Swollen face :(

[rat.charmer]

I came home today to Pip with one side of her face swollen. There's a bit of dried blood on her cheek; I think she got the bad end of a scuffle. She's grooming, not piloerected, but she's not eating the lab blocks (I have to feed her oatmeal). Her front teeth appear fine though I can't open her mouth to check inside. I'm thinking it's an hematoma - I can touch it and it doesn't cause her pain and she still bruxes and boggles when I cuddle her.

Is there anything I should be aware of, to keep an eye on or that I can give her?

I feel like an awful mommy

 

[jorats]

Don't feel bad, these things happen... If it's a hematoma, it should absorb eventually so no need to worry. Keep an eye on it, if the swelling gets worse, then it's off to the vet with her.

 

[Moon]

Yes, watch closely that it doesn't become a facial abscess. They're just hell

Hopefully Pip feels better soon.

 

[mamarat]

Aww poor sweet Pip. :heart:

 

[dubchick]

aww poor pip.. :sad3:

 

[rat.charmer]

The swelling is going down but not as quickly as I'd like...how would I know if it becomes an abscess?

 

[jorats]

Smell it!! :sick2:

 

[Moon]

Ugh yes, the smell, big time.

Scabbing will also be pretty apparent, somewhere, especially if it is a surface wound.

 

[rat.charmer]

No smell; swelling is going down. I think she's getting annoyed with me constantly checking her face. Poor girl, not quite the welcome I was hoping for!

 

[mercurydust]

Lily had something very similar on her chin a little over a month ago. Her entire chin was swollen and it freaked me out and I had planned on a vet trip the next day. But when the next day came it was completely gone. I think it was one of Cordelia's little love nips. :giggle: