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My dog has a lump under her eye. Is it a tooth abscess that needs draining?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years and 6 months old | 8 lbs

My Chihuahua had a soft lump show up just under her eye 2 days ago. I thought may be she got stung by a bee. Then this morning I realized she had a back molar on that side that is covered with tartar and broken in half to the root. I'm taking her in to have the tooth pulled and a dental done. Do I need to make sure they drain the abscess as well? And should the sew in a drain to keep it open?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Kennedy, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on July 14th, 2017

I'm glad to hear that you are having a dental and having the extraction performed, this is exactly what she needs. The vet should know to take care of the abscess while they are treating Khloe, but it wouldn't hurt to mention it just in case. She will probably sent home with antibiotics and hopefully a pain medication for the next few days while the infection clears up.

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    HI, I'm Dr. Johnson, Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like a tooth root abscess. Once the tooth is extracted the issue will be fixed. the Vet will flush the tooth socket and send her home with antibiotics. We do not put drains in the the socket. Good luck!

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