Dog has face lump, head shaking, pawing mouth after fight. Abscess?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Pit Bull Terrier | Male | unneutered | 11 months and 1 day old | 62 lbs
Hello, my dogs were in a fight a few weeks ago. One dog now has a lump on his face on his cheek area (if not a bit further back). He also has been shaking his head as if he has water in it, I did notice a bit of drainage. Lastly, at times when he opens his mouth, it's as if he is trying to get something out of his tooth, on the same side he has the lump? He digs in his mouth. He won't let me inside his mouth to see anything. He's a 1 year old pit bull, and he seems stressed out. Abscess maybe?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 17th, 2017
Poor Savage! Yes, it certainly does sound like this could be an abscess, or swelling due to some type of trauma to a tooth or his jaw in this area that may have occurred during the fight. I would recommend taking him to the vet today for an exam if possible - he/she can sedate him if needed to get a good look at the inside of his mouth, and if the lump is an abscess, it will need to be surgically drained. Your vet will also prescribe antibiotics and/or anti-inflammatory medication if needed.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on October 9th, 2017
Poor guy! It probably is infected if fluid is coming out. Especially if the fluid starts to thicken or if the area becomes really puffy and swollen, he needs to be seen by a vet and put on antibiotics. Sometimes an abscess like this should be drained surgically under sedation to flush out the pus. You will know for sure if it’s infected if it starts to get bigger and seems red and painful. Hope that helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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