Miniature Pinscher Bump

[adam_camilla]

My min pin is 7 months old and last night her head suddenly swelled up to almost twice it's normal size. The swelling is around her eyes and up her head to her ear line. We brought her into the vet today and they ran tests on her (which they were supposed to get back to me about this afternoon), but we haven't heard back from them yet. Looking at her the vet had no idea what could have caused it. He gave her an allergy shot but that has not done any good. It does not seem to be bothering her too much (she doesn't make much noise when you touch it) and she is still trying to be active (although we are trying not to let her run around and play a lot). We are very worried about what this could be. It started out like a high bump on her forehead but has now 'fallen'. Just wondering if you would have any idea what could have happened to her.
Thanks in advance
adam_camilla

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Thanks for your input Peekawho!  I wish I could tell everyone who is posting a question to list their location.

[peekawho]

We've had a couple of dogs bitten by copperheads that got enormous swelling of their heads and snouts (thats usually where they are bitten).

The only treatment they needed was antibiotics and antihistamines, and all recovered uneventfully.  

Depending on your location (obviously, snakes are not a problem in most areas right now), it could have been that.

[Aleda M Cheng, D.V.M., C.V.A]

Could she have been bitten by a spider, bee or other insect (depending on how cold it is where you are located?  A spider bite could cause an area of pronounced inflammation and a spider bite can occur year round, in all climates.

If it is a spider bite it would require antihistamines, steroids, and possibly antibiotics as well as supportive therapy if necessary.  It doesn't sound as if it is necessary in her case, thank goodness.