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My dog has an elbow hygroma. What can I do besides a dog bed?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Male | unneutered | 4 years and 1 month old

We're pretty sure our male German Shepherd has a hygroma on his left elbow (We have laminate flooring). This site doesn't recommend draining it. We are enroute to purchase a dog bed now.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Davis

Veterinarian

Published on December 23rd, 2017

Yes, this looks like a hygroma. In addition to having him lay on a soft bed I recommend getting dogleggs elbow protectors. You can have him wear them until the hygroma resolves and his elbow forms a callus. It will protect the other elbow also. If Rocky is like most dogs he will continue to lay on hard surfaces even if you have beds available. The elbow protection will reduce the chances of the hygroma getting infected or bigger. Dogleggs.com., they are a great company and have the best elbow protection available. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Rocky.

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on June 20th, 2020

    Hello. This is a hygroma, essentially a pressure sore due to chronic trauma. It is quite common in large breed dogs that lie on hard surfaces. If you could condition Shadow to lie on a soft, orthopedic dog bed, this will help tremendously. For most dogs, this is a cosmetic issue, & may resolve in 2-3 weeks once soft bedding, or a proper soft bandage or brace is applied. Surgery is rarely a cure. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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