My dog got into a fight with another dog and has developed an infected abcess that isn't responding to antibiotics. The abcess is on the top of his neck right above his shoulder blades. It's about tennis ball sized. Vet bills have accumulated if you're wondering why I'm doing this myself. Have shaved him down and found the soft spot. Have read and watched all about the procedure. As far as clearing it, I have a syringe with sea salt and warm water. Cleaning the area before the incision with an antimicrobial scrub(Iodine,etc.). Do not watch if you are squeamish, seriously, don't. The procedure is as follows: <object width="425" height="344"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/EBYmiqad_-M&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/EBYmiqad_-M&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="425" height="344"></embed></object> annnnnnnnnnnnnnddddddd: <object width="560" height="340"><param name="movie" value="http://www.youtube.com/v/meMCeQBlKZQ&hl=en&fs=1&"></param><param name="allowFullScreen" value="true"></param><param name="allowscriptaccess" value="always"></param><embed src="http://www.youtube.com/v/meMCeQBlKZQ&hl=en&fs=1&" type="application/x-shockwave-flash" allowscriptaccess="always" allowfullscreen="true" width="560" height="340"></embed></object> Thoughts?
It may just be me, but I would go to the vet to get it done. Unless there's no way you can afford it. I just trust the vet alot more than me when handling with pets. If something goes wrong in the procedure with you, you may have to take him to the vet anyways...
I have done it before with animals when I was growing up. It can be quite painful to the animal and depending on the size can be difficult to heal. I would strongly suggest that you watch for infection if you choose to do it. They are animals and their immune systems are better than ours, but an infection is a possibility. If you can't afford to take your dog to the vet, and it is not getting smaller or it's own, then I would do it if it were my dog. I haven't lost any animals doing it.
My thoughts exactly, you may end up at the vet anyway, and the dog could be in worse shape than if you had just taken it in. Not to mention, if something goes wrong and it passes away, you'll hate yourself forever for doing something like that. I know how much you can love an animal, I'd never forgive myself if I did something to hurt one of my dogs (which I no longer have since I broke up with my ex fiance a couple of years ago....they're all I miss!!). Pugs
I have spent over 4,000 dollars on 2 dogs in 4 years. I am taking all precautions as far as sterility and have weighed my options. I know how to do it. I just gave him some ultram(painkiller) and plan on doing this when he starts getting groggy.
Farmers, ranchers and country folk do it all the time. I have done it as well. There is always the chance something bad can happen, but if you have done the research and are careful it should be fine. People send their animals to the vets all the time when it really isn't necessary
One time I pinched my finger in my door and it formed a blood blister, so I decided I should probably lance it myself (this is about 2 AM in my parents' house). I got a safety pin and poked a hole through it, it started bleeding out and then felt myself about to pass out, I barely caught myself, but I could have easily passed out and slammed my head on something.
I know it seems harsh, but I'd do it to myself if I had an abcess, as I don't have insurance. Just last night I dislocated the proximal interphalangeal joint(middle of three joints in finger) in my pinky diving for a loose ball. Pulled it back in place and am taping it to my ring finger(buddy taping) as to not move my pinky. As you can see I am pretty self sufficient when it comes to injuries. I was gonna post pictures of my finger at the 90 degree angle outward position it was in, but I figured I'd spare you guys
Yeah, I mean it's not like I'm performing reconstructive surgery, I'm just cutting into the abcess to drain it. If something goes wrong I could always bite the bullet and take him to the vet.
Did you put alcohol in it? You can literally pass out from pain if it is deep enough and you use too much alcohol.
Gonna try and post a vid of the process in which I am undertaking. Thanks to all that responded and if you believe in a higher power please keep him in your thoughts. Addendum: What is the cheapest place to buy surgical gloves?
The most important part about dealing with an abscess is dressing the wound. You should pack the wound with gauze and change it daily till the wound is dry, then just put a bandage over the wound till it heals. Surgical gloves aren't necessary, once an abscess is opened, it is not a sterile procedure. The reason the abscess didn't respond to antibiotics is that an abscess is a wall off infection with necrotic tissue that can only heal when drained, then treated with antibiotics and dressed appropriately.
Yeah it's the bodies defense mechanism as to not let the infection spread inward toward organs or the bloodstream. Trying to create a legit soft spot with warm salt water compresses. Question for you: I want the incision to be low so gracity can take effect, but it is right on top of his neck. Where would you make the incision? Do I have to make the incision on the soft spot or can I cut it anywhere?
