Facial Abscesses in Rabbits and Guinea Pigs

A practical way to treat an abscess
As a dental practitioner of rabbits and guinea pigs, i will describe how facial abscesses in these animals can be treated. the cause and treatment of abscesses in these species are different. for example, in rabbits osteomyelitis and bone deformations due to peri- apical abscesses are common, whereas in guinea pigs abscesses typically occur in the lymph nodes. Moreover, pus is white, dense, and creamy (caseous) in rabbits but thinner and more fluid in guinea pigs. these differences affect treatment choices.

Introduction
Dental problems in rabbits and guinea pigs can lead to abscess formation. the most important goal of treatment is to find the cause of the abscess and to treat it. then the abscess should be removed completely by surgical excision or the abscess cavity thor- oughly cleaned after the abscess has been opened and drained. antibiotics are used, but it is important to realize that antibiotic monotherapy will not cure an abscess.

Secondary problem
An abscess is not a primary bacterial infection but the result of other problems. abscesses can develop if there is an opening in the skin, such as a bite wound, or in the mucosa. for example, a sharp food particle or a spike on a cheek tooth can perforate the mucosa. Clipping or trauma of the incisors can cause a periapical infection if there is an open root canal or a fracture line below the gingival margin. Loose or deformed teeth can occur as a result of a metabolic disorder. Bacteria can penetrate the periodon- tal space of the loose teeth and cause an infection in the alveolus. the body will try to contain the infection, leading to an abscess. [...]