[Eastling]

Hi
Lottie has had a tennis ball size solid lump in her neck for the last 3 weeks. At first it was only visible when she was laying on her side. I did think it may have been a lymph node possible related to her teeth.


Since yesterday the lump is now hanging down and very visible. Have been in touch with the vet over the last 3 weeks and told to monitor. I have spoken to him today and sent some pictures. He thinks could be an abscess? She is eating,drinking doing all normal things.


Any ideas


Thanks

[sabrina]

Sorry vet should be out if they are doing their job  right.

[shygirl]

my sow had something very very similar. at the same time of year too. hers were hard and you could get hold them, tennis ball sized.
she had 3 on each side of her body (apparently where the lymph nodes were located. one vet thought it was lymph nodes and the other vet thought it was from brushing against something poisonous in the woods - but basically neither vet knew and the actual "pig vet" wasnt allowed on my farm as she is fully booked with other routine pig farms visits,and had to have pig free days in her schedule.

the lumps were lanced but had nothing in them, no pus.
although there was no diagnosis the treatment was standard, anti inflammatories, antibiotics etc the vet said what ever they were the treatment would be the same.
gradually the lumps went down by 75%, but never went completely.

[Hassle]

The vet would come if asked, I'm sure, but it's another call out fee.
Problem for most proper vets is pig units are closed sites due to bio security, so only time they get on is for annual inspection.  Therefore they will only see a few pigs (smallholders and pets) it must be difficult to know everything.

If the pig was in pain then vet would do something.

[Eastling]

I think the vet wasn't to concerned as she was happy in herself. No point in him coming if he's unable to diagnose, obviously I would have had him out if she was in pain or showing signs of illness. He has suggested I stick a needle in it to see if it is filled with pus. He didn't want to give antib's as she seemed to be well in herself.


Will see what his colleague has to say tomorrow

[shygirl]

my pig wasnt in pain but she was kicked by a pony the week before so i wondered if the 2 were connected. the vet said not. its a bitter pill to swallow to pay a vet bill when the vet clearly says he doesnt know whats wrong with the animal.
we had alot of pigs at that time and no other got any bumps or lumps.

[oaklandspigs]

Eastling,
 
Some Q's
 
Now that you've seen it, is it getting bigger, smaller, staying the same?
Is she happy with you handling it - eg holding it, pressing it?
How "solid" is it - rock hard, or squeezable?
Presume this is a breeding sow not meat pig, and how old is she, and state of any pregnancy?
How tolerant is she in herself of you doing stuff to her?
 
 
 
 
 

[Eastling]

Hi Oaklands
She is just over a year.


The lump is tennis ball size very firm to touch not squeezable, she doesn't react to it being handled.
Not pregnant, she is a gilt and not a meat pig.


Not sure what she would be like to do anything to, she did scream when injected with her wormer a few months ago. She does like a fuss, but whether she would let me do anything like sticking a needle into it not sure how she would react.

[Eastling]

Ment to say has not increased or decreased in size

[shygirl]

Not sure what she would be like to do anything to, she did scream when injected with her wormer a few months ago. She does like a fuss, but whether she would let me do anything like sticking a needle into it not sure how she would react.

our vet lanced our pigs lump. we got her behind a gate which was tied up securely, and then put a noose(calving rope) around her teeth and tied to the wall/gate. this causes a pig to lean back and freeze - then you can lance it. this is what our vet did. it will be noisy 

[Eastling]

Shy girl we had the pig we lost snared for a blood test! sounded like something from Silence of the lambs good job we have no near neighbours!
Just going to see if she is out of the wallow and have a good clean of the lump and look for any wounds that may have caused an abscess. May be a dirty job

[shygirl]

i forgot, our lumps were absolutely covered in flies so we smothered the lumps in wondergel (teatree oil healing gel) to keep the flies off. so for the flies to swarm over the lumps, they must smell funny.
goodluck, let us know if you find diagnosis.

[Eastling]

Spoke to the vet this morning, his colleague say may be a bite (but no marks on the area) or trauma from banging/scratching the area. I have just stuck a needle in and got pus text vet who suggested let it drain, what out of a needle hole!! i think it needs lancing and flushing  and some antibs

[shygirl]

Spoke to the vet this morning, his colleague say may be a bite (but no marks on the area) or trauma from banging/scratching the area. I have just stuck a needle in and got pus text vet who suggested let it drain, what out of a needle hole!! i think it needs lancing and flushing  and some antibs

you can stick a needle in and draw a syringe back to drain it. my vet gave me a scalpel for piercing absesses in the future, which came in very handy for a sheeps absess later on.

[mattjen]

Hi,just wondering has she been injected in that area at all?