Appy Rider

I recently lost a mid aged cavy to an abcess. Now my older pig, approx four, is exhibiting some rather odd behaviors that are very unlike her usual actions.

Can you guys give me any experiences you may have had with this and what I should be looking for? I can provide more detail if specifics are needed.

It's my first Cavy, Miley, and I know it is inevitable, I just want to know what to expect and how to make her as comfortable as possible.

My little Miley, the oldest of my 3 cavies, came up with an abcess on her face, right next to her left nostril. The swelling was great, but it burst day befor yesterday. The stench was great, and she still has signs of the smell, and a scab over the exit point. I have been using warm compresses to attempt to draw any left overs out. I know this is gross, I can barely stand it myself, but is there anything else I can do? I don't know of any exotic vets I can take her to, and I know Cavies are highly intoloerant of meds or antibiotics. Suggestions are overly welcome!

She is bright and has her usual veracious appetite. She was pretty lethargic before it opened and drained.

Firstly, I am a married (16yrs) 44 years old last November. I quit drinking 2 years ago, and also have been sober from an opiate problem after a broken leg suffered in 2003.

The reason I type this is that I figured when you quit doing all the bad stuff you felt better, not worse!

I have been having some issues with my health, and I am suspecting I am Hypothyroid. My skin has gone nuts, I have gained weight, I have to inhale caffeine to even motivate on a normal level. I am achy all over and just blah.

I am wondering if anyone who suspected this themselves had tried supplementing before doing the whole doctor/prescription thing? I am already taking 3 prescripts and really don't want another, as a matter of fact I am trying to get off these as well.

Anyway, I read that supplementing with iodine/iodide can help snap the old thyroid back to attention....any truth?

Any and all advice ( save smart comments and spam) or suggestions will be appreciated. My husband is sick of me, he says I never seem happy, I never smile, I used to this and I used to be that. He just doesn't get that these comments really don't motivate me like he thinks I guess.

Grit Ball anyone?

It seems that my falling credit score may be to blame for my joblessness. I have a lot of prospects, but no hires at this point. I have been laid off since early 2007.