My dog has a seroma after surgery. Should she walk or limit movement?

This is most likely a seroma which is just a fluid pocket. But a seroma can inhibit healing if it is too big. I would have your vet look at it so they can drain it. Your vet will be able to confirm that it is a seroma and that there isn’t any pus or infection involved. After it is drained you can put a warm compress on it for 10 minutes twice a day to help prevent the fluid from coming back. Sometimes it will return and need to be drained again. Also make sure you are keeping her confined as too much activity can also cause these to form post-op. I hope this helps!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Yes, this drainage could be due to excessive activity which in turn it can cause a seroma which is essentially an accumulation of fluid at the incision site which can result in drainage. Another possibility is an infection. Even though his discharge does not have a smell to it, it can still be due to an infection. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian when possible (for example next Tuesday when they open again). The reason is that that region is very prone to infections as it is so close to the anus and if an infection is present, you want to treat it appropriately. In the meantime, keep the area clean and keep him as quiet as possible to prevent any further issues. If the incision forms any scabs, avoid picking the scabs. Good luck! I will keep my fingers crossed that everything goes well! Have a good night!

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Duke's wound, but you did the right thing by seeking veterinary attention! The pocket of fluid may be what is called a seroma, which is a pocket of sterile (non-infected) fluid that can form under the skin where wounds are present. You can try applying a warm compress to the area for 5-10 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day. I recommend wetting something like a washcloth with warm water (make sure it isn't too hot - ie it should feel comfortable on your own skin), and holding it gently on Duke's swelling. This warmth may help the fluid dissipate and the swelling go down. I would continue the Carprofen as prescribed, and recommend restricting Duke's activity (no jumping/running/playing) to allow his wound to heal properly. If it is in a location he can reach to lick or scratch, I recommend keeping an elizabethan collar (cone) on him at all times. I hope this is helpful!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Bo! I swelling below the wound can be from inflamed and thickened tissues, from the bandage being too tight, from fluid build up under the skin (seroma) or infection (abscess). Ideally Bo should be seen by your Vet. If you can't do that then warm compress the area twice daily and if it doesn't resolve in a few days have him seen. I wish Bo the best!

Hello. Your veterinarian has taken an abundance of precautions for your pet. For most routine surgeries, even in an older girl like yours, restricting activity for 7-10 days is fine. This usually means curtailing running up & down stairs, jumping on furniture & leaving a pet unattended outdoors for hours on end. If Precious is primarily a house dog, then just try & slow her down a bit & either walk her on a leash outdoors or supervise her activity. I think at this point in time you can let Precious play with her toys. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It could be that Dana has a seroma, which is a pocket of fluid that forms in empty space. This can be caused by too much activity after surgery. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. If it is a seroma, it may need to be sterilely drained.

Hi there. Thank you for using PetCoach. So sorry you had this experience at your vet. The number one thing you need to do is make sure to limit her activity. No running around free in the yard. No playing with other dogs or running up/down stairs. No jumping up on beds or couches. She should only be leash walked only and kept as calm and quiet as possible for about 7-10 days. Also, make sure she cannot lick the incision - this is the number one problem we see post-operatively - dogs lick the incision and get it open. So be sure to use an E-collar (cone) for at least 10 days. If they did not give you one, you can buy one at any large pet store or online. You can apply this fly repellant ointment AROUND the incision but not on it. It is recommended that you not put anything on the incision directly. ( https://www.amazon.com/Farnam-Products-100532971-Repellent-Ointment/dp/B07D1M6LSB/ref=sr_1_1?keywords=farnam+flys-off+repellent&qid=1570893908&s=pet-supplies&sr=1-1 ) Hope this helps. If you have more questions feel free to post again. Best wishes!