hygroma

[louliscal]

hi all
i have a 4 and a half month old dobermann she has a hygroma on her front leg the vet has looked at it but didnt seem to worried does anyone know if it will go it looks horridthanks for any advice

[BabyElephant]

I'm sure that Fairlight, one of our other members, has had this with one of her dogs. I'm sure she'll be along soon to give you some advice.

I'll see if I can find her thread for you.

[BabyElephant]

Here you go http://www.prodoggroomingsupplies.co...hlight=hygroma

[Cearbhaill]

Don't let anyone touch it. They are cosmetic and will go away on their own. Just provide soft sleeping surfaces and wait.

[fairlight]

Originally Posted by BabyElephant

I'm sure that Fairlight, one of our other members, has had this with one of her dogs. I'm sure she'll be along soon to give you some advice.

I'll see if I can find her thread for you.

Thanks BE.

I'm happy to say that Orson's hygroma did go away but it did take time. (At least two months) Everything that I tried did not work, from chemicals, to wraps, to velco, to homeopathic rubs.

I had problems because my pup insisted on slamming down on the hardwood, but when I bought him he did have the start of the hygroma. I would line his bed with carpet for cushing and he would eat it, ate his bed, ate the cushions, ate blankets. Hopefully your dog does not have the chewing ability like mine did.

I know it may look awful and it will probably get worse before it starts to look better. Your vet is right. Do not be concerned about the hygroma and if you do seek another opinion and a different vet disagrees and wants to drain it, please do NOT go this route. Once you start draining you are setting your dog up for multiple and frequent infections that will last through out his whole life.

Hope this helps.

[louliscal]

thank you very much this makes me feel alot better about marlee's hygroma cheers for all your advice guys

[fairlight]

I'm glad we could help.

[Pitbull Lover]

Elbow Hygroma


The usual patient for this condition is a short-haired large breed dog, usually of an adolescent age, brought to the veterinarian for assessment of a fluid-filled swelling at the point of one or both elbows. This is the classical presentation of the “elbow hygroma,” the body’s response to chronic trauma to the point of the elbow. In more common terms, the dog is lying down on a hard surface and point of the elbow bone is traumatizing the soft tissue. Normally callus will develop to protect a bony prominence such as the elbow but if the trauma to the area is excessive, the inflammation caused by the trauma overcomes the new callus and a fluid pocket forms.


The Uncomplicated Hygroma
The simple hygroma is not painful and is mostly of cosmetic concern. Changing the dog’s bedding generally solves the problem though sometimes special pads or bandages for the elbows must be constructed. If the dog begins to lie on softer more pliant materials, the hygroma is likely to simply resolve over 2-3 weeks. It is best not to tap off the fluid as any time the hygroma is pierced, infection can be introduced, creating a “complicated” hygroma.
Treatment for uncomplicated hygroma is basically changing the bedding or surface upon which the dog lies.
The Complicated Hygroma
If the hygroma becomes infected, it will be come tender and surgical drainage becomes necessary. If the surface of the hygroma is not ulcerated, it can be drained and flushed and rubber drains inserted to allow for further drainage into bandages. The bandages should be changed daily but there is an excellent chance of resolution of the hygroma after a couple of weeks. Ideally the natural callus on the elbow is preserved for protection of the area.



Treatment for the infected but not ulcerated hygroma is surgical drain placement in addition to changing bedding as above.
If the hygroma is severely proliferative or chronically draining, or basically has a big sore on it, a more extensive surgery is needed. The callus is too far gone and must be removed. Special skin flaps or even grafts may be needed to reconstruct the skin of the elbow area after the infected callus is removed. A splint is likely going to be needed to sufficiently pad and immobilize the leg during healing, which takes a month or so.
It is important to recognize the hygroma early in its course so that it need not progress to a complicated status. If you are unsure about any swelling on a pet, it is prudent to see your vet promptly.

[louliscal]

hi to you all
just to say thanks again for all your great advice and im pleased to say that marlees hygroma is now getting smaller

[fairlight]

Great to hear and glad we could help.