My dog has a salivary cyst. What to do if vets are unavailable?

Hi thank you for reaching out to Pet Coach. I would first try some antibiotics. But not all antibiotics are the same so I would maybe try your local pharmacist? We typically use pencillin-type drugs for salivary infections. Good luck, sorry about your pup!

Hi there! Looking at the picture, she should be fine to wait for the vet appointment until Monday. It may be something benign, such as a sebaceous cyst. If the vet is at all worried about how it looks, they will recommend a biopsy. If she is eating well and has an appropriate amount of energy, I would recommend leaving the spot alone for now and waiting for your appointment on Monday. I hope this helps! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hi there. If the cyst is bleeding right now, the only thing you can do at home is apply direct pressure to it with a paper towel or wash cloth until the bleeding stops. Then, I would recommend taking Mocha to the vet to have this checked when you are able to. He/she can advise you on whether the cyst should be surgically removed, or if any other treatment (antibiotics, etc.) is needed.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. This may not be a salivary gland issue and may be an infection or other cause. If you knew for sure 100% that this was a salivary gland issue, waiting until the morning would be ok. But because the cause is not known, I would recommend getting this looked at sooner. The sooner antibiotics are given for a possible infection , the better. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. I would also check blood work to make sure there are no systemic changes that are concerning. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns.

The problem with cysts is that they can get bigger, then pop, and refill again. This should be drained sterilely, and the cyst may need to be removed surgically to prevent it from reoccurring. Do not try to pop it yourself, as that will introduce infection into the area. I would have Jim seen by a vet today if the vet is open for normal business hours, or on Monday to have the cyst drained. The vet can decide if it needs to be removed surgically.

Please get him assessed by your vet as soon as possible, this painful swelling may be from internal bleeding, an abscess and infection from the wound or a ruptured salivary gland. Your vet may wish to drain and test a sample of the fluid before starting medications. Keep him fasting for 12hrs before his appointment as sedation may be required

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It could be a salivary cyst but abscesses in this area are much more common. Please, take Martha to your local vets to confirm the diagnosis and to start treatment for her. If it is an abscess, Martha will need a course of antibiotics and possibly lancing of the abscess. If it is salivary gland cyst, your vet will likely recommend surgery as conservative treatment for salivary cysts does not provide satisfactory results.