Hi! We had another dog bite and break skin on Peanut's eye and ear area. The broken skin is on the last stages of healing (scabbed, but not infected looking at all), however in the last few days, a largish, hard bump has appeared just around his cheek area. It doesn't seem to bother him at all. No pain when touched or even annoyance as he doesn't scratch or touch it. It appeared a few days ago and hasn't changed size since, maintaining its size and how hard it is. I'm supposed to leave him with a dog sitter for 2 weeks tomorrow and fly across the country so trying to figure out what's the best course of action. Thanks for any help you can give!
It sounds like Peanut has been through quite an ordeal. The bump you're describing could be a few different things, especially given the recent trauma. Here are a few possibilities:
Firstly, it could be an abscess. Sometimes, after a bite, bacteria can get trapped under the skin, leading to an abscess. These can feel hard initially but may soften over time as they fill with pus.
Another possibility is a hematoma, which is a collection of blood outside of blood vessels, often caused by trauma. It can feel hard and may take some time to resolve.
Lastly, it could be a granuloma. This is a small area of inflammation due to the body's response to injury or foreign material. It can feel firm and may persist for a while.
Given that the bump hasn't changed in size and isn't causing Peanut any discomfort, it might not be an immediate emergency. However, since you're planning to leave him with a dog sitter for an extended period, it would be wise to ensure that this bump isn't something that could worsen or require treatment while you're away.
Here are a few steps you can take:
Firstly, keep an eye on the bump. Monitor its size, shape, and firmness. If it starts to grow, become painful, or show signs of infection such as redness, warmth, or discharge, it would need veterinary attention.
Secondly, ensure the area around the bump and the healing wounds are kept clean. You can gently clean with a mild antiseptic solution to prevent any potential infection.
Lastly, make sure the dog sitter is aware of the bump and knows what to look for in terms of changes or signs of infection. Provide them with your veterinarian's contact information in case they need to seek advice or treatment while you're away.
Since you're leaving tomorrow, it might be a good idea to have a quick check-up with your veterinarian today if possible. They can provide a more definitive diagnosis and peace of mind before your trip.
If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.
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