Shadow, a Collie x, was brought in after a field incident involving a small stick, with concern for injury to the mouth/cheek area.
On initial assessment with Vet Ali, a right-sided cheek wound was visible, though he was otherwise stable, with no evidence of bleeding or additional abnormalities on examination.
After discussing management options with his owner which included advanced imaging, CT assessment, or monitoring with medication, the decision was made to proceed with examination under general anaesthesia to fully assess the extent of injury.
Under anaesthesia, a thorough oral and soft tissue examination was performed. A significant soft tissue wound was identified along the right lateral pharyngeal region (approximately 7–10 cm). Encouragingly, there were no deep pockets or evidence of retained foreign material, and radiographs did not show any gas tracking or obvious deeper complications.
After a recheck with vet Matt, it was agreed due to the small area of inflamed, friable tissue it was gently debrided, consistent with localised infection/residual irritation, but no penetrating tract or foreign body was found.
Shadow recovered well from anaesthesia and was bright, eating, and comfortable, though still sore when vocalising.
He has been discharged on antibiotics, ongoing pain relief, and a soft diet, with close monitoring at home. Two weeks later, he came in for a post op check and Shadow is 90% there, so his owners are keeping a close eye on him at home.
A good reminder that stick injuries can look deceptively minor externally while hiding more extensive soft tissue trauma, early assessment and thorough investigation are key. 
