My dog has a lump after a fight. Is it an abscess? Can I treat it?

It could be that Tank has an abscess. This commonly occur after animal bites and are very painful to the dog. He does need to see a vet tomorrow, as if he does have an abscess, it will need to be drained and flushed, and he will need antibiotics to treat it. I hope this helps!

Poor Savage! Yes, it certainly does sound like this could be an abscess, or swelling due to some type of trauma to a tooth or his jaw in this area that may have occurred during the fight. I would recommend taking him to the vet today for an exam if possible - he/she can sedate him if needed to get a good look at the inside of his mouth, and if the lump is an abscess, it will need to be surgically drained. Your vet will also prescribe antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medication if needed.

It sounds like Cujo has developed an abscess from this bite, and he needs veterinary attention now for it. The abscess needs to be drained and flushed sterilely, and he will need antibiotics to treat the infection. Please take him into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website.

Diamond needs to be examined by the veterinarian today. This could be a cyst, an abscess or a necrotic tumor. It looks like it could be infected whatever the cause. If it is a cyst or tumor, it will need to be removed. If it is an abscess, it will need a drain. It probably does hurt. She needs an exam, possible diagnostics, medications to address and infection (if present) and pain. She also needs an elizabethan collar so she cannot lick the area. I hope they figure out the cause quickly.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This lump you describe could potentially be something like an abscess for example. However, other things are possible. If there is really an abscess, this should not be treated at home. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an abscess was noted, further local therapy with drainage and antibiotics would be recommended. Good luck and best wishes!

Unfortunately there is nothing else you can do at home besides the cleaning. An abscess is a pocket of infection, and it is painful to the dog. Arwyn needs antibiotics and pain medications, and the abscess needs to be drained and flushed. I would take her into a vet now to have this done. Best of luck.

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.