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Also we discovered that his neck (throat area) is completely swollen. It appears to be swollen about an inch kind of like doggy mumps. Should I take him into the emergencMy 3-year-old healthy bull terrier had a quarter size wound on left side of his face about 2 weeks ago which he kept opening up and causing bleeding. He received a bath tonight and it was discovered that the wound is progressively getting larger and taking over the left side of his face and is now weeping clear fluid all over under eye area to lower portion of ear (not in or around the ear). He's now sleeping comfortably but if you touch his face on the left he jiumps. (It appears to be painful) And it also looks completely wet from the weeping.y vet or do you think I can wait until the morning? He means the world to me and I take care of all my families health problems. Also what could this by a symptom of?Thank you so much. Your prompt response very important. Thanks!!Stephanie Cruz
Optional Information: Type of Animal: dog Gender: male Age: 3 years Name of Dog: Romeo Already Tried: Observing behavior and letting him rest.
Hello, I'm Dr. XXXXX XXXXX and I'd like to help! This is most likely an infection from the wound 2 weeks ago. There is probably an abscess that has developed under the skin with pus present.This may need to be lanced while he is under anesthesia to drain the area, explore the wound and place drain tubes through the wound to allow drainage to continue over the next 3-5 days. If he is really swollen, it would be best to take him to the ER tonight to reevaluate him and start treatment for this problem. The first step will be to aspirate the area with a needle and syringe and see of there is pus in the area under the skin and then go from there with regards XXXXX XXXXX
I haven't read it yet.
I'm still trying to understand. Are you talking about his cheek where the quarter size wound started? Can you explain to me how that would cause the swelling in the neck?Just to give you my background. I'm a professional court reporter and I specialize in medical and expert testimony so I have a better understanding of medical science better than the average layperson. Thank you for your patience,S. Cruz
Relist: Incomplete answer.Your answer is very appropriate. But because of my profession, I have a pretty decent understanding of medical science.No offence, but I would like to maybe get another vet's opinion as well and I would like to find out if I can send pictures of his face to confirm the possible diagnosis. (I understand since this is Q and A online and you cannot take vitals, etc., this is only your best "guesstimate diagnosis."
I apologize for the delay, I had a dog come into the ER with "bloat" and was attending to him. I am formulating my answer for you. If you can upload pictures to this website, I can view them. I can't receive emails from customers.
Do I understand you correctly that the wound on the face is getting larger and it is swollen from there down? Also, what was the origin of the wound? How did it happen?Was he treated with antibiotics? and was the wound explored?Thank you
the actual wound is not larger. There's actually more lesions, now uupper left cheek right below his ear. He just opened it up and I'm now sending pix. Please note the throat edema.Did you get my edited response to your question re: his previous diagnosis of acne?
the actual wound is not larger. There's actually more lesions, now uupper left cheek right below his ear. He just opened it up and I'm now sending pix. Please note the throat edema.Did you get my edited response to your question re: his previous diagnosis of acne?To answer your questions: No, the wound is not larger, just more of them. Skin below fur is raw and it looks like fur is coming out.Etiology of wound: Unknown.swelling only apparent in front of neck
I didn't get the edited response, sorry.This sounds like a severe cellulitis or furunculosis. These generally don't require surgery which is great but medical treatment is needed. Sometimes a biopsy can be helpful in assessing this type of lesion. We are also beginniing to see dogs with MRSA that can be resistant to many antibiotics so a culture and sensitivity can be very helpful as well.
Experience: I have been a veterinarian for 21 years caring for dogs in general and emergency practice.
I apologize for being a pest. If this was daytime, I wouldn't hesitate taking him to the vet. The after hours emergency vet is so expensive and I do not have VPI insurance on him yet.Thanks. Please get back to me one more time regarding the pix I sent of Romeo.Sincerely,Stephanie
No trouble at all :) There is no picture that I can see yet.. Typically you would have to upload it to this conversation so that I can see it. It sounds as if it can wait as long as his breathing is comfortable, which it sounds like it is as he was sleeping a little while ago.
If someone sends me an e-mail with instructions to upload, I can do that. I'm technologically challenged.Also I don't understand why I need to pay another $18.00. I was just following up with the same question.thanks,Steph
You don't need to pay an additional $18. Just continue here. Is there a paperclip symbol in the area above where you type? If so, you should be able to click on that and then find your file.