Abscess

What It Is ♥ Causes ♥ Symptoms ♥ What To Do

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What It Is

According to the dictionary, an abscess is "a localized collection of pus in the tissues of the body, often accompanied by swelling and inflammation and frequently caused by bacteria."

The scab came off and the
pus is starting to ooze out.

Causes

Most abscesses start with a break in the skin that allows bacteria to enter the body.

Symptoms

A bump usually appears at the site of the infection. Your chinchilla might lose his appetite or act lethargic.

What To Do

A vet visit is required to get on an antibiotic regimen. We drain these abscesses once a day. Usually means picking the scab off and squeezing the pus out. Then we apply a light layer of a triple antibiotic ointment (the vet may give you something else). Dust baths should be stopped until the abscess is gone and the wound has vanished.

The hole left behind after the
pus is removed can be quite deep.

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the healthiest and longest life possible!