寵物牙膿腫：症狀與治療
牙根膿腫是痛苦的感染，可導致面部腫脹和全身性疾病。及早治療可防止併發症。
A dental abscess is a pocket of pus caused by bacterial infection, usually from a broken tooth or advanced periodontal disease. It causes severe pain and can spread to the jawbone, eye, or bloodstream. RVC provides prompt dental abscess treatment including drainage, antibiotics, and tooth extraction if needed.
- Tooth root abscesses usually affect the upper canine teeth in dogs
- Classic sign: swelling under the eye that may burst and drain
- Broken teeth with exposed pulp are common causes
- Antibiotics alone won't cure an abscess — the source must be addressed
- Treatment usually requires extraction or root canal
- Untreated abscesses can cause bone infection and systemic sepsis
Causes of Dental Abscesses
The most common cause is a fractured tooth with pulp exposure, allowing bacteria to enter the root canal. Periodontal disease can also cause abscesses as bacteria invade deep periodontal pockets. Less common causes include foreign body penetration, trauma to the jaw, and immune system disorders. Cats can develop tooth resorption lesions that lead to abscess formation.
Symptoms to Watch For
Signs include: swelling under the eye (for upper tooth abscesses), swelling on the lower jaw, drainage of pus from the face or into the mouth, reluctance to eat or chew, dropping food, bad odor, lethargy, and fever. Some pets show no visible swelling if the abscess drains into the mouth through the gum. Cats may hide more and eat less — subtle changes that owners might miss.
Diagnosis and Treatment
Diagnosis requires oral examination and dental X-rays to identify the affected tooth. Treatment options: 1) Extraction of the affected tooth — definitive treatment that removes the source of infection. 2) Root canal therapy — preserves the tooth but is more expensive and requires referral to a veterinary dentist. 3) Antibiotics and pain management — supportive care before and after definitive treatment. Abscesses do NOT resolve with antibiotics alone.
Aftercare and Prevention
After extraction, pets usually feel much better within 24-48 hours. Feed soft food for 7-10 days. Give all antibiotics and pain medication as directed. Prevent future abscesses by avoiding hard chew items (antlers, bones, hard nylon toys) that fracture teeth, maintaining good dental hygiene, and addressing periodontal disease early. Regular dental checkups catch problems before they become abscesses.
- Swelling under the eye or on the jaw
- Pus draining from the face or mouth
- Reluctance to eat or obvious pain when chewing
- Broken tooth with visible pulp (pink or dark center)
- Fever and lethargy with dental symptoms
- Any facial swelling that doesn't improve in 24 hours
Dental abscesses are painful and require prompt treatment. RVC provides same-day dental evaluations and emergency care. Call +853 6677 6611.
+853 6677 6611