Hygroma in a dog

A hygroma is a false bursa that occurs over bony prominences and pressure points, especially in large breeds of dogs. Repeated friction or trauma from lying on hard surfaces produces an inflammatory response, which results in a dense-walled, fluid-filled cavity. A soft, fluctuant, painless swelling develops over pressure points, especially the olecranon. If long-standing, severe inflammation may develop, and ulceration, infection, and fistulas may be present. The bursa contains a clear, yellow to red fluid.

Hygromas can be prevented by providing soft bedding, or beds made of orthopedic foam. Animals recovering from surgery should be turned from side to side multiple times during the day.

Guinea pig - bedding

There are many types of bedding materials that can be used for a guinea pigs home.

1. Newspaper: Newspaper is not only absorbent, but it also helps with warmth and makes cleaning out easier by being able to roll up the bedding in the newspaper. Its quite a saving when you have a few cages to clean out.

2. Hay: Guinea pigs do enjoying running around in their cage. By covering the woodshaving with hay, it avoids the woodshaving being kicked around, perhaps getting into their eyes and in their food bowls. Guinea pigs not only need large quantities of fresh hay for eating, hay makes a very comfortable bed. They can also burrow in the hay.

Please never use Cedar woodshavings as it has been proven to be toxic to guinea pigs. Never use Sawdust as its too fine. Remember guinea pigs are low to the ground and enjoy foraging for food with their noses, so fine particles can be inhaled.