My dog has a lump or abscess. How can I help her before the vet?

Given the location, it could be a tooth root abscess. It isn't an emergency, but is likely uncomfortable. If Dolly is behaving normally, she can probably see her veterinarian in the morning. An oral exam can be done to determine if there is periodontal disease and if so, if it is severe enough to cause an abscess. A complete dental cleaning and possibly extractions may be necessary. If an abscess is ruled out, your veterinarian can perform a fine needle aspirate of the lump to collect samples for pathology. This may provide a diagnosis. Treatment options can be discussed once results are returned.

Hello. I am sorry for your concerns about Freyja. It does look like she has a tooth root abscess, most likely involving the 4th upper premolar. Antibiotics usually clears the infection very nicely, but often the tooth needs to be removed. As long as Freyja is eating well & is in no significant discomfort, you can wait to have her seen. Placing a warm compress over the area should help with drainage. I would do this for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm sorry Bella is having this problem. The most common reasons for a lump include inflammation/infection, a foreign body such as a thorn or other, a seroma or fluid filled sac, a hematoma or sac full of blood. Also an insect/spider bite and trauma are all possible. Based on her age, a tumor is less likely. Sounds like the warm compresses are helping and she is regaining more function. If the lump completely resolves I think you are in the clear. But if the lump persists, worsens, or comes back and/or the opening of the mouth is still affected, I would advise having your veterinarian take a look. A physical exam, cytology of a sample of the discharge or a culture may be indicated. Also an X-ray may be needed to assess the bone structures and the soft tissue. Good luck with Bella.

Thank you for providing a picture of Pickles and her bump! It is quite large in the picture, and it could be a tooth root abscess. It could also be an enlarged lymph node, a benign tumor, or a malignant tumor. This is definitely something that needs to be checked out by a vet. It looks very swollen and it likely bothers her. The vet will be the one to diagnose what is causing the bump and the best treatment for it. I would take her into the vet first thing Monday morning. Tonight, I'd recommend feeding some canned food to her just in case it is dental problem and it hurts for her to chew dry food. You could also soak her dry food in warm water to soften it up. Good luck, I hope this helps!

I am sorry to hear that Love isn’t doing well. The picture looks like a possible abscess. If a veterinarian is not a possibility then I would encourage you to warm compress the area several times a day with warm water and Epsom salts if you have them. I would, however, encourage you to have her evaluated by a veterinarian as soon as possible. She likely needs antibiotics and it may get worse if left untreated. Best of luck and I hope she improves soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

This could be an abscess forming, a focal area of ringworm, or even a focal type of mite called Demodex. You can try applying a warm compress and keeping the area clean and seeing if it improves. Typically an appointment like Neosporin is it very effective but it likely wouldn't cause any harm. I would recommend having Jade wear an e-collar to prevent her from scratching at the area or rubbing her face on the ground as that can make it worse. If the area becomes increasingly swollen, red, painful or begins draining it should be seen by veterinarian. This is because that indicates your dog will likely need antibiotics and potentially the site flushed.

Hi there. There are many possibilities with a swelling like that. However, in that specific location I would be highly suspicious of a tooth root abscess. If you lift the lip and look at the tooth, often you can see abnormalities. Also if you apply gentle pressure to the lump you may see pus drain out over the tooth. Of course abscesses from other causes as well at tumor can not be ruled out at this time. Please have Gingi seen by a veterinarian as soon as possible. Best of luck and thank you for using Pet Coach.