As promised, here are five more questions we often get asked from nervous Tripawd pawrents-to-be. Click here to see the first five.
Question #6: “My dog just had surgery a few days ago, and the incision area is all puffy and swollen. Is it normal?”
If your dog is about to undergo amputation surgery, it’s important that you know about seromas. They can occur anytime after a surgery like amputation, spaying, etc., but they are relatively harmless.
But what exactly is a seroma? According to Michigan Veterinary Specialists,
“Seromas may occur at the surgical site. A seroma is an accumulation of fluid in the tissues. The body will usually absorb the fluid, but the fluid is sometimes drained if needed.”
Think about it; a body is full of fluids that circulate around, right? Well, if a limb suddenly goes away, where’s all that fluid going to go? The body can reabsorb most of it, but sometimes fluid can build up at the place of least resistance, the surgery site.
Check your dog’s surgery site daily, and look for a puffy, watery build up in the area. Keep some hydrogen peroxide wipes handy in case you see fluid leaking. If you suspect a seroma, call your vet to discuss it, and find out if you’ll need to go in and have it drained (an easy, in-office procedure).
A hot/cold pack, like Balla’s Pain Relief Pack, will help reduce swelling.
To see more seroma photos, click here.
