My 14 year-old Beagle had an abscessed tooth a few years ago. Her face was all puffed up and she barely moved. I took her to the vet and they pulled some teeth and she's been fine. A couple of days ago, a small swollen spot appeared on her face, almost like a bug-bite or something. The next day it swelled and I thought she might have another abscess, even though she's been eating fine and acting totally normal. Today, the swelling is almost gone but I'm still a bit worried. I hate taking her to vet unless I have to (she hates it too and it really gets her stressed out!). Should I still be concerned about a possible abscess?
2007-05-04 11:02:37 · 8 answers · asked by Shelley L 6 in Pets ➔ Dogs
It is possible it could be a dental abscess. You see them in the oddest places - I've seen them as bald patches under the eye (my own cat) and under the chin. Dental abscesses can even cause eyes to water, noses to run and sneezing. Remember the eyes, nose and mouth are all connected by sinuses so an infection in one of them can present as a problem in another.
I would advise getting this checked by a vet because at the end of the day if this is a dental abscess, delaying getting it checked will cause her a lot more stress.
If you're dead against it - keep an eye on that area. Is there any redness at all? Touch it - does the dog react at all? Does there seem to be any swelling? Most abscesses will show themselves eventually, but sometimes ones that are deep inside can be less obvious, as I've said. Is the dog's breath bad smelling? Can you open her mouth up and see the state of ther teeth at all?
Chalice
2007-05-04 11:09:53 · answer #1 · answered by Chalice 7 · 1⤊ 2⤋
There is a chance this is not a gum abscess it may be an abscess at the root of a nearby tooth. If its a true gum abscess then you may have food lodged between gum and tooth that may have to be removed. It is very important ( more so when pregnant) to get this taken care of. The infection can effect the health of your child. You may be able to get an extraction of the tooth covered under medical insurance. In many areas there are free or low cost dental clinics you may go to as well. I wish you luck and these do not clear up on their own. The pain may go away if the abscess is able to drain but the infection and health risk is still there.
2016-05-20 22:11:09 · answer #2 · answered by ? 3 · 0⤊ 0⤋
The thing about abscesses (and I'm sure your vet told you this) is that they can happen whether you clean your dog's teeth every day or not. Cleaning their teeth helps keep them healthy, but there's no guarantee that they'll never have dental problems. All it takes is a chip or a crack and infection can get in. The external part of the tooth may be fine, but since the root is what's infected, usually the tooth has to be removed. If you see some swelling, I would get it checked out.
2007-05-04 12:50:11 · answer #3 · answered by Buddy28 5 · 0⤊ 0⤋
Is it possible that it WAS a bug bite? Will she let you look into her mouth? If she hates the vet as much as you say and she is eating and acting okay, I would say just keep an eye on it.
Good luck to you and your little sweetie!
2007-05-04 11:09:23 · answer #4 · answered by 5gr8k9s 5 · 0⤊ 1⤋
I might take her just to be safe. It's probably nothing, but all you need is something to go bad fast on the weekend when you can't find a vet. If she just needs antibiotics he can give them and they'll kick in faster. Having had 8 root canals myself I can feel for your hound.
2007-05-04 11:07:45 · answer #5 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 1⤋
You certainly should. Take her to your vet as soon as possible, otherwise the infection might cause heart failure.
Hope she gets better real soon.
2007-05-04 11:14:27 · answer #6 · answered by Anonymous · 0⤊ 0⤋
i would get it checked out if i were you...it maybe nothing but its better to be safe than sorry...although you maybe able to wait a few days and see if the swelling goes completely down
2007-05-04 11:09:39 · answer #7 · answered by mellycosty 2 · 1⤊ 1⤋
ummm,, open her mouth and look inside to determine if there is an absess or not.... weekly dental cleanings, done by you, would prevent all this drama ,,, ya think -- and do not feed anything but a premium dry kibble
2007-05-04 11:07:17 · answer #8 · answered by Anonymous · 1⤊ 2⤋