infected lip

Question
I have a 16 month old Pitbull terrier. Recently, my girlfriend was playing
around with my dogs mouth and noticed something white on her lower lip.
Upon deeper investigation it appears that two of the many bumps that make
up her left lip are  severly swollen. One is only red, however the other
infected part is now white. She doesn't seem to be bothered by it. No change
in diet or behavior, nor does she whince on pain while root around checking
things. Just an infection? In need of minor surgery? Please help my girl!


Answer
Hi Tony,

Dogs are pretty stoic about showing pain, so your dog may indeed be in pain, but just doesn't show it.

It is impossible for me to diagnose the problem, there are a number of possibilities of what might be involved: lymphoid tissue, sebaceous cyst, pustule, etc. Usually just lancing these will solve the problem. It's also possible your dog has "puppy acne", which is a staph infection, and can be a sign of a weak or immature immune system.
If it appears to be a firm mass, then a biopsy should be done.

You need to have your dog examined by your veterinarian to find out exactly what you're dealing with, and to get the correct treatment.

Best of luck,

Patti