3433. INTERN***** A dwarf hamster has an extensive hard left facial scab. What to do?

 HOOK

Around 7 weeks ago, the hamster had a wound on the lower left face near the left nostril. The owner consulted Vet 1 and then Vet 2 totalling 4 vet visits.

But the medication given did not resolve the scab.

Instead it became very extensive, spreading to below the left eye.

The hamster has good appetite but he is irritated by this scab, rubbing his left eye till it swells and is shut most of the time. The owner is very worried as the left eye becomes swollen and closed. She consulted Toa Payoh Vets. Is there a solution?


WARNING. This video shows surgical procedures.
VIEWER DISCRETION IS ADVISED

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It looks like a scab but a tumour could not be ruled out.     

After 11 days of inpatient treatment with oral prednisolone and cleaning trying to soften the scab, the hard scab remains hard as a rock. The hamster keeps rubbing his left eye till the lower eyelid is swollen and had pus. What to do?

The solution is to remove the scab but not all at one time as the whole left side of the face will be exposed. I removed a slice below the left eyelid on Day 11 of inpatient treatment. Removal of the whole scab is not advised as the wound will be very large and irritating.



DAY 1. BEFORE PARTIAL SCAB EXCISION

Before surgery

DAY 1. 5 MINUTES AFTER PARTIAL SCAB EXCISION

After excision of the top 1/4 of the scab to relieve the lower eyelid itchiness
on Day 11 of inpatient treatment.

DAY 2
30 HOURS AFTER PARTIAL SCAB EXCISION
An Elizabeth collar is used to prevent left eyelid scratching
to permit healing. Oral painkiller is given. 

VIDEOS

lst CONSULTATION AT TOA PAYOH VETS


https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=aEAGAkhmYpQ

30 HOURS AFTER PARTIAL SCAB EXCISION