Carnassial Tooth Abscess

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                      General Information



The last premolar tooth of the upper jaw (carnassial tooth)

frequently becomes infected.  This tooth has 3 long roots and

when infected, extend into the surrounding bone, break through

the skin, and appear as a small, draining wound below the eye.



Facial injuries may also cause carnassial tooth infections.



                 Important Points in Treatment



1.  Extraction of the affected tooth usually is necessary to

    allow drainage and prevent recurrence of infection.  General

    anesthesia is necessary, as triple-rooted teeth are difficult

    to remove and often require splitting before extraction.



2.  Diet:  Soft foods should be fed for ____ days.



3.  Remove all chew sticks, bones and other chewable toys for

    ____ days.



4.  Give the medication as directed.



       Notify the Doctor if Any of the Following Occur:



    * Your pet bleeds from the mouth.



    * Your pet is reluctant or unable to eat.



    * You cannot give medication as directed.



    * There is a change is your pet's general health.