Gun Dog Forum

Has anyone had their gundog get a swollen lip?

My 3 ½ year old GSP suddenly developed a very swollen lower lip the day after we spent the day in the field. I found a very tiny thorn and removed it. The next day his lip is still swollen. The vet says he might have part of the thorn deep inside his lip. The vet gave me pills which include a pain killer, an antibiotic, and a non-steroidal anti-inflammatory. I am supposed to return in 1 week and the vet will cut into his lip to “irrigate” it.

I sure do not like the idea of putting my dog under anesthesia or having surgery. I am hoping his lip will go back to normal within the week.

I hope his lip will go back to normal too, but if surgery is necessary then it's necessary.

I would inspect it closely every day. It is not unusual for the dog's systems to try and eject any foreign body. A close inspection with a headlamp light and if possible a magnifying headset might reveal something trying to make its way out of an entrance hole.

RayG

My GSP is OK now.

He'd been taking antibiotics; and the mass slower shrank. After 5 days a thorn came out; and the mass disappeared in 3 days. The vet says no need for surgery to search for the source my dog's problem.