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My dog has a hard lump under her eye and won't eat. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 11 years and 9 months old | 110 lbs

Hi there a bone hard lump has formed under my dogs left eye, it's about half inch round and a slightly less tall, she was off her food for a few days last week eating only when she felt like it, she currently on metacam for a bad knee, I'm hoping it's not malignant tumour, she dosnt like me touching it, any help would be nice, kind regard rich

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 29th, 2017

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Hopefully, all this is, is an infected upper third premolar. This is a common presentation when the tooth's root becomes infected. A round of antibiotics usually clears things up, but Lily may need some dental work, & perhaps have this tooth removed. Have this looked at tomorrow if possible. Take care.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 5th, 2018

    This could be from a tooth root infection from an upper large molar. This is painful and she should have antibiotics to reduce the swelling and infection. Often this is due to a tooth fracture from chewing on hard bones or objects. Often the molar will need to be extracted to clear this up. Please take her in for and exam soon. You can use a cold compress on the area in the meantime to reduce the pain and swelling. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Candy.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 12th, 2017

    What you are describing could be a tooth root abscess causing the protruding hard mass on the face. This is a common location for this to occur due to an infected tooth root of the carnassial tooth. If this is a tooth root abscess, the infected tooth likely needs to be removed. I typically recommend starting an antibiotic and anti-inflammatory before having the tooth extracted. This may also be a cyst or tumor but is likely a tooth root abscess given the location and the age of Willie. I would schedule an appointment with a veterinarian as soon as you can get in and get Willie examined to help determine what it could be. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

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