If you're a dog owner, there's a good chance you've heard of seromas. But what are they? A seroma in dogs is a collection of fluid beneath the skin and usually occurs following surgery. While seromas can occur in any dog, they are most commonly seen in dogs that have had surgery around an area of mobility (such as the knee) or if your dog is too active after surgery. Most seromas do not require any treatment and will resolve on their own with time. However, if the seroma is large or if your dog is showing signs of discomfort, your vet may recommend draining the seroma. This article will discuss what a seroma in dogs is, why it happens and how to prevent a seroma from occurring in the first place.
What is a seroma in dogs?
A seroma is a collection of serous fluid beneath the skin. Serous fluid is the clear, watery part of blood that helps to transport nutrients and waste products. When serous fluid leaks from blood vessels, it can collect beneath the skin and form a seroma.
A seroma can be evident as a soft, sometimes squishy lump beneath a surgical incision or wound. Serous fluid is typically clear to yellow-tinged and is sticky when touched. A seroma in dogs is not painful and they can vary greatly in size.
Why do seromas occur in dogs?
Seromas usually occur after surgery, when the body's natural repair process is disrupted. During surgery, blood vessels are often cut or damaged. This can cause serous fluid to leak out and collect beneath the skin. In some cases, seromas can also occur if your dog is too active after surgery and disrupts the healing process.
What are the treatment options for a seroma in dogs?
You and your veterinarian may be inclined to drain the seroma with a needle and syringe. This is not recommended as it increases the chances for infection to occur which would be worse than the seroma itself.
If you notice an uncomplicated seroma (e.g. not leaking or causing discomfort to your dog), restrict activity and apply warm compresses to the area a few times a day for a few minutes each time. Warmth will cause vasodilation that will help serous fluid to reabsorb back into the blood vessels. With this treatment, the seroma should resolve over a period of a couple of weeks.
If however, you notice that the seroma is leaking fluid, is painful to the touch or causing discomfort to your dog, you should have your veterinarian assess it. If these signs are noticed, your veterinarian may recommend starting antibiotics to either treat or prevent infection.
How can I prevent my dog from getting a seroma?
There are several things you can do to help prevent a seroma from forming in your dog. First, make sure your dog rests and stays calm after surgery. Avoid letting your dog run, jump or play until the surgical incision has healed. Second, keep an eye on the surgical incision and look for any signs of serous fluid leaking. If you notice a fluid discharge from the seroma, call your vet right away.
When should I call the vet?
If you notice serous fluid leaking from your dog's surgical incision, call your vet right away. Your vet will be able to determine if the serous fluid is coming from a seroma or another source, such as an infection.
If you're not sure whether your dog has a seroma, but you notice a lump beneath the skin, it's always best to err on the side of caution and call your vet. They will be able to assess the lump and determine if it's a seroma or something else.
Seromas are usually nothing to worry about and will resolve on their own with time. However, if you're concerned about your dog's seroma or if it's causing discomfort, call your veterinarian right away.
What are the most common surgical procedures that can result in a seroma in dogs?
The most common surgical procedures that can result in a seroma are spay surgery and large lump removal surgery.
A seroma after dog spay is common as the spay procedure is typically performed in puppies and puppies are very active and hard to keep quiet. If you have a very excitable pup that is about to undergo her spay procedure, you may want to ask your veterinarian for some sedation to keep her quiet for 7-10 days after the procedure.
With a large lump removal, there is excessive "dead space" following the removal. This is because when the lump is removed, it leaves a large cavity where serous fluid can collect. Your veterinarian should either place a drain or a special closure technique where the dead space is minimized.
Is a seroma in dogs common after TPLO surgery?
TPLO (tibial plateau levelling osteotomy) is a very common orthopedic procedure in dogs. This procedure is performed to correct a torn cruciate ligament (ACL). As the surgery is performed over a very mobile (knee), this will promote fluid accumulation that can result in a seroma. Treatment for this is as described above: restricted activity and warm compresses.
Is it common for a seroma to develop in a dogs ear?
No, it would be very uncommon. If you notice that your dog's ear flap is swollen with fluid, you should investigate the possibility of an aural hematoma.
A seroma is a collection of fluid beneath the skin and usually occurs following surgery. If left untreated, most seromas will resolve on their own within a couple of weeks. However, if your dog is showing signs of discomfort, your vet may recommend draining the seroma. There are several things you can do to help prevent a seroma from occurring in the first place, such as keeping your dog calm and resting after surgery. If you're concerned about your dog's seroma, call your veterinarian right away.