Dogs chest is swollen

[mwoodrow]

So the other day one of my dogs got away while walking the yard due to a cat. He chased the cat to the fence and kind of tackled the cat. He got into a minor fight with the cat and it took a little to pull him away. He got a few cuts but I do not see any bite marks. Well this happened on Thursday and he hasn't been himself since. The first day when I got home he seemed to be okay but then all of a sudden a few hours later he seemed very sluggish. He started limping around and I noticed that one of his legs looked a little swollen. Well the swelling on his leg seems to have gone away but now his chest is swollen. It first was only on the bottom front of his chest and is now swollen on the front part under his neck. He still seems to be excitable but is still sluggish most of the time and limping. I also noticed today while he was laying down that he would tremble intermitently. He is a 4 year old pit mix. Anyone else ever had anything like this happen. He doesn't act like he is in pain and no whining. Do you think I should just get him to the vet asap? Could it just be a minor pull or something that will go away with time. I can also take some pics of the swelling if that will help. I am just really worried cause he is always so hyper and this is killing me.

Thanks

Matt

[AllisonPibbleLvr]

It sounds like there could be an abscess or cellulitis. I'd make a vet appointment ASAP to get him checked out.

[BrokenAquarian]

Cats are notorious for causing infections - as is anything that results in punctures and such. Vet trip a.s.a.p.
When my dogs get a cat, there's a huge adrenaline rush that often results in the dogs being tired and sleeping quite a bit with sore muscles, if there's a lot of stress and strain in the fight. They have never acted sluggish or had swollen body parts.

[Murfins]

Agree with BrokenAquarian - cat scratches and/or bites can very, very easily become infected if they are not cleaned super well and the infection can make you very ill with swelling, fever, etc. He likely needs some antibiotics now.

[mwoodrow]

Thanks for the replies, we have an appointment at 1130 today, hopefully its nothing serious. Im trying to stay positive but this just sucks!!!

[Ilovethepits]

Hoping your dog will be okay!

[mwoodrow]

Hoping your dog will be okay!

Thanks, just got back home and they say that he has a large abcess. They are doing surgery on it because the doc feels like it has gotten too big for meds to take care of. Anxiously awaiting the call to come pick him up then I'm gonna give him a big ol hug.

[Ilovethepits]

Hoping your dog will be okay!

Thanks, just got back home and they say that he has a large abcess. They are doing surgery on it because the doc feels like it has gotten too big for meds to take care of. Anxiously awaiting the call to come pick him up then I'm gonna give him a big ol hug.

Oh I am so glad you know what it is and that it is being taken care of! I hope his surgery goes perfectly and that he is healed up soon.

[AllisonPibbleLvr]

Poor guy!

Fingers crossed for a speedy recovery!

[mwoodrow]

Thanks everyone, hes tough so I am sure he will be just fine. Still waiting and I gotta go to work at 6, ugh!!!

[patty]

Let us know how things are when you get home. Glad all is going to be well. Cat bites/scratches are nasty!!!!

[mwoodrow]

Thanks everyone for the help. Tank is doing well. It turns out that there is no abscess, just a very bad case of cellulitus. The doc went in and poked around and didn't find anything else. Kinda sucks that he was pretty much cut open for nothing but thats what it took to figure this out. He is on multiple meds right now as well as having a good size incision on his chest that is stitched up. My girlfriend is taking care of him right now while I get to work 12 hours tonight. I went to the vet when she went to pick him up and he seemed to be in good spirits and for just getting off the meds he was looking great. The swelling is still there and his skin still feels tight but that should go away with the antibiotics and the anti-inflammatory meds. I just want my old tank back, he has always been high strung and would always just lick you to death, I will never complain of that again no matter how bad his breathe smells.

Thanks again everyone!!!!

[Ilovethepits]

Glad Tank is home and doing well. Hope he's back to licking you all over soon!!!

[Leslie H]

I'm glad he's on the road to recovery. Those cat scratches are really nasty, lots of germs, and tiny little punctures that close up fast, perfect for infection.

[mwoodrow]

So last night went great. My girlfriend said tht he slept most of the night but did wake her up around 2 just sitting there. She took him outside and he peed and then they slept the rest iof the night. Today I slept most of the day since I worked til 6am and he was fine. when I got home he was getting back to his old self. Its obvious he is still in a little pain although he hasnt whined once. He slept most of the day with me on the makeshift sleeping arrangements on the floor and once I got up around 230 he is showing more signs of improvement. He hasn't lost any of his appetite and is steadily regaining his strength. The swelling has also gone down and I have a feeling that here in the next few days he is gonna be back to his normal self. Thanks again everyone!!!!