tooth absest

Question
I have a 15 yrs old sheltie and it look like his tooth is absest it's almost swollen 1 eye is there anything i could give him until we take him to the vet tomorrow

Answer
Hi Jim,

Thank you for writing to me about your sheltie's tooth abscess.  If the infection has already reached the eye than it's critical that this dog be put on antibiotics.  Call your vet and ask him to call in a script to your local drug store for an antibiotic.  The infection can move into the brain and be fatal, especially in an older dog whose immune system isn't as strong as in a younger dog.  The infection can also travel into the blood stream and be fatal.  You must put your dog on an antibiotic that your vet feels is appropriate.  I hope that there is a drug store in your area that will be open today.

Until then, administer Vit C and Echinacea if you have some in the house.  You can also put a warm salt water compress on the gum or face and try to draw out the infection.  Another tip is to crush a cashew and place in some gauze and hold it to the abscessed area. Do not leave it there unattended as your dog can swallow it. You can also crush the cashew and just place it between the lip and gum in the area of the abscess.

Your best resource is your vet and your pharmacy.

Best of luck,
Shelley Davis