A dog tooth abscess can be painful for your canine companion. Integrative veterinarian Dr. Julie Buzby explains how tooth root abscesses occur, symptoms to watch for, and what your vet can do to get your pup feeling better in no time.
As soon as I heard that my next appointment was here for “swelling beneath the eye,” I had a strong suspicion that I was going to end up diagnosing my patient with a tooth root abscess.
My suspicions increased once I began to examine Charlie, a lovely 9-year-old neutered male Border Collie. Poor Charlie had a round swelling beneath his left eye. There was some pus draining from the surface of the swelling. His mom was understandably worried, especially because the swelling seemed to develop so quickly. Two days ago, he seemed perfectly normal.
I took a look in my canine patient’s mouth and saw that his left fourth upper premolar (i.e. carnassial tooth) didn’t look good. The gums over that tooth were red. Also, it looked like the tooth had been broken some time ago. There was more tartar buildup on that tooth than the same one on the other side. This made me concerned that my patient was chewing less on the left side of his mouth.
Also, Charlie had really bad breath—more than just the usual “doggy breath.” Unfortunately, all signs pointed to a tooth root abscess.
What is a dog tooth abscess?
A tooth root abscess in dogs is a severe infection that develops when bacteria from the mouth get to the root of a tooth. Those bacteria multiply and eventually a pocket of pus gets trapped under the gumline. Dog tooth abscesses can be very painful, and even make dogs reluctant to eat. If left untreated, a tooth abscess could make a dog very sick, and can become a medical emergency.
Tooth root abscesses can happen for two reasons— either because a tooth is broken or due to severe periodontal disease (i.e. dental disease in dogs). Let’s take a look at both.
Why a dog’s broken tooth is an abscess waiting to happen
Broken teeth are very common in dogs. In fact, a study in the Journal of Veterinary Dentistry reported one in four pets have a traumatic dental injury, with tooth fractures making up almost 50% of those injuries. Dogs can break their teeth when they chew on hard materials. These include metal dog crate doors, antlers, bones, or hard plastic toys. It can also happen if they experience some sort of trauma to the face.
Healthy teeth are covered by a layer of hard enamel. This protective surface stops bacteria in the mouth from reaching the soft tissues inside the tooth, known as the pulp chamber. However, a broken tooth or chipped enamel compromises the structure of the tooth and exposes the pulp chamber to harmful bacteria.
The pulp chamber acts as a kind of freeway for bacteria. Bacteria entering the pulp chamber quickly travel straight to the root of the tooth. Then the infection at the root of the tooth affects the bone and soft tissues around the tooth. The result is an abscess.
The most common teeth to develop abscesses in dogs are the canines, maxillary (upper) fourth premolar—also called the carnassial tooth, and the mandibular (lower) first molar. These large teeth may be injured by chewing on hard objects. The carnassial teeth are especially susceptible to slab fractures, which can easily result in an abscess.
Why severe periodontal disease is another culprit behind a tooth abscess
Dog tooth abscesses can also occur as a result of severe periodontal disease. Dogs with periodontal disease have inflamed gums that are infected with bacteria. Sometimes the bacteria travel along the outside of the tooth all the way to the root. This causes infection of the bone and soft tissues around the root, and can result in an abscess. (On a related note, periodontal disease also may be the culprit behind why your older dog is losing teeth.)
What are the symptoms of a dog tooth abscess?
Dogs with tooth root abscesses may have one or more of the following signs:
- Swelling beneath the eye—the roots of the fourth upper premolar and first upper molar teeth (i.e. large chewing teeth that look like mountains in the upper jaw) lie right beneath the eye. An abscess of these roots can cause swelling beneath the eye and a swollen face. The abscess may burst and release pus. It can be easy to mistake this for a wound on your dog’s face.
- Swelling under the chin or along the lower jaw—an abscess involving the roots of the lower premolar or molar teeth may cause a swelling along the lower jaw, which can burst and form a wound.
- Red gums—an infection of the tooth causes inflammation and redness of the gums.
- Bad breath—the bacteria involved in a tooth root abscess often cause a nasty odor to the breath.
- Drooling—inflammation in the mouth can make swallowing painful. If a dog becomes reluctant to swallow, saliva can build up in the mouth and cause drooling.
- Fever—if the infection isn’t promptly treated, bacteria spreads to surrounding tissues and can cause systemic illness, including fever.
- Bleeding gums—gingiva are very sensitive, and can bleed if irritated. Inflammation resulting from an abscess can certainly cause the gums in that area to bleed. You may see blood in your dog’s drool, or a small amount in his or her water bowl.
- Pain—tooth abscesses are certainly painful. Signs of pain can be subtle, and can include:
- Decreased appetite—if eating hurts, a dog may choose to eat less or not eat.
- Chewing on one side only—some dogs will try to minimize dental pain by only chewing on the side of the mouth that is opposite the abscess.
- Inability to chew—in severe cases, a dog’s mouth may be too inflamed and painful for him or her to chew at all.
- Pawing at mouth—just like we might rub at a sore spot, a dog may paw at a painful area of his or her mouth.
Dogs are good at hiding dental pain
Let’s focus a little more on the last symptom I mentioned—pain. When I discuss signs of dog tooth root abscesses with my clients, they commonly ask me, “My dog is still eating. Is he really in pain?” The short answer is yes! The longer answer is that even dogs with extremely painful mouths will continue to eat. Dogs have strong survival instincts, and they know they must eat to live.
Dogs are also very stoic. Their ancestors were pack animals. This means they could be preyed upon by other animals if they showed any sign of weakness. Our canine companions have come a long way from their wolf ancestors. However, they will still hide their pain as much as they can.
Many times, dogs hide pain so well that it’s not until they are pain free again that the difference is obvious. I can’t tell you how many times I’ve heard dog parents say, “My dog is acting like a puppy again!” during a visit following a tooth extraction.
How is a tooth root abscess diagnosed?
If you notice any of the symptoms listed above, there’s a good chance your dog may have a tooth root abscess. However, the only way to know for certain is to take your canine companion to your vet.
If you’ve ever had a sore tooth, you know just how much it hurts! It’s no different for dogs, so dealing with your dog’s tooth root abscess as soon as possible is crucial.
Initially, your vet will look in your dog’s mouth while he or she is awake, much like I did for my patient. If your vet suspects your dog has an abscessed tooth, he or she will typically recommend a dental procedure.
During this procedure, your vet will take dental X-rays, which can help definitively diagnose a tooth root abscess in dogs. Your vet can’t see the tooth root or surrounding bone by just looking in your dog’s mouth. However, an X-ray makes it easy to find the affected tooth. An abscessed tooth usually has a dark halo visible around the tooth roots on an X-ray.
Your vet will also perform additional X-rays and a full dental examination during the procedure. This lets him or her evaluate the rest of your dog’s teeth for any problems. Then your vet will address any sore or diseased teeth (more on that soon) and a veterinary nurse will clean and polish the remaining teeth.
My dog has a tooth root abscess—now what?
If your vet suspects your dog has a tooth root abscess after the initial exam, it is likely that antibiotics will be prescribed to control the infection. Your vet may also prescribe some pain medication. This can help manage your dog’s symptoms until he or she can have a dental procedure.
However, it is important to remember that while your dog may feel better on these medications, this is a only a temporary “band aid.” Your dog still needs a dental procedure to take care of the abscessed tooth. Otherwise, the symptoms and pain will recur as soon your dog finishes taking the medications.
Are there any dog tooth abscess home treatment options?
Unfortunately, there is no effective home remedy or treatment that will help your dog with the pain and infection of a tooth abscess. In fact, some treatments could even be harmful. So always follow the advice of your veterinarian.
Can a dog’s tooth abscess heal on its own?
If left untreated, a tooth abscess will not heal. Without removing the infection or combating them with antibiotics, the bacteria in the dog’s tooth abscess will continue to reproduce. With more and more pus occupying an enclosed space under the gumline, an untreated abscess can grow until it bursts.
What happens if a dog’s tooth abscess bursts?
If a tooth abscess grows too large, pressure building up within it may lead to rupture. The abscess can either drain out through the skin at the level of the affected tooth root, or at the gumline. When a tooth abscess bursts, it releases bacteria into the rest of the dog’s body, and can cause serious illness. It is important to seek treatment promptly if you suspect your dog may have a tooth abscess.
Antibiotics and pain medications can temporarily help with symptoms, but will not cure a tooth root abscess. They are merely given as a “bridge” until your dog is scheduled for a dental procedure. Treatment for a tooth abscess requires oral surgery.
How is a dog tooth root abscess treated?
There are two ways to treat a dog tooth abscess: extraction or a root canal. A root canal can preserve the tooth while an extraction eliminates the infection but does not replace the tooth itself. Let’s explore both options.
1. Extraction of the dog’s tooth
In this case, your veterinarian will carefully remove the entire infected tooth. Then he or she will clean all the infected material out of the tooth socket. Finally, your vet will suture (stitch) the gums closed. The sutures are absorbable (so they don’t need removed) and your dog’s gums will heal completely in 10 to 14 days. This is the option that most general practice vets will be able to offer.
2. Root canal therapy
Root canals in dogs are very similar to root canals in humans. Performing a root canal requires specialized equipment and training, so your vet will likely refer your dog to a veterinary dentist if you choose this treatment option. Dentistry is a recognized specialty in veterinary medicine, and you can find a board certified veterinary dentist nearest to you.
During a root canal, the veterinary dentist will remove the infected pulp tissue from inside the tooth and replace it with dental material. The crown of the tooth (the part you see) is then restored with a filling.
Veterinary dentists typically do root canal therapy on the largest and most functional teeth—like the canine teeth or the large premolars and molars. It is important to note that not all teeth are candidates for root canal therapy for a variety of reasons. Your veterinary dentist can advise you on the best option based on how much of the crown of the tooth is damaged, how bad the infection is, and the overall health of the tooth.
What are common concerns with these treatment options?
In talking with my clients about both dental procedures, some important questions often come up. You may have the same concerns, so let’s address them next.
1. How will my dog be able to chew if you remove his or her tooth (or teeth)?
This is a very common concern for many dog parents, but please don’t fear. Your dog will be able to eat just fine once your vet removes his or her sore tooth. In fact, many dogs actually eat better once their mouth no longer hurts. Your vet will also use nerve blocks during the procedure and post-op pain medication to ensure your dog is comfortable.
After a tooth extraction, your vet may recommend your dog eat soft food for a few days or weeks immediately following the procedure in order to protect the healing gums. You may be familiar with people following a soft food diet after some dental procedures—like wisdom tooth removal. Mouths heal very quickly, but we still want to make sure to not disturb any stitches or healing incisions in the gums with hard food too soon. But don’t worry, this diet change is usually temporary!
Some dogs have such severe dental disease that most or all of their teeth are too diseased and must be removed. A permanent switch to a soft food diet is sometimes necessary for these dogs. However, they usually eat with great vigor and joy once their mouth is pain and infection-free.
2. How much does treatment cost?
The cost for treating a tooth root abscess in dogs will depend on which procedure is performed and how severe the dog’s dental disease is.
Because it can often be done at a general practice level, tooth extraction is the less expensive treatment option. Your vet will be able to give you an accurate estimate for the procedure, generally in the range of $500-$2,500.
Cost of tooth extraction is based on how difficult the abscessed tooth may be to extract, and by the condition of the rest of the mouth. If a dog has severe dental disease in addition to the tooth root abscess, it is possible that more than one tooth needs extracted during the dental procedure, and/or the dental cleaning may be more involved.
On the other hand, a board certified veterinary dentist usually performs a root canal. Their advanced training and specialized equipment and skills mean root canals cost more than tooth extraction. Dog root canals generally range from $1,500 to $3,000, but can be $6,000 or more.
3. Why does my dog have to go under general anesthesia for the dental procedure?
Anesthesia is another very common and understandable worry for dog parents. The truth is that general anesthesia is absolutely necessary for dental procedures in dogs. You may sit calmly (or maybe not so calmly) in your dentist’s chair while he or she takes X-rays, cleans your teeth, and performs dental surgery. But I don’t know a single dog who would do the same!
So, for your dog’s comfort and safety, and to allow your vet to safely work in your dog’s mouth, general anesthesia is a must. However, rest assured that your veterinary team will do everything in their power to keep your dog safe under anesthesia.
To ensure your dog is a good candidate for anesthesia, your vet may recommend:
- Bloodwork to check kidney and liver function (the organs that break down and excrete the anesthetic drugs), red blood cell numbers (to ensure there are enough to carry oxygen to the tissues), and other indicators of your dog’s overall health.
- Chest X-rays to evaluate the size of the heart, diameter of the trachea, and lung patterns. This is especially important if your dog has a heart murmur, collapsed trachea in dogs, laryngeal paralysis in dogs, or other cardiac or respiratory conditions.
- Other tests specific to your dog’s particular medical conditions.
Age-related concerns with anesthesia
Pet parents commonly wonder, “Is my dog too old for anesthesia?” or “Is my dog too old for surgery?” Some conditions like heart disease in dogs, kidney disease, or liver disease in dogs are more common in older animals. However, if your veterinarian is aware of these conditions, he or she can often still find a safe anesthetic protocol for your dog.
If you have questions about how your dog would do with anesthesia, your veterinary team is your best resource. They can advise you on whether they feel that the anesthetic plan can be safely modified to meet your dog’s needs. If your dog has a more complicated case, your vet may also refer you to a facility that has a board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist and/or a veterinary dentist on staff.
While it can be scary to consider your dog undergoing anesthesia, it’s also important to know that left untreated, a tooth root abscess carries serious risks. The infection in the mouth can sometimes spread to and damage other organs like the heart and kidneys. Not to mention, the abscessed tooth would be a source of dental pain for the rest of your dog’s life.
How can I prevent my dog from getting an abscessed tooth?
Remember the two reasons dogs get tooth abscesses—fractured teeth and periodontal disease? Well, one of the best ways to prevent tooth root abscesses is to make sure your dog isn’t chewing on items that could break his or her teeth. Avoid hard materials like bones, antlers, or hard plastic toys. Try to find safe chew toys for your dog. Also, ask your veterinarian for advice if your dog is anxious when crated and chews on the metal bars of his or her crate.
Preventing periodontal disease in your dog is also critical for preventing tooth root abscesses. Brushing your dog’s teeth daily is the best way to prevent periodontal disease. But you can also talk to your vet about feeding a dental diet or using other dental care products approved by the Veterinary Oral Health Council.
Also, ask your vet how often they recommend your dog have routine dental cleanings to keep periodontal disease at bay. We humans are used to periodically going to the dentist for a professional cleaning and assessment even though we brush our teeth every day. The same theory holds true for our dogs!
The rest of my patient’s story
After discussing my suspicions with Charlie’s mom, I placed him on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medication until I was able to schedule a dental procedure for him.
During the procedure, I performed dental X-rays of all his teeth. As I suspected, his left fourth upper premolar (carnassial tooth) had a slab fracture and was severely infected. I removed this tooth, flushed the sockets, and sutured his gums closed. Then my veterinary nurse scaled and polished the rest of his teeth.
Charlie did very well after the procedure. When he came back to see me 10 days later, his mom reported he had more energy than ever!
If you just found out your dear dog has a tooth abscess, take heart. We all hate to see our dogs in pain, and it can be worrisome to think about your dog undergoing general anesthesia. However, dogs often feel so much better once their painful tooth is addressed. Plus, you and your vet can work together to formulate a plan that will hopefully keep your dog from developing more abscessed teeth.
Did your dear dog have a tooth root abscess?
Please comment below to share his or her story.
Our 11-year-old Havanese was misdiagnosed when her abscess burst. Several wounds opened in her skin and were treated as an external trauma — a spider or snake bite. Finally, after a solid year of appointments, the abscess was found, the tooth removed and everything cleaned up. Our issue now is that she seems to have a lingering open wound, very likely one of the openings that never fully healed. Are there any recommendations for how to finish her healing process?
Hi Mark,
I am sorry your girl has been through so much over the past year. Without examining her myself it is hard to offer specific advice. Does your vet have the ability to do laser therapy? I have seen this produce amazing results with non-healing wounds. You can also ask for a consultation with a specialist if needed. Hoping for answers and a clear path forward. Wishing you and your sweet girl all the best.
Our otherwise mostly healthy 12 year old 60+ lb. pit mix had CCL (TPLO) surgery last week (he also had torn meniscus so given he was in good shape we felt surgery was best option). He was recovering fine from that for about 3 days, and then out of the blue his right eye bulged out, looked terribly red and 3rd eyelid mostly covered it; later his left eye became very inflamed as well and 3rd eyelid covered about half the eye. Gums also seem much more red than usual. Prior to the CCL/meniscus issue we recently discovered some of his lower front teeth were loose, but no visible signs of infection. We put extraction on hold until after the CCL surgery. To get to bottom of the sudden eye thing, he’s been sedated twice and they went up through roof of mouth and cheek to try to get a culture but nothing was found. Conjecture is that perhaps his upper molars are infected and his low defenses after the major CCL surgery brought this all to the forefront. He is now on about day four of 500 mg of Amox/Clavulanate twice daily, plus pain meds (cont’d longer post surgery to address the eye/mouth pain) with very limited change to the horrible looking eyes and major lethargy since the eye thing started. MY concern is, if his vets conclude this is likely a dental abscess or abscesses – how dangerous is it for him to be sedated yet again. Major sedation for CCL surgery 7 days ago, minor sedation both four and two days ago to try to extract a bacteria sample; and as I understand it dental sedation would be somewhere in between minor and major sedation. His bloodwork and vitals have been pretty good except for some minor elevated kidney values pre-surgery which I attributed to an NSAID he had just started on a few weeks prior for arthritis (after all normal bloodwork values mid-May), I took him off of it a week before surgery and as of 2 days ago all the values were getting better but still just past high normal. . He will half heartedly eat and drink about 2 hours after pain meds given. We are following advice from both orthopedic surgeon and primary vet but just curious on your input on sedation danger and also IF this situation sounds like a probable dental abscess or abscesses. Thus far the ER vet and ortho surgeon have both seen him re: the eye and possible tooth thing. We haven’t been able to get in to his primary vet, but hope to in the coming days.
Hi Ann,
I am glad your boy’s CCL surgery went well but understand your concern with this possible tooth issue that has emerged. I know it isn’t ideal to repeat sedation/anesthesia so frequently, but I am not sure you have much of an option in this situation. While I too would be focused on a tooth issue, there is also a small chance this could be something cancerous. I hope your primary vet will have some great ideas about how to address this problem. Also, if you feel like a consultation with another specialist (dentistry, internal medicine, oncology) is needed, don’t hesitate to discuss this with your vet. Hoping for answers and a clear path forward. Wishing your sweet boy all the best and praying he can make a full recovery.
My seven year old terrier mix had one of her lower first molars removed yesterday. It was during a normal cleaning, the doctor noticed an abscess only on the X-rays, the tooth had visible damage to the enamel but said there was no abscess at the gum-line.
They did not mention veterinary dentistry at all when discussing the procedure, only the costs associated with extracting each type of tooth. They presented extraction or wait and see as the two treatment options. I’m wondering if based on this description if you think she could have been a candidate for a root canal.
Regardless, now that the tooth is gone, any info on how this could affect her chewing or quality of life would be very helpful. She’s definitely in pain now and I’m hoping she improves in the next few days.
Thanks for your input and such a well articulated review on the subject.
Hi Lilly,
I think it is great you are advocating for your girl and reaching out for advice. Without playing a personal role in her medical care, it is hard to make specific conclusions. Root canals are usually only performed by dentistry specialists, and I do not have firsthand experience with this type of procedure. The only patients I have sent to a specialist to see about a root canal were working dogs/police dogs that were bite trained and had a canine tooth that fractured. I am not sure if the tooth would have been a candidate or not. Extractions are still considered standard of care and are much less expensive. As far as after care goes, this should not affect her chewing or quality of life at all. Once the extraction site has healed you shouldn’t be able to tell any difference from the way your girl was before. Hoping all is well and wishing you both the best!
My vet says my golden doodle has several absessed teeth from periodontal disease and they need to be removed. She doesn’t have any of the symptoms. How can I tell if this is necessary?
Hi Virginia,
I understand your concern for your pup and think it is good you are searching for advice. Without examining your pup myself, it is hard to know what signs and symptoms your vet has detected that lead them to this recommendation. If your vet has the ability to perform dental x-rays, then that could be one way to get definitive answers as to the health of the teeth in question. Don’t hesitate to talk to your vet and be honest about your concerns. Hopefully you can get the answers you need to feel confident with any decisions you make. Wishing you and your sweet girl all the best.
Hi, my 14 year old Cavalier had facial swelling under his eye which was painful when we touched it, It improved with antibiotics but they returned so we did surgery and two teeth were removed, highly suspected that he had an abscess. The swelling did not subside although the pain seemed be gone and now 10 days later the swelled area seems to have ruptured with an area that looks like a scab now, The swelling is much improved. Is that to be the expected way whatever infection/swelling was there would be to resolve itself? I guess I just assumed it would just go down after the extraction and was kind of surprised to see it rupture – but I guess the pus had to go somewhere? Any input/advice at this point would be appreciated! Thank you.
Hi Jennifer,
I understand your concern for your senior pup with this unresolved issue of infection. It sounds like the initial cause of the infection was resolved with the tooth extractions but there may have been some lingering bacteria trapped in the sinus cavity or along the nasal lacrimal duct (tube running from the eye into the nasal passages where the tears drain). While this is not expected, it is possible. I am suspicious that maybe the bacteria present could have mild resistance to the antibiotic used. If there are any signs of continued infection in the area, I would call your vet and ask about possibly pursuing bacterial culture and sensitivity testing. Signs to watch for would be redness, swelling, drainage, pain, discoloration, or the skin over the area feeling warmer/hotter than normal. Hoping all is well and praying your pup was able to make a full recovery. Best wishes and feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hi Dr.Buzby, My sixteen year old puggle Has severe toothri and cannot go under anesthesia. She is going through a painful infection and is on clyndamyacin And gabapentin, the gapapentin doesn’t seem to give her any relief. What are some good pain reliefs for toothaches that I can mention to my vet? thanks, Julia
Hi Julia,
I understand your concern for your senior girl with the dental pain she is experiencing. Unfortunately, it is hard to recommend pain medications without playing a personal role in her medical care and knowing all her medical details. I am not sure there is a great way to cure tooth pain without being able to extract the offending tooth or do a thorough dental cleaning. It may be a good idea to reach out to a dentistry specialist to get their expert recommendations. If gabapentin is not working, please make sure your vet is aware. I am sure they have other options of medications to try, although it can be tricky as most strong pain medications fall into the category of controlled substances. Hoping you can find a way to offer your pup relief. Wishing you both the best of luck!
I have found T-Relief drops to be extremely helpful. It’s found at health food stores or Amazon.
It’s natural, homeopathic, and doesn’t interact with anything or have any side effects.
one dropperful 2xs daily is extremely helpful.
Our 15 yo dachshund/ beagle mix just had his 3rd dental procedure. The initial cleaning was performed about 4 years ago where the vet extracted 6 teeth; 4 due to being loose and 2 others from periodontal disease. After that, we stopped giving him toys since that caused the front teeth to become loose. Unfortunately, he will not tolerate brushing but we found vet recommended dental chews that he likes. The 2nd cleaning was done about a year ago resulting in 2 more teeth being extracted and several others to be closely monitored. In addition, the vet prescribed a dental diet. About a month ago we noticed his breath was extremely rank and his activity declined so we took him in for a check. X-rays showed that the periodontal disease had advanced and the vet referred him to a vet specializing in dentistry due to his age and increased risk of complications.
He just had the latest procedure and had 13 teeth removed! 6 that were abscessed. He did well under anesthesia and the vet feels he will recover well.
Truly hoping this will help him to feel better soon. Admittedly, we feel guilty for not recognizing the signs sooner. As you said, dogs hide pain very well.
Hi Melani,
Goodness that is a lot of teeth! So glad your boy is on the road to recovery, and I hope he is feeling better soon. Thak you for sharing your experience. It is nice to hear a success story and I wish more readers knew about the option of seeing a dentistry specialist. I applaud you for taking such an active role in your dog’s health care. Wishing you all the best and keep up the good work!
Hello, thank you for sharing your experience. I hope your little one is recovering well! I think I might be going through the same situation. If it is not too invasive, I wanted to have some information regarding your cost on the last dental procedure. I want to be prepared just in case I have to go through the same process.
Thank you !
My 13 yr old half shepherd and half border collie has had swelling under her eye. The vet waited months before giving her antibiotics for what I believe is a tooth abscess ( it is now draining externally. The vet says the meds will resolve the problem without extraction. I don’t think he’s right. He did no exam. I want to know if I should listen to his advice. Thanks
Hi Lynn,
I think it is good you are taking such an active approach to advocating for your dog’s health and well-being. I do think this situation calls for a physical exam. If you want to have your current vet continue providing medical care, please make sure they are aware of your concerns. But it is always ok to get a second opinion or chose to switch to a different provider. You deserve to feel comfortable and confident with how your dog’s needs are being handled. Not every vet is a good fit for every client. Hoping you can get the answers you need to make the best choice for your senior girl. Praying for a quick resolution and many happy days ahead.
Dr Buzby, my senior boxer (9 yrs old) was recently found to have to have some pus in her gum line along with some spherical masses, the vet strongly suspects a tooth abscess and wants us go through with a full dental cleaning and extraction of necessary teeth (with a $2000 price tag). My concern however is two fold – 1. Her age, and high risk for kidney disease make her a poor candidate for anesthesia (scored 19 on an Idexx test for kidney disease at 2) and 2. She has other masses on her body, and while boxers are prone to cysts, I am inclined to believe these lumps and bumps are likely cancerous. We’ll be doing a biopsy on two of the more worrying lumps to find out if it is in fact cancer, and if it is… we aren’t sure we want to drop such a huge amount.of money on a dental. Our vet doesn’t seem to support our questions regarding supporting care (mouthwashes and antibiotics) if she does have cancer. Is there supportive care for these kinds of infections that doesn’t involve a full dental? If our girl does have the Big C, we’ll likely have to make a really difficult decision and while we wait, What does Palliative or Hospice care look like for dogs? I want to do my best to ensure my pup is in as minimal pain as possible. Thanks!
Hi B,
I am sorry your senior girl is facing so many issues at once. I understand your concern and think it is good you are searching for answers. It is possible to temporarily treat an abscessed tooth with antibiotics. The problem is, after a while, the infection will stop responding to the antibiotics and will come back with a vengeance. The only way to completely resolve the infection is to proceed with the full dental. Palliative or Hospice care is focused on keeping a dog comfortable and would likely use antibiotics and pain medications to try and maintain your girl’s quality of life for as long as possible (until it is time to say goodbye). Here is a link to another article with more information: Dog Hospice Care Can Bring Peace and Dignity to Your Dog’s Final Days
Hoping you can proceed with the biopsies and get some clear answers about the lumps and bumps. Praying for clarity as you navigate this difficult path. Bless you and your sweet girl.
My 11 year old chihuahua has horrible teeth and won’t let me brush them, never have been able to. She has a swollen area under her eye that I suspect is a tooth abscess. It showed up yesterday and this morning appears to be draining some. The problem is she has breast cancer. We are not doing chemo or anything as she acts normal. I know the vet will suggest a dental with extractions to the tune of $1200. Im having trouble with the cost considering the cancer. Not sure what to do. She seems to have lost weight in the last month and sleeps a lot. Any help would be appreciated.
Hi Cstepper,
I am sorry your senior girl is dealing with these worrisome issues. I understand why you are conflicted and not sure how to proceed. My biggest concern about the tooth abscess is that they can be extremely painful. Even if your girl isn’t showing obvious signs of discomfort, I suspect it is still a problem. You may be able to try treatment with antibiotics, but this will probably only delay the progression of the infection. Without treating the underlying cause and extracting the tooth, I am afraid you may have to make some difficult choices about quality of life. Palliative care or even hospice is a valid option especially since your pup also has mammary cancer. Hoping you can find a clear path forward and make a choice that is best for everyone involved. Bless you and your sweet girl.
My dog is turning 10 next month. Her teeth have plaque from over the years (mainly the back molars, where there’s a black line over the gum too). I am not sure what a dog’s mouth normally looks like, but i think her right side has slight lip swelling? Whereas on the left side of her mouth on the inside, i feel like the mouth has tissue that seems swollen, soft, round and pigmented purple (beside her molar that has plaque). I can only see it when she smiles with her mouth open as its towards the back. I searched many images of conditions on Google and they don’t match so hoping for some advice. She is a very anxious dog who has never been under anesthesia, and is terrified of the vet (and refuses to take medicine the few times she’s been sick). So it’s hard for me to think about putting her through something that will be so uncomfortable, and hard to imagine she can recover given it will be hell to give her meds as well. When i take her to her annuals, i feel like they barely look at her mouth. This last time I specifically showed the new vet a photo of her teeth, and she sort of had a “watch and wait” attitude. I don’t want to go out of my way to put my dog through a traumatic experience and come out the other end losing her to some surgery complication or mistake. These are expensive procedures, where I am not reassured about my dog’s survival. So I am extremely conflicted between the two scenarios. I wish i could have peace of mind and have an experienced professional tell me what to do with confidence, and what i can expect from surgery (like why is it hard for them to state how safe it is? Why should i pay for an unknown results surgery ?)
All best,
G
Hi G,
I am sorry you are in this difficult situation, and I understand your concern. While there is no way to be 100% sure there will be no complications with anesthesia, there are things that can be done to lessen the risk. One of the most important is to have pre-anesthetic lab work performed. I am sorry you have felt like your concerns have not been addressed and it is difficult to get the answers you need. This may be just a communication issue on the part of your vet, but you deserve to feel confident in the care your pup is receiving. It is ok to seek a second opinion and try to find a veterinary establishment that may be a better fit for you and your boy. There may be a house call vet in your area that could come and assess his teeth while at home where he is less stressed. You can also request a consultation with a veterinary dentistry specialist if needed. There are options for medications that can be given at home to help reduce anxiety when you have to take your dog in for an exam. I know you mentioned getting medications into him can be tricky. Here is a link to another article with some advice: Your Dog Won’t Take Pills? 5 Easy Solutions for Uncooperative Pooches
You can also ask about liquid options or if there are different flavors available. With all of that said, I think the dental issue needs to be addressed sooner rather than later. I hope you can find the best way to ensure your sweet boy remains happy and healthy. Best wishes to you both!
My 14 year old beagle went in for dental procedure after she had been on antibiotics for her abscess tooth. Her kidney functions were not good enough to continue with the procedure. So we upped her prednisone but I am not sure what is next.
Hi Kathy,
What you describe is such a tricky situation. I am sorry you are facing this difficult road with your Beagle. Without examining your dog, myself, it is hard to give specific recommendations or know what would be best. Have you talked to your vet about how they are planning to proceed? You can always ask for a consultation with a specialist to see if there are other options to explore. Hoping you can find a treatment that will restore your senior girl’s health. Wishing you the best.
Our 12 year old Siberian Husky was diagnosed with a tooth abscess. She also had facial swelling below her eye on that side, and her third eyelid has been visible in just that eye. Since she also had a broken tooth and others showing signs of trouble, she ended up having a total of 6 teeth removed. She has been on antibiotics now for almost 3 weeks, and we’ll finish those up today. But she still has some facial swelling, although it is reduced. Is that swelling going to slowly take care of itself? And are we right in thinking that the swelling is connected to her third eyelid still showing in that eye?
Hi Cathy,
I am sorry your Husky had so many issues with infection and dental disease. Without examining her myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions, but I would think the third eyelid protrusion and facial swelling are probably related. How are things today? Hoping all is well and she was able to make a full recovery. Feel free to leave an update if you have a chance. Best wishes!
I took my dog to the vet because he all of the sudden was not himself and would not get eat or play or anything. The vet said he most likely had lyme. We treated for lyme, he was not getting better, so the vet said it is probably blood cancer. So we are on another round of antibiotics and if this doesn’t help, we have to make some tough choices. At the same time this is going on, he had a swollen eye and he yelps loudly when eating hard food, we had an Ah-ha moment thinking all of this is something in his mouth, abscessed tooth, whatever the case may be. Called our dr to give the further information about his clear pain when eating hard(er) food and she said he for sure could have a dental issue, but because his WCB count went up in from the first round of antibiotics to the second round, she still feels it could be a blood cancer. How do I even think about end-of life care or choices, knowing there is clearly something wrong in his mouth? Could his WCB continue to go up if he has an abscess that hasn’t been removed? Could this really be just a dental issue and not cancer? He’s an 8-year old yellow Lab. Thank you
Hi Michelle,
So sorry to hear that your pup is not feeling well and may be experiencing some dental pain in addition to the concerning white blood cell counts. I do agree that it is worth looking at the dental pain angle because I think that being able to rule that out will give you more peace and clarity as you move forward, and because if there is something going on with his tooth or the tissue behind his eye, knowing that might change his treatment plan. It may be worth seeking a second opinion from a different vet or a veterinary specialist since having a fresh set of eyes can help in these complex and challenging cases.
I hope you are able to get some clear answers about what is going on with him, and that you are able to find peace with whatever the outcome ends up being. Thinking about you!
My 16 year old Pomeranian has an abscessed tooth. I had the blood testing done and the vet says she is not a good candidate for removal due to issues with her kidneys. She also has a heart murmur, seizures and pancreatitis. He put her on antibiotics and told me the only option is euthanasia. She is still eating like a champ, enjoys walks in her wagon, and goes up and down stairs on her own. She is still very much involved in life. I feel like it wouldn’t be euthanasia but rather killing her prematurely. Any advise?
Dear Emilia,
I understand why you are conflicted about how to proceed. The use of antibiotics in this situation is basically offering palliative/hospice care. The mediation will keep the infection at bay for a while and offer your girl more time. But eventually the infection will start to get out of control and cause pain and suffering. Euthanasia may not be warranted at this time, but it sounds like it is a decision you will be faced with in the near future. My advice is to spoil your girl and enjoy every day you are gifted. Be vigilant and watch for signs she may not be feeling well. Praying for peace and comfort. Give your sweet girl a hug for me.
I have a 13 year old lab chow female mix. in the past 2 weeks, a mass was found on her tongue and vet indicates without doing a biopsy she’s 99% positive it’s melanoma from looking at it. on top of this my dog got the facial and eye swelling which I’ve been informed is from tooth abcess. she’s been on antibiotics for 5 days now and there has been improvement in the face and eye swelling. question is should I put her through the abcess surgery (scheduled in 3 days) and anesthesia with her prognosis of having 3 to 4 months left due to the terminal melanoma or would an antibiotic therapy work for her last few months? I’m nervous for her and absolutely devastated with my sweet girl. any suggestions would be appreciated.
Hi Debbie,
How heartbreaking to discover that your dog most likely has an oral melanoma on top of also having a tooth root abscess. It is great that the antibiotic seems to be resolving the facial swelling. Since antibiotics are just a temporary fix, normally I would recommend extracting the tooth. However, her situation makes things a bit more challenging. Since I can’t assess her myself, I can’t give you a specific answer about if pulse dose antibiotics could be an option for her, but it is certainly worth discussing with her vet. Hopefully you will be able to find a solution that works for her (be that surgery or more antibiotics) and she is able to have a great last few months with you!❤️
Dr Buzby, two months ago, my 14 year old Havanese began bleeding from her mouth. I took her to the vet and she diagnosed that she needed her teeth cleaned, put her on antibiotics and anti-inflammatory meds. She just got worse and because I felt she didn’t treated her aggressively enough and was only concerned about cleaning her teeth. , I took her to another vet. Her carnassial tooth fell out and he diagnosed an abscess, gave her a shot and more antibiotics. She is not better and I have taken her in two more times for stronger shots and antibiotics. Her nose bleeds on top, has a huge scab which she keeps scratching off. She is blind and I hand feed her, carry her to potty and take her to her water. Her nose is still swollen and she has goopy eyes. I don’t know what to do next. Any advice?
Hi Sheri,
I understand your concerns about these severe symptoms in your senior girl. From what you describe, it sounds like her health is being greatly affected. You mentioned your first vet recommended a dental cleaning. Did you ever pursue the dental procedure? The reason I ask is because tooth abscesses usually start as dental disease. If you want a chance to clear up this infection, it will require a thorough cleaning and possible extractions. I doubt medications alone would be enough to completely resolve this issue. Also, with the addition of nose bleeds and goopy eyes, it makes me suspicious that your girl may now have formed an oronasal fistula (infection has created a hole that connects the mouth to the sinus cavity). Without examining your dog, myself, I can’t make specific conclusions, but I highly recommend you consider asking your vet if a dental procedure would be recommended. Wishing you both the best of luck!
Hello,
I took my 8yr old Shepard mix to the vet yesterday for an exam for lumps. The vet said one was likely a cyst and the other a fatty tumor that was harmless. I had no plans of removing them until he examined his teeth and his upper left far back tooth appears to have an abscess. The vet recommended a dental and tooth extraction. I decided to go ahead and have the lumps removed since he’ll be under anyways and I can get them biopsied to know for sure. However he’s so booked up for dentals that his apt isn’t for a month and a half. He prescribed antibiotics in the meantime. Is this too long to wait with an infected tooth? Will the bacteria become immune to the antibiotics? Also he didn’t say anything about a possible root canal treatment to potentially save the tooth like your article mentions.
Hi Shelbi,
I understand your concerns surrounding your dog’s upcoming dental procedure. I am glad your vet will be able to remove the lumps at the same time. Yes, the tooth infection would probably become resistant to the antibiotics if used long term, but I would not be concerned with this after just a month or two. I think the antibiotics are a great way to prevent the abscess from becoming an oronasal fistula while you wait for the dental procedure. A root canal may be an option for your dog. The only way to know for sure is to have dental x-rays performed prior to the procedure. Some general practice clinics have this technology and can perform these procedures, but generally root canals are done by veterinary dentistry specialists at a referral center. If you want to explore this option, it would be a good idea to let your vet know so they can make a referral if needed. Also, the veterinary dentist probably would not be open to removing the lumps as this is not in their specialty. I hope this helps a bit. Wishing your sweet boy a successful surgery and a smooth recovery.
I took my dog to the vet for facial swelling. They said it was an infected tooth and gave me an antibiotic and a pain reliever. Per doctor’s notes “if overall showing improvement by Thursday, no need to recheck just finish medications”. Based on research I’m concerned this isn’t enough. My dog is a Pit/Dalmatian Mix who is almost 15 and of course I’m concerned about anesthesia but I’m also concerned about not doing the right thing. Should I listen to my vet or insist that she have the tooth extracted?
Hi Sheri,
I understand your concern about this infected tooth in your senior girl. Without examining her myself, it is hard to make specific conclusions about the best way to proceed with treatment. Did things improve with the antibiotic? It is never wrong to ask additional questions or seek a second opinion. You can talk to your vet about pursuing further diagnostics such as lab work or dental x-rays. You are right to keep looking for the information you need to be comfortable with your decisions and your dog’s treatment plan. Hoping things today are better and your girl is feeling great. Wishing you both the best of luck.
Two vets in the last week have said our dog has a grade 3 heart murmur. This has come out of nowhere but I myself have mitral valve prolapse (congenital) so I know what this might portend. That said, the fear I have now is that she broke at least one tooth )upper canine) and we don’t have a consultation with a veterinary dentist for another four days from now. She doesn’t have an abscess that I know of, but I am terrified of infection. I asked the vet yesterday if it would be a good idea to administer antibiotics now. She said it wouldn’t be wrong to wait until the dentist consult but it wouldn’t be wrong to give the antibiotics, either. She couldn’t really see into our dog’s mouth but she has horrible breath and shows signs of some discomfort. Additionally, I found the tooth on the floor. The other vet at the same practice said he would wait if it was his dog… but they prescribed the antibiotics on my request. I haven’t given any to her because I want to wait for the dentist… but I am scared of infection. What do I do?!
Hi Andrea,
I know you are worried, but it seems like your girl is in good hands. I just finished a reply to your other post as well. With the dentist appointment only a few days away, I wouldn’t think antibiotics would be necessary at this point. Try not to let the “what ifs” cause you too much stress. You are doing everything you can, and I hope this will all be behind you soon. Feel free to leave an update any time you like. Praying for a positive outcome for your pup.
My 13 year old dog couldn’t get his year dental cleaning because his bloodwork came back with elevated kidney levels. He has arthritis and has been acting like he is in pain but, tonight we noticed his eye and upper cheek swelling & I tried to look he was growling obviously in a lot of pain. I highly suspect he has a abscess tooth. He has terrible breath. I am really worried about anesthesia due to his elevated kidney level … Its Saturday evening & our vet is open until Monday. Do you think this warrants an emergency visit? We do have a RX for pain med for his arthritis which flairs up often so I have given him that but he definitely wont let me look or touch it. Poor baby. I feel terrible.
Hi Laura,
I understand your concern over this possible abscessed tooth that is causing pain in your senior pup. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I can’t make specific conclusions about the severity of the issue. I hope you were able to talk to your vet on Monday and get an appointment scheduled to have the teeth evaluated. If your dog does require a dental procedure, it might be a good idea to talk to a dentistry specialist. Most specialty hospitals have board certified anesthesiologists that have experience with complicated cases, like your dog seems to be. I hope you can get a diagnosis quickly and find a treatment that is best for you and your senior guy. Best wishes to you both.
My 18 yr old terrier x has a swelling beneath his eye. After taking him to the vet, they have sent him home with anti-inflammatories, while we wait for a tooth/teeth extraction in a few days. I was wondering if it is normal procedure not to prescribe antibiotics in this instance? The vet explained that as the tooth was likely to be ‘dead’, there wouldn’t be a blood supply to the the tooth, and antibiotics would be ineffective?
Hi Megan,
The use of antibiotics prior to dental extractions is really dependent on veterinarian preference. While starting an antibiotic now may help reduce the swelling, it could also potentially cause antibiotic resistance in the future. The infection will not fully clear until the affected tooth is removed. So, giving medications prior is just keeping the bacteria levels at a minimum and allowing them to potentially become less sensitive to the medication. If you would like a second opinion, you can always reach out to a veterinary dentistry specialist. They can give you their expert opinion and answer any lingering questions you may have. I hope the procedure goes well and your senior guy makes a full recovery. Best wishes!
Our 6 yo Golden Retriever went through this whole process. We noticed a large lump under his right eye. The vet prescribed pain meds and steroids. No improvement after a week so he had 2 teeth extracted with abcess. Prescribed pain meds and antibiotics. 2 weeks later bump still there biopsies performed and dental x-rays, all negative for issues. Bump is still there, I think getting larger and not sure what to do now. Our dog doesn’t seem to be hurting but I just keep thinking something isn’t right. Hoping you can help.
Hi Kathy,
That definitely sounds strange and concerning. You have done everything right and your vet has followed all the recommendations for this type of issue. My best advice is to schedule a consult with a veterinary dentistry specialist or an internal medicine specialist. They have lots of experience with complicated cases like your sweet boy seems to be. They may have ideas about additional testing or treatment that should be pursued. I hope you can find the answers you need to help restore your Golden’s health. Praying it can be addressed quickly and resolves completely.
Hi
We have exactly the same with our cocker
What was the outcome?
Thanks
My 11 year old golden has an abscess and is currently on an antibiotic and pain medication. We will treat this and the. Once the blood work comes back, we will determine if the surgery will happen. Would you recommend at this age?
Hi Claire,
I am glad you are having lab work done to check for possible issues with your senior golden. As long as the results are normal and there are no other known risks, then yes, I would absolutely recommend you have the abscessed tooth extracted. Here are links to other articles that may offer additional informaion:
1. Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?
2. Is My Dog Too Old For Anesthesia?
I hope you can find the answers you need to make the best decision for you and your dog. Best wishes for a positive outcome and complete recovery!
Molly, 16-yr-old Westie, has had an abscess under her right eye for a week. Have been treating with antibiotic consistently and will continue for a total of 30 days and then recheck. Vet says if she were her dog, should would not do a removal of the broken-off root because of age. She’s eating and drinking just fine, seems to have enough energy (for her age), sleeps well. My concern is continued quality of life. How long can a dog keep taking antibiotics for the symptoms if the cause is never treated?
Hi Bobbi,
I understand your concern for Molly and this chronic infection she is dealing with. Age alone does not make a dog a bad anesthesia or surgical candidate, but there may be other complicating factors that are more commonly seen in older dogs. If your vet has done pre-operative testing and lab work and found abnormalities that do not allow anesthesia as an option, then long term antibiotics may be your only choice. At some point, the bacteria causing the problem will become resistant to the antibiotics and the medication will no longer be effective. There is no way to know how long this will continue to work. But as long as the infection is present, there will be pain associated with it. It might be a good idea to have your pup evaluated by a veterinary dentistry specialist to see if there are any new treatment options that should be considered. I hope you can find the best way to help give your girl comfort and relief. Praying for a positive outcome. ♥
My almost 12 year old Doberman has an abscess. He was diagnosed with heart failure 2 months ago and isn’t a candidate for surgery. The antibiotics have made the swelling go down tremendously. And he’s on carprofen. Our vet said once the swelling comes back we’ll have a big decision to make. Any idea how long we may have (he’s been on antibiotics for a week and he has 3 days worth left)?
Hi Laura,
I am sorry you are facing this difficult situation with your Doberman. Unfortunately, there is no way to know when the antibiotics will stop being effective. It really depends on what the specific bacteria is that is causing the problem and how long it will take the bacteria to start spreading. I hope the medication will continue to keep things under control and your sweet boy can maintain his quality of life. Wishing you both the best as you navigate this unknown path.
My soon to be 16 year old whippet with a tooth infection has been on and off antibiotics for the past 1.5-2 years (2, maybe 3 ?series of clavamox). He has stage 3 murmur and mitral valve disease for which he is on pimobendan for the past 3 years. His heart disease seems to be stabilized, although he needs another exam to be sure. He is otherwise in great shape especially for his age. When his tooth is swollen he needs encouragement to eat but otherwise eats fine. I just wonder about pain. He does not like me to bush or spray his teeth but i still do it, although not that often , maybe 1-2x week, (brushing) i spray with silver antibiotic 2x/day. It does seem to help. We love him deeply as we have no children and he is our son. I want him around as long as possible but of course do not want him to suffer. Any frank advice is very much appreciated.
Hi TJ,
I understand your concern for your Whippet and this chronic tooth infection he has been dealing with. You are right to be worried about pain. Tooth infections and abscesses can be very painful for dogs. I know anesthesia is not ideal due to your dog’s heart issues, however this infection may still need to be addressed before it turns into a serious and potentially life-threatening problem. I highly recommend you talk to a veterinary dentistry specialist in your area and get their professional opinion. There is some testing that can be done to minimize potential anesthesia risks and many different anesthesia protocols that can be utilized for patients with heart disease. I hope you are able to find a solution that relieves your senior guy’s pain and discomfort. Praying for a full recovery and many happy days ahead.
Hi Ms. Julie. My dog has had an abscess for a whole day now. I didn’t notice it at first yesterday, and when I did, I thought he just had hit his head. His face is still swollen and I’m concerned but it’s too late to go to the vet now. I’m going tomorrow as soon as I can to get him examined and treated. Would have waiting a day or two just kill my dog? Every single website that talks about this never says how long it takes for it to spread or kill the dog, or how long it takes to worsen. My economical situation isn’t the best and I’m afraid of not being able to afford it, but I don’t want him to die either.
Hi Arnold,
I understand your concern for your pup and this new issue that has appeared. I am glad you are planning to take him to the vet as soon as possible to have him evaluated. Since I haven’t examined your dog myself, I have no way of knowing how advanced the infection is and if his condition is at a critical point. I would not think that waiting an extra day would cause a tooth abscess to become fatal, but recommend you take action as soon as you are able. I hope you get good news from your vet and your dog makes a full recovery. Wishing you both the best.
My vet doesn’t want to start on antibiotics until after the tooth is removed a month from now. Is that normal? I’m worried about the infection spreading.
Hi Glory,
I understand your concern about the infection and the possibility of it spreading. Since I haven’t spoken with your vet, it is hard to make specific conclusions about the choices that have been made. I do know that there is a concern about creating resistance to certain antibiotics. As long as the tooth is still in place, you won’t be able to completely resolve the infection. So, if you give antibiotics, there is a chance the bacteria around the tooth could become resistant to the medication. Then once the tooth has been extracted, you will have to find a stronger antibiotic to try and resolve the infection. My best recommendation is to talk to you vet. I am sure if you voiced your concerns, they would be happy to answer your questions and provide additional insight to why this decision was made. I hope the dental procedure goes smoothly and your pup has a complete recovery. Best wishes!
Can an abscess in a chihuahua mouth be so serious the unthinkable could happen. My daughters chihuahua lady is about 8 years old and she has the swelling on the bottom jaw and breath that smells like death. She won’t eat or drink unless my daughter makes her. We don’t have the money for a veteran. What can we do please.
Hi Robin,
I am sorry you are in such a difficult situation with your daughter’s chihuahua. Unfortunately, there really isn’t anything you can do at home to help the pain or possible infection. Without a diagnosis, it is hard to make specific conclusions or recommendations, but certain infections or conditions could potentially be life threatening. I would be curious to know if this is in fact a dental issue or if it could be bone cancer of the jaw. The only thing you can do at this point is find a way to get your pup to the vet for an exam. I hope you can find the answers you need to help restore Lady’s quality of life. Praying for a good outcome.
Nancy wants to know if her Buddy broke a tooth at the gum, does the root need to be removed?
Hi Nancy,
I highly recommend you contact your vet and let them know about the broken tooth. They can evaluate the tooth to see if it needs to be extracted or repaired to prevent ongoing pain and risk of infection.
My Lhasa Apso age 9 developed an abscess after a course of antibiotics she had 11 teeth removed, all good for several weeks after however, in the very same place a swelling appears again..she’s on antibiotics and pain killers, how can this be when the offending teeth were extracted? Help please
Dear Barbara,
I am sorry your girl is having these ongoing issues with infection in her mouth. Without personally examining her, it is hard to make specific conclusions. It is possible that the type of bacteria present is slightly resistant to the antibiotic that was used. So, the antibiotic may have had enough of an effect to reduce the infection temporarily but was not able to completely resolve it and allowed the bacteria to start multiplying again. It is also possible that there is another source of infection such as a draining tract coming from the nasal cavity, or even an infection of the jawbone itself. Please make sure your vet is aware that the infection has returned. They may want to do some more testing (bacterial culture, dental x-rays, etc.) or discuss a referral to a dentistry specialist. Hoping you can get the answers you need to restore your girl’s health and well-being. Wishing you all the best and feel free to leave an update if you have a chance.
Hello,
My dog is a 13 year old Boston terrier with congestive heart failure. Last week, she was chewing on a nylabone and fractured (slab fracture) her top right molar. We regularly brush her teeth and check her gums for redness and swelling. Our vet said to watch it and we might have to go to a vet dentist. We are very worried about having her go under anesthesia due to her heart condition and age. Can you please provide your opinion on this case?
Thank you!
Hi Nikki,
It does sound like your senior girl has gotten herself into a tricky situation. Your vet has a good plan to wait and watch. Sometimes these slab fractures don’t require intervention and the tooth can remain healthy and non-painful without extraction. Other times, tooth fractures can become painful and cause an infection and the tooth would need to be extracted. If the tooth does become a problem, having the procedure done by a specialist is a very good idea. They can perform the required testing to make sure your girl is as safe for anesthesia as possible, and they will have access to specialists in veterinary anesthesia. I hope the tooth will not cause an issue and you can avoid a dental procedure for now. I will attach a link to other articles that may offer additional information. Good luck and best wishes to you both!
1. Is My Dog Too Old For Anesthesia?
2. Is My Dog Too Old for Surgery?
Carnassial tooth and 13 more removed mid July on our 16.5 yo rat terrier. Presented with swelling under rt eye, which burst and drained. No improvement in drainage following extraction. Pus actually expressed into eye when lightly pushing on area. I’m guessing possible underlying tumor. Vet did culture. Results tomorrow. Wondering if xrays will show a tumor???
Hi Mary Ellen,
Sorry to hear about your rat terrier’s persistent drainage from under the eye even after the carnassial tooth extraction. I’m guessing no one would have anticipated that was going to be the case because these are almost always related to a tooth root abscess. I’m glad that your vet is doing a culture and will follow up with imaging if needed. I hope you are able to find some answers for your dog (and hoping for good news too).