Murphy was presented to surgeons Dr Pierre Barreau and Dr Maria Bovis for pain when opening his mouth, that has been ongoing since July. He had puncture wounds seen in the mouth during previous examination by the referring vets.

Examination of the oral cavity was performed under sedation. Swelling and a healed puncture wound was present on the right side of the mandible. Another healed wound on the mucosa was present on the left side just dorsally to the tonsil.

A CT scan of his head was performed. The fistula on the right side was opened in order to probe it, and check for a potential foreign body, but no foreign body could be found. A sample was sent for bacterial culture and sensitivity at the external laboratory.

The results came back as a bacterial infection fitting with an abscess. He was started on a course of antibiotics to fight the infection, once under control, this should stop the pain for Murphy.

Poor boy!