My dog has a lump under her chin after a fight. Should I see a vet?

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 submitting your question. I'm sorry to hear about the dog fight. I'm concerned that her face is still swollen this many days after the fight. There is a chance an abscess has now formed. Bacteria are introduced under the skin with the bite. The skin tends to heal over the wound trapping the bacteria under the skin. If the infection grows, a swelling known as an abscess forms. This will likely require antibiotics, if not surgery to heal. Your dog will need to see a veterinarian. In the meantime, you can try warm compresses at home. Apply a warm washcloth to the swollen area for 5 minutes three times per day. I hope this information!

I would be sure the Area is cleaned will with a mild soap or hibiclens soap (available at the drug store) and apply an antibiotic ointment such as neosporin several times a day. If his hair on his chin is sticking to the wound you may need to trim around it to prevent this. If the wound increase in size/swelling or develops a discharge then you should see a vet for examination. If during the fight either dog but the other then he should see a vet for an exam and avrabies booster if he isn't up to date on his vaccine. It would also be wise to discuss his new behavior issue (aggression) with his vet.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Tootsie! I would worry it is an abscess. The skin looks red and bruised and the "water" you feel may be puss. Since Tootsie is so young that makes him more fragile than older puppies, meaning he may deteriorate quickly. I suggest you take him to the Vet for an exam and if they think it is an abscess then antibiotics can be provided. I hope this helps and I wish you all the best!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This could be a benign or malignant growth. 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 night!

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!

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the picture, this could be a mass of some type or due to an insect bite. If this does not resolve within 24-48 hours, then I would recommend having a veterinarian examine her so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.