During Wolfie’s annual vaccinations, Dr. Leland found signs of a tooth root abscess. The small bump found on Wolfie’s cheek was Dr. Leland’s first indicator, followed by the condition of the teeth and gums and other behavioral symptoms the owner had seen at home. Wolfie’s mom now has a treatment plan and a referral for dental surgery.
Wolfie has been seeing Dr. Leland for several years, and because of his history with our clinic, we can note changes over time and advise for the best care possible.
Dr. Leland is showing Wolfie’s owner where abscess is in relation to the side of the face.
From PetMD:
🦷What Is a Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs?
A tooth root abscess is a pocket of infection around the root of a tooth under the gumline. Abscessed teeth are painful and may cause a dog to stop eating or to not want to chew on toys. In some cases, swelling can appear below the eye or along the jaw.
🦷Symptoms of Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs
Not all dogs with a tooth root abscess will show clinical signs, but when they do some common ones are:
-Decreased appetite
-Bad breath
-Trouble eating, including only eating soft food and chewing on one side of the mouth
-Trouble chewing on toys
-Oral pain
-Pawing at the face or mouth
-Facial swelling—often below the eyes or of the lower jaw
-Draining wound on face or in the mouth
-Swelling or redness of the gums
-Drooling
-Presence of a broken or discolored tooth
-Fever
🦷Causes of Tooth Root Abscess in Dogs
Tooth root abscesses are an infection at the tip of the tooth root. The infection often occurs as a result of bacteria entering a chip, crack, or fracture in the tooth and traveling down the tooth, causing swelling and inflammation at the tip of the root.
Another way the infection can occur is through the gums themselves in cases of severe dental disease. Inflammation of the gum starts out as gingivitis but can progress to severe inflammation and infection with large tartar buildup that houses bacteria.
Pet Vaccination Clinic provides efficient and professional care without losing the personal touch.
Dr. Stan Leland opened Pet Vaccination Clinic, located at 1010 SW Military Drive in San Antonio, TX, on June 1, 1985. Since day one, Dr. Leland has provided compassionate care, taking the time to explain animal care thoroughly to clients so they can champion their pet’s health. Dr. Leland offers multiple services including, but not limited to, vaccinations, flea and tick prevention, deworming, exams, health certificates, and heartworm preventative. Contact us here to make an appointment.