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CURE TO BOSTON TERRIER SWOLLEN FACE
I have a 8 year old male Boston Terrier and his right side of his head near his eye is puffed up like he has a cyst, tumor, or inflamation for the past three weeks. The swollen area is reducing the size of his eyelid and bleeds from time to time (drops). Can you advise on what the problem could be and the cure? I know I should take the dog to the veterinarian but cannot afford to. A similar situation like inflamed swollen part of the head on an Old English Mastiff and it was a $2,000 vet bill. The diagnosis outcome was a incurable tumor. I would appreciate any thoughts and advice. Antibiotics did not work.
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3 Replies
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Based on your description of your 8-year-old Boston Terrier’s symptoms, there are several possible causes for the swelling near his eye that has been present for three weeks:
Possible Causes:Meibomian Gland Tumor:
- These are the most common eyelid masses in older dogs, accounting for about 60% of cases.
- They appear as protruding lobular masses with pinkish-to-pigmented coloring and are prone to bleeding and ulceration as they grow.
Sebaceous Cyst:
- These are common in dogs and can appear on the eyelids.
- They may become inflamed or infected, causing swelling and occasional bleeding.
Chalazion:
- This is an infected and clogged meibomian or oil gland of the eyelid. They typically don’t require removal, but can cause persistent swelling.
Adenoma:
- These are very common eyelid tumors in dogs that are slow-growing, often dark-colored, and bleed easily, forming a scab.
Malignant Tumor:
- Though less common, malignant tumors such as mast cell tumors, squamous cell carcinoma, or melanoma can occur on the eyelid and typically grow quickly, appear red, and ulcerate/bleed easily.
Treatment Options:
Since antibiotics haven’t worked, here are some options to consider:
Warm Compresses:
- Apply warm compresses to the area 3-4 times daily for 10-15 minutes to help promote drainage and reduce inflammation.
Topical Medications:
- If there’s infection or inflammation, your veterinarian might prescribe topical antibiotic ointment or eye drops along with anti-inflammatory medications.
Surgical Removal:
- For persistent or problematic growths, surgical removal is often recommended.
- The procedure is typically simpler and less expensive when done early, before the growth becomes larger or more problematic.
Veterinary Eye Specialist:
- For complex cases, consulting a veterinary ophthalmologist may offer more specialized treatment options.
Financial Considerations:
I understand your concern about veterinary costs after your previous experience.
Here are some options to consider:
- Veterinary Schools: Many veterinary schools offer discounted services as part of their teaching programs.
- Payment Plans: Some veterinarians offer payment plans for expensive procedures.
- Pet Insurance: Though not helpful for a current condition, it might be worth considering for future issues.
- CareCredit: This is a special credit card for healthcare expenses (including veterinary) that offers financing options.
- Local Animal Welfare Organizations: Some organizations offer financial assistance for pet medical care.
Given that the condition has persisted for three weeks and is causing bleeding and affecting the eyelid function, I strongly recommend having it properly diagnosed. While I understand your financial concerns, delaying treatment could potentially make the condition more difficult and expensive to treat later.
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Swollen cheek. Left side check for the past three weeks. Eyes swollen and antibiotics don’t work. Bottom plate of his mouth is black or dark blue. Eyes bleed with a few droplets of blood from time to time.
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Thank you for providing that additional information about your Boston Terrier. The fact that the swelling is specifically in his left cheek area rather than directly on the eyelid itself gives us a better picture of what might be happening.
The black roof of his mouth is actually a normal characteristic in many Boston Terriers and other brachycephalic (short-faced) breeds. This pigmentation is typically normal and not related to the swelling issue you’re describing.
Based on the new information that the swelling is in his cheek area rather than directly on the eyelid, here are some possible causes:
- Tooth Root Abscess: This is a strong possibility, especially if the swelling is in the cheek area. An infected tooth root can cause significant swelling in the adjacent soft tissues, sometimes even affecting the eye area. These can rupture and drain intermittently, which would explain the occasional bleeding you’ve noticed.
- Salivary Gland Issue: Problems with the salivary glands (such as a sialocele or mucocele) can cause swelling in the cheek area that may fluctuate in size.
- Oral Tumor: Tumors in the mouth or on the jaw can extend outward, causing swelling in the cheek area.
- Severe Infection: A deep bacterial infection or a foreign body (such as a splinter or plant awn) in the cheek tissue can cause persistent swelling and occasional drainage.
- Allergic Reaction: While less likely to persist for three weeks, a severe allergic reaction could cause facial swelling.
Given that antibiotics didn’t work, this suggests either:
- The infection is resistant to the specific antibiotic used.
- There’s no active bacterial infection (such as with a sterile cyst or tumor)
- The problem requires drainage or surgical intervention rather than just antibiotics.
For temporary relief while you explore options:
- Continue with warm compresses on the area.
- Keep the area clean, especially when it’s draining.
- Ensure your dog is eating and drinking normally (swelling might make this difficult)
Since you mentioned financial concerns, you might want to contact local animal shelters or humane societies to ask about low-cost veterinary clinics in your area. Some veterinary schools also offer discounted services as part of their teaching programs.
Would you be able to take a clear photo of the swollen area? This might help with a more specific assessment of the problem.
https://www.dogster.com/ask-the-vet/boston-terrier-health-issues-vet-answer
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13 Boston Terrier Health Issues to Look Out For (Vet Answer) – Dogster
Explore common Boston Terrier health issues with insights from a vet. Learn about common concerns, signs, and care to keep your beloved Boston Terrier thriving.
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