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My 15-year-old dog has a soft lump under her eye. Is it serious?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 9 years and 10 months old | 15 lbs

My dog she is 15 years old she has a soft lump under her left eye she is acting normal but Im scared she has been bit by something

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Maria DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 15th, 2018

If you are talking about the swelling underneath the eye I would be concerned about a toothroot abscess. When they have an infection in one of their teeth they can present like this. I would highly recommend bringing Sweety to a veterinarian. If you are talking about the growth on her eye this would need to be surgically removed if it is causing Sweety some discomfort. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 10th, 2018

    This is likely a tooth root abscess. This is why it got bigger and smaller and bigger again. It will fill with pus, then drain (get smaller) and then fill up again. Unfortunately such infections are seriously painful, and bacteria can get into the blood stream and cause sepsis which can be fatal. The tooth that is affected will need to be pulled as fast as possible so that she will not get a general infection and also will get relieved of pain.

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