened puss I try to do as much as I can with the q-tip and the solution and topical she gave me which seems painful to her. Just want to see if this is all that can actually be done for now. The vets cham experience seemed minimal at best but she seemed ok otherwise compared to other vets I've been to. She tried to get me to begin antibiotic treatment through injection before a culture was actually done. I wasnt sure about this and really questioned having to give her a shot for 2 weeks along with cleaning a lanced abscess each day. It seemed like a lot. Im Im wrong in this somebody please weigh in. But until the culture comes back I agreed to giving baytril orally.

One main problem with herp abscesses is that the infectious material inside them isn't liquid (unlike mammals). It is a lot harder to clear all of the stuff out completely. And, if you don't, the infection doesn't heal. In fact it can spread to nearby tissues, through nasal cavities, even into the eye. A systemic antibiotic in addition to the local treatment is usually necessary for something this far advanced.