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. Charlie’s mom was understandably worried, especially because the swelling seemed to develop so quickly. Two days ago, he was perfectly normal.
I took a look in Charlie’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 was broken some time ago. There was more tartar 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 is a severe infection that develops when bacteria from the mouth get to the root of a tooth. This 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 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 fractured teeth 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 their face.
A layer of enamel covers a healthy tooth. 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 allows bacteria to enter the pulp chamber.
The pulp chamber acts as a kind of freeway for bacteria. It allows the bacteria to 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.
Why severe periodontal disease is another culprit behind a tooth abscess
Dog tooth abscesses can also occur with 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.
- Pain—signs can be subtle, but you may notice pawing at the face or chewing more on one side of the mouth than the other.
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 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 Charlie. 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 X-rays of your dog’s teeth. This is a critical diagnostic step. 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.
How is a tooth root abscess treated?
If your vet suspects your pup has a tooth root abscess after the initial exam, he or she will likely start your dog on antibiotics and 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.
There is no effective home remedy or treatment that will help your dog with the pain and infection. In fact, some treatments could even be harmful. So always follow the advice of your veterinarian.
Two methods to address a tooth root abscess
Antibiotics and pain medications can temporarily help with the symptoms of a tooth root abscess, and are given as a “bridge” until your dog is scheduled for a dental procedure. It’s important to point out that the only way to bring your dog true relief is through one of the following two procedures:
1. Extraction of the 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 to go this route. The veterinary dentist will remove the infected pulp tissue from the tooth and replace it with dental material.
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, two 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.
I’ve seen some dogs who have such severe dental disease that they require most or even all of their teeth removed. A switch to a soft food diet is necessary for these dogs. However, they usually eat with great vigor and joy once their mouth is pain and infection-free.
2. Why does my dog have to go under general anesthesia for the dental procedure?
This 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, liver disease, or kidney disease 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 also carries 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. Be careful with hard materials like bones, antlers, or hard plastic toys, especially if your pup is a rough chewer. 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 (should) brush our teeth every day. The same theory holds true for our dogs!
The rest of Charlie’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) was broken and 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, like Charlie’s owner, 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 another abscessed tooth.
Did your dear dog have a tooth root abscess?
Please comment below to share his or her story.
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.
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.
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).