My dog has fluid swelling after surgery. Is it normal or needs draining?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 10 years and 6 months old
My dog had surgery 6 days ago to remove a lipoma in shoulder area. Was under muscle. Incision looks clean, no drainage but it has a area that seems fluid filled. Have been icing it. Is this normal? Will it go away or is it something that should be drained by vet?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 24th, 2017
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!
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on September 30th, 2017
Poor Atari! She may have developed a seroma, which an accumulation of fluid in the "dead space" under the skin. She should be resting anyway while healing, so I would just keep her as quiet as possible until Monday, and monitor the swelling. If it gets significantly bigger over the next day, then it would be advisable to find an ER vet or a vet on call to see her sooner than Monday. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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