How to Cope with Post-Surgery Seroma Swelling in Pets

“My dog just had surgery a few days ago, and the incision area is all puffy and swollen. Is it normal?”

If your dog must have major surgery, like leg amputation, you need to know about seromas.

Although this happens to many dogs who have undergone surgery, many vets often forget to tell their pawrents that this can happen.

Don't be afraid. Post-surgery seromas are relatively harmless.

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.”

Seromas can happen anytime after a surgery like amputation, spaying, etc. A seroma is an accumulation of "serous fluid," or blood, without most of the cells. A seroma causes puffiness, swelling and fluid build up around the incision area. It's usually watery, with a slight bloody color, but not as dark as blood.

According to our friends at Bone Cancer Dogs, "If the wound is healed above the seroma, there is no place for the fluid to drain, and swelling under the stitches will develop."

Think about it; a body is full of fluids that circulate around, right? Well, if a limb or body part 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.

Here are some tips for managing a post-surgery seroma:

• Check your dog’s surgery site daily
• Look for a puffy, watery build up in the area.
• Keep some hydrogen peroxide wipes handy in case you see fluid leaking.
• Hot and cold therapy sessions with a pack like Balla’s Pain Relief Pack, will help reduce swelling.
• 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).
  

Most seromas go away after a week or so. Sometimes infection can set in. One way to tell is if the incision area is dirty, stitches or staples are messed up, or there is a foul odor coming from it.

Seromas are nasty and gross looking, but most dogs can usally overcome them without a problem. Hang in there, and before you know it your dog will be on the road to recovery!