Does this dog need a vet?

[OSUJillyBean]

General dog info: 6 years old unneutered male, mixed breed. ~50 pounds (mostly muscle - built like a cheetah). Short-haired, intermittent vaccinations, heartworm preventative, etc.

History of seizures.


Dog had painful swelling on left shoulder which "migrated" down the leg. Upon reaching the "elbow" of the foreleg, where he chewed the swelling, causing it to burst. Dog was taken to vet (before the area was ruptured) and said it was a puncture wound and the owner was given medication for the dog. (Metronidazole for the infection and Baytril as an antibiotic).

Dog now has a painful swelling on the right shoulder which is also beginning to migrate down the leg.

Today, dog's stomach was growling loudly enough to be heard across the room but dog refused regular food and had to be coaxed into eating a treat (this dog normally gobbles treats and will eat when he's hungry but does not gorge himself). I checked his mouth for sores or anything to indicate problems chewing but didn't see anything unusual. I also felt his gut while it rumbled - it felt like a very strong version of a human's tummy rumble.

Dog still acts playful and happy, as usual.

The owner informs me "he didn't want his medicine today" so I took that to mean she didn't give it to him. I also assume he's been taking it until now but can't be 100% on this.

Owners are also reluctant to spend any more $ than they have to, which is an important factor to them.

So what do you guys think: call the vet (on a Saturday)or keep on the pills and see what happens?

[Appylover]

I say vet! Cause you dont know if its a serious problem! Just cause you cant see it dont mean its ok!! Thats my motto!!

[99horses]

I too say vet asap. Better safe than sorry. And the owners should not be owners if they can't take care of him. When my kids are sick they get their medicine wether they 'want it' or not.

[beezwing]

I don't think swelling from a puncture would move..?

k

[Tippy]

Take him to the vet.

[OSUJillyBean]

Update:

Apparently the reason the dog was refusing food was because he was waiting for the cooked sausage he's been getting nightly. He's a pretty smart dog and he knows his owner pretty well.

Dog is also eating dog food now that he's eaten his sausage. I think he knows that now it's dog food or nothing.

Shoulder is less swollen this morning, still painful to the touch.
Dog is ever more hyper and ecstatic to see people than last night and will do his full routine of tricks on command.

Dog finally accepted the last of his antibiotic this morning, and has enough anti-infective to last until Monday.

Hooray for getting better, though.

[GodsGifts]

Originally Posted by beezwing

I don't think swelling from a puncture would move..?

k

Actually in fact yes it can. A puncture wound could be a result of getting poked or bitten by another animal. In that case the wonld closed(heals) but infection is still left under the skin...there for creating an abscess. The abscess will migrate to an area of least resistance. Kind of like when a horse gets a hoof abscess and they burts at the cornet. Pretty much the same thing. OR there could be so much infection and it hasn't burst yet that it doesn't acually move but it grows!

Glad to hear the dog is feeling better. Alot of people don't believe me when I tell them their dogs wont eat dog food because they're holding out for the "good stuff" It's called tough love...a dog will not starve themselves unless SUPER sick.