While the definition for swollen face in dogs is quite simple, the potential reasons for this problem certainly are not. The swollen areas noted on your doggy family member may be of various sizes and shapes, waxing and waning under a variety of conditions, or, they may have developed suddenly or gradually over a period of time and they may or may not be symmetrical (the same size and location on each side of the face, head or muzzle). Regardless of the circumstances of their appearance, they are all something which need the attention of your veterinary professional.
Swollen face in dogs is, quite simply, an enlargement or edema of a portion of the face, eyes, ears, head or muzzle of your family pet, which may or may not be symmetrical.
The signs of the various potential causes are similar in a very general way. Here are some of the signs you might see to accompany the swollen face in your dog:
Sometimes the swelling, especially in the muzzle, jaw and throat areas, can result in the closing off of the windpipe, causing an emergency situation for your dog.
Types
The types of swollen face in dogs relate to the ways in which the swelling can occur:
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During the diagnostic process, your veterinary professional will require your complete history on the lifestyle of your canine family member. This will need to include details on dietary regimen, recent vaccinations (if not done by the treating veterinarian), the locations where the dog may be been (to determine possible insect or parasitic involvement), the signs noted, their severity and duration. He will also need to know if the swelling was noted to have come on suddenly or was it more gradual in its development? Be sure to include any unusual behaviors noted and the duration of those behavioral changes. Your veterinarian will do a physical examination which may include some blood work, urine and fecal samples and perhaps other tissue or fluid samples to be sent to the lab for evaluation and assessment.
A specimen of fluid from the swollen area may be obtained via needle aspiration and sent to a diagnostic lab. The veterinarian may order some imaging studies, like radiography (x-ray), CT (computer tomography) imaging or MRI to identify or ascertain the presence of any masses, either felt on examination or suspected. An echocardiogram may be utilized if cardiac issues are present or suspected. The treatment plan developed by your veterinary professional will be entirely dependent upon the diagnosis found.
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Treatments for swollen face in dogs, as noted above, can be based solely upon the diagnosis found in the examination and testing, or based on the presumptive diagnosis of an insect bite (a frequent cause) or other allergen.
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Depending on the cause of the swollen face in your pet, it is reasonable to expect that your canine family member will recover completely from this episode, provided medical care was provided appropriately and in a timely manner for the condition. It is also reasonable to expect that cautions, suggestions and recommendations for prevention of future episodes will be given as well as at home emergency care recommendations in the event that your pet suffered a severe allergic reaction.
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German Spitz
Ten Years
Serious severity
0 found helpful
Serious severity
Has Symptoms
Face is swollen on left side. Won't eat, paw licking. Runny eyes, sneezing,
Oct. 26, 2020
Owner
Dr. Linda S. MVB MRCVS
0 Recommendations
Hi there, you are through to Dr Linda. I'm sorry to hear thisnis going on with your Spitz. There are numerous possible causes including a tooth root abscess, allergic reaction, tumour etc. Your dog needs to be assessed by a vet to determine the best next step.
Oct. 26, 2020
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Pit Bull
Three Years
Unknown severity
1 found helpful
Unknown severity
Has Symptoms
He was attacked his ear was injured then next morning the side of his face was swollen
Sept. 29, 2020
Owner
Dr. Michele K. DVM
1 Recommendations
Thank you for your question. Bite wounds from animals can get infected quite quickly and caused a lot of damage. It would be best to take your pet to see a veterinarian as soon as possible, as they will likely need antibiotics and possible therapy. I hope that everything goes well and your pet feels better soon.
Sept. 30, 2020
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