Dog has a jaw lump. Is it an emergency or can I wait for the vet?

This could be a tooth root abscess or a swelling from an insect bite or a salivary gland problem. Unless you think this is very painful, there is really nothing you can or need to do. If Chelsea appears in a lot of pain you may want to take her to a vet tonight, but if she is comfortable, then there is nothing you need to do.

I think this is not an emergency and can wait to be seen tomorrow. The only thing that may happen is that this abscess bursts until then. If that happens, gently wipe off the pus, do not flush or put ointment on the wound, leave it as it is. It is likely painful at the moment, but once the abscess bursts the pain will be over. Your vet will lance and flush the abscess and prescribe an antibiotic if needed.

Poor Ginger! I cannot say for sure without seeing her in person, but this looks like a tooth root abscess. I would continue the warm compresses until you are able to get her seen by your vet. If this is the cause, your vet will likely put her on some antibiotics and also recommend to have the tooth causing the issue to be extracted. I hope this helps and she starts to feel better soon!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lockjaw. I'm wondering if that area is an abscess that has now ruptured. It doesn't look great, but if he is eating and drinking, he does not have a fever, and the area isn't hot, you can wait until tomorrow morning to have him seen by his vet. If the area becomes hot, he gets a fever, or he stops eating or drinking, have him seen by an ER vet right away. I hope this helps!

Thank you for the pictures. I wouldn't rush Topsy into the emergency clinic, but I would recommend having this evaluated sooner rather than later (next day or two). It is hard to tell from the pictures if it is skin related or more involved. Some possibilities include skin irritation from something that she came in contact with, an insect bite, possibly tooth related, or maybe a foreign body. If she will allow you you can lift her tongue and look around her lips to see if you can see any potential source of irritation. If she will not allow you, or the lump seems to be uncomfortable to her then I wouldn't push her and definitely have her evaluated by a veterinarian. I hope this gives you some direction. I am available for consultations if you have further questions or concerns. Feel better soon Topsy!

Good morning. If it is towards the back of the jaw it could be an enlarged lymph node or salivary gland. Other possible causes are an abscess or tumor. In young dogs we see a lot of abscesses in that area because they are chewing on sticks or other things and they can puncture the oral tissue and cause an abscess under the jaw. I would highly encourage you to have him evaluated by your veterinarian soon. A needle aspirate may be done to help determine the diagnosis and treatment plan. Best of luck and I hope he improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! These could be benign or malignant growths. These could even represent infection sites or lymph nodes. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!