Cellulitis

[Majors]

Does anyone have any experience w/ Cellulitis? My Tyson was bit by a Golden Retriver on the cheek and became extremely swollen. We ended up at the emergency vet and found out that the swelling was due to Cellulitis. We were given antibiotics and rimadyl and I was told to hot pack and see a regular vet in 5 days. I still don't feel very comfortable - we couldn't have been at the vet for more than 20 minutes?! We just moved and there is only 1 vet in the area (we had to travel 2 hrs to get to the emergency vet) who is out until Wednesday. Does anyone have any advice or experience with this?

 

[Austin's Mom]

I don't have any advice, but wanted to say I hope Tyson feels better soon!

 

[Majors]

thank you...the poor boy has us VERY worried. I've been doing some research and I'm very worried about an abcess forming. I still haven't slept - all last night I was up monitoring him before we decided we needed to make the trip to the vet. I miss my old house - the emergency vet was 20 minutes away and there were no rude neighbors! The worst is he only got bit trying to protect me! Our neighbors dog was biting at my arm and Tyson tried to get involved. We live on a military installation and have to share a front porch with our neighbors, they keep their dog outside all day long and he is very aggressive with us when we got out for potty and play time. Now's the time for the dreaded talk about the dogs...

 

[josephine]

I don't have any experience with cellulitius with dogs but my dh had it about 3 years ago and it's very dangerous. They had given him an antibiotic injection 2 days in a row and when that didn't do it then they put him in the hospital with antibiotics running through an IV. I would have to say the same could happen to a dog. I think if you're not comfortable with the way things are going I would make the extra trip to find another vet to put my mind at ease. Hope Tyson feels better soon!!! Piper sends a big slobbery kiss and a bunch of wiggles his way to get better.

 

[Majors]

I called the emergency vet back because the swelling has gotten worse, but at least now he is drinking water and taking treats (a far cry from earlier). They had me give him an extra dose of rimadyl and I'm going to cold pack in between the hot packs. We're going to continue to monitor him tonight and call another vet first thing in the morning. Now we're worried about his breathing (the swelling is almost all the way around his neck)...he's panting a lot quicker than Grace, but wants to play. The vet said the playfullness was a good sign, just ensure he rests. I'm actually surprised they didn't give him a shot of antibiotics when we were in this morning. Unfortunately for us, there is only one Emergency Vet in Fairbanks (2 hrs away) that is open over night. Tomorrow can't come soon enough...

 

[Albie]

My dogs have never had cellulitis, but I have had it twice. It is a very serious infection that needs to be closely monitored by a doctor. I never had to be hospitalized, but needed oral antibiotics and a topical ointment. It was very painful and I was given a prescription pain pill which helped some. I would keep a very close eye on the wound. If it starts to get larger than it already is, or if you see red streaks going away from the wound, another trip to the vet would be a good idea. Also, if Tyson becomes lethargic, refuses to eat, etc., I would definitely get back to the vet. Hopefully in another day or two the antibiotic will start doing it's thing, and you will have nothing to worry about. We will keep our fingers and paws crossed that Tyson has a speedy recovery!

 

[Majors]

update

Hi all...I just wanted to update you on Tyson's cellulitis. We ended up going back to the vet on Monday because he had gotten worse. They put him on a new medication (Clavamox) and the results were amazing. Within 24 hours the swelling had reduced significantly and his primary sore had started to drain a small amount. I hope not to offend anyone, but Tyson looked like the Boxer version of the elephant man. That is the only way to describe the severe swelling around his face, under his chin, on his neck and chest. He had a softball sized hard lump that was sticking out on the side of his cheek that has now been reduced to the size of a golf ball. It broke my heart just to look at him! I am thankful for the responses we got on this, I am very glad we had him put on a different antibiotic. The first one didn't cover the broad enough range of bacteria to be effective. I am amazed however at how little there is out there on this condition. There is a lot of research and reading on humans with cellulitis, but I found very little concerning dogs. Anyways, we are on the way to recovery and it feels great!