My Shepards nose

Question
Dear Doctor,
A few weeks ago my 2 yr old Shepard came in the house with a large red lump on her nose. I could see a small dimple in the center and (having a bee hive out back) assumed she had been stung. There was no stinger present. It has been two weeks and it has gotten bigger and redder. I had given her Benadryl but havent seen a response. It is not that I dont want to take her to the vet, I have two older dogs 12 and 14 and a 15 year cat that are draining me financially with vet visits right now, and I dont want to take her if it will go away by itsself. I guess my question is, would a bee sting remain after two weeks and get bigger? Or could it be something else? We do live in Upstate Central Ny and I am starting to worry about triple E or west nile. Any suggestions would be immensly appreciated.

Answer
Hi Bonnie!  A bee sting wouldn't be present this long, although, it may have become infected, causing an abcess, which is what you have described to me.  If going to the vet just isn't possible financially right now, you can try putting a cool compress for five minutes on the area three times per day, and putting Neosporine (the original..not the "new and improved" as the original is very safe for animals) on it twice per day.  The Neosporine should clear it up.  If during this time it worsens, or is not majorly improved in a week's time, a vet visit will definitely be a must.
I know exactly how you feel about the vet bills. My husband and I rescue animals...all older (my parents refer to us as "The Home For Geriatric Animals" hehe)Vet bills add up very quickly.  I completely understand the situation you are in all too well.  I truly hope that the cool compesses and Neosporine are enough to clear this up!
Please let me know how he does,
Hilary