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My puppy has a large bubble or swelling on its neck. What's wrong?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | unspayed | 1 month and 8 days old

One of our puppies has a huge bubble (?) On her neck, almost like a hernia. What do I do?! It takes up her whole neck!!

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on April 24th, 2018

This could be an abscess or fluid pocket or just a swelling. I suggest you have this examined by a veterinarian. It will need to be drained by a vet if an abscess. Excessive swelling in this area could also be caused by muscle damage or similar conditions. Your puppy would then need anti-inflammatory medications, possibly pain medication and other medications depending on the cause.

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on February 11th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. What you are seeing could be an infection / abscess. It could also be puppy strangles if this is a puppy. The puppy likely needs veterinary care to receive the most appropriate treatment. Depending on what it is, he may need a course of an antibiotic with or without steroids. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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