My dog, a 5 year old pit bull, showed a bit of swelling around her cheek bone. The next day she was completely swollen on that side. I took her to the vet and they thought she had a reaction to a bee sting or spider bite so they gave her fluids, steroids and benadryl. I brought her home and for 2 days gave her benadryl and increased her steroids (she has Addison's Disease so is already on steroids). 3 days later she still looks horrible. I took her back to the vet and they prescribed her some antibiotics and increased her steroids again. I am hoping that someone might have an idea of what is going on with her. She still eats, drinks and likes treats. I did try cold compresses but that didn't seem to do anything.

 

Perhaps something got jammed between one of her teeth/gum causing the gum to swell?
Beautiful dog BTW.

 

Anniezar,

Gorgeous Pittie~!!!~

What I was going to suggest was what DanZZ said, also instead of cold compresses, use warm ones to see if there is an abscess hiding under the skin.

I am going to assume but still ask, did your vet checked her teeth for infection? They can also cause swelling like that, as can an ear infection with abscess.

As long as she's eating, drinking, peeing and pooping, it's a good thing...but personally I would definitely insist your vet do some bloodwork and check for a high white count(Infection of some sort).

Good luck and do keep us posted...

 

I agree with all the above. When I initially started reading your post, I immediately thought of an insect sting. Dogs will snap at, & sometimes catch & bite a flying bee or wasp etc. My little Fiest did this last summer.

Once I read that your vet treated her for that & the issue continued, I thought it might be a bad tooth/infection etc.

Check for ear issues/infections. Is she scratching her ears etc?

So, I agree with the above posts. Get her teeth checked & look for infection... xrays, blood work etc.

Dont rule out something more serious like cancer. I hate to mention that but, if it is, it needs to be caught early & not fool around with this. My brother has a standard Poodle with mouth cancer.

Good luck.

 

I'm surprised the vet did not suggest blood work during the second visit. If they say it's not necessary, find another vet.

 

I did end up taking her back to the vet. They did blood work and her white blood cell count was high for her but within normal range. They did give her Clyndamician (sp?) and that seemed to bring the majority of her swelling down. The vet also believes it could be her teeth, she has bad teeth, so the next step is to get some x-rays done and potentially remove the teeth that are bad.

Thank you all for the responses, it really helps. Thank you also for complimenting my baby!

 

Anniezar,

Glad to hear they sorted her out. I had a feeling that it was teeth. I have Chihuahuas and they have notoriously bad teeth...so know the signs.

I actually have a wee one, Little Bit, who is one of my Service Dogs, who has a "Retained" adult tooth between the roof of her mouth, and her left nasal passage...still growing. :'(



She's 10 years old and only 3 1/2 pounds, so having surgery to have it removed is not really a thing they can do...

I can tell you since your girl is a good size dog, try to get her to let you brush her teeth~!!!~ It's really important.

Do keep us posted.

 

I dont mean to hyjack the thread but I think the thread is done.

Only because I mentioned this in post #4:
they had to put him down today. Bob was a gentle, timid personality. You could go in & sit down in a chair & Bob would just walk up & just simply lay his head on your leg. He'd just stand there for a little love. He'll be missed.

 

Dixie2012,

I am so very sorry for your loss. My heart goes out to you...I know this pain all too well.

Personally I prefer to hear what the full outcomes are from those we try to assist here, but if you feel that we don't need to do this, I understand.

Anniezar, please feel free to contact me privately with the end results of your girl's dental issues if you'd like.

 

Absolutely, please let us know the outcome. Again, not my intent to hyjack the thread.

 

Dixie2012, I am so sorry to hear about your loss. I know it can be really hard.

My girl has a vet appt this weekend so I should find out more. I do get her teeth cleaned every year and it is about time for that again so I am hoping to get her in and have them x-ray her teeth and remove any that are causing issues. I will keep everyone informed as I know more.

Thank you all for your concerns about my baby!

 

I appreciate everyone's thoughts. They (my brother & his wife) sent Bob to be cremated through the vet. They will pick up his ashes soon.

I am hoping its just an abscessed tooth or something & they can pull it & get your dog lined out.

Best wishes.