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Dog with abscess drains: Is heavy drainage and whimpering normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 69 lbs

Our lag was diagnosed with an abcess in his neck. The vet sent him home with two drains in the abcess and a 10 day course of antibiotics. It's draining a lot and our dog seems very uncomfortable, sometimes even whimpering. Is this normal?

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on June 5th, 2017

It certainly looks uncomfortable. Poor Cooper! The amount of drainage depends on how big the abscess was originally. You can apply a warm compress to encourage drainage and to provide relief. Ask your veterinarian if Cooper could benefit from some pain management for more relief.

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    Answered By Emily, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Cooper could be having pain which isn't uncommon after surgery. Also depending on what medication was used his signs could be a side effect of those. Sometimes a warm compress helps with the inflammation. However he may need dog friendly pain medication. You can contact the veterinarian that did his procedure to discuss further pain control. Do not give human otc medication as they can be very toxic to dogs.

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