This month’s case features Selous, a bright and friendly Rhodesian Ridgeback pup whose only clue that something was wrong was one thing many pet owners notice first—bad breath. Despite Selous being a happy, playful puppy with lots of energy and a great appetite, his owners were very attentive.
Selous’ family reported several days of halitosis (persistent, unpleasant smelling breath) and eventually spotted something unusual in his mouth. On exam, we found the culprit: a stick lodged across the roof of his mouth, wedged between the upper dental arches. Oral foreign bodies like sticks are more common than many realize, especially in dogs who love to chew or play fetch outdoors.
Because the stick was firmly lodged and causing pain and ulceration to the hard palate, Selous required mild sedation to safely remove it. Once removed, we noted moderate tissue injury, particularly at the end of the stick where it had been rubbing and embedding into the tissue. Selous went home with antibiotics and pain medication to treat a mild infection and keep him comfortable while his mouth heals.
🦴Why this matters🦴
Sticks and similar objects can cause significant oral trauma, infection, and even go unnoticed for days.
Signs to watch for include:
- Bad breath
- Pawing at the mouth
- Drooling
- Decreased appetite
- Facial swelling or pain
Selous is expected to make a full recovery, and his case is a great reminder that when something seems “off”—even something as subtle as bad breath—it’s worth having your pet checked. Sometimes the problem is hiding in plain sight!
If you ever notice changes in your pet’s mouth, eating habits, or breath, we’re here to help.