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My puppy was attacked: nasal wounds, not eating. Can I use old meds?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | American Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 2 months and 17 days old | 8 lbs

I have picked up a pit puppy that was attacked by another pit. The vet said he has puncture wounds to his nasal cavity. I have some lupin 250 pills left from another dog. They aren't old. Also a couple syringes of saline. He isn't wanting to eat or drink. His left side is swollen. I have been able to clean him up since the photos I took. I'm trying to slowly open his right eye up with warm cloth compress but it's pretty thick due to the time of attack was a few days. Any and all help appreciated

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on September 18th, 2017

That poor baby is lucky to have you taking care of him. Lupin makes a couple of different antibiotics, but I'm guessing at a dose of 250 you have either Cephalexin or Amoxicillin. Neither would be my first choice for a bite wound that involves the nasal cavity and 250 mg would be too high of a dose for this ittle guy, so I would recommend contacting your vet for an appropriate antibiotic. Continuing the wam compress on the eye is a great idea. You can do the compress along the nose as well.
You may need to get some pain medication from your vet to get him eating and drinking. He may be too painful to open his mouth well. You can try to offer a small amount of water with a syringe. If he is not able to swallow that well, you need to see your vet again. If he does OK with swallowing water, you could try to offer him some warm, stinky canned food that you have made into a gruel to see if he can eat/drink that on his own.
Good luck with this little guy! I hope that was helpful.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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