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Joyce | 10 months ago
My 14 Year Old Cat Has Undergone A Wedge Excision Of Submandibular Tumor (AC) With Skin Flap 12 …

My 14 year old cat has undergone a wedge excision of submandibular tumor (AC) with skin flap 12 days ago. Surgery was rather successful, margin was cleared, drain was removed at post op day 6. He started to develop soft swelling (feels like a pouch of fluid) over his wound site and rather noticeably with some tension on the wound. He didn’t seem to be annoyed by the swelling (craving for food as always) and the site wasn’t warm. He was supposed to see the vet in a week time for off stitches. We wanted to consult the vet earlier but he’s out of town, anything we should be aware these couple days? Please help. Thank!

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  1. Shiria

    Oh just saw this now. I hope he is fine and you got to see your vet?
    Sometimes fluids build up after a tumor gets removed. If he’s not in pain and eating normally I would say its okay to wait a week. Of course if it gets herder, the skin gets discoloured (red or bluish) you should go ealier.

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Nora | 1 year ago
My 3 Day Old Kitten’s Hind Paws Are All Black, And The Part Above It Looks …

My 3 day old kitten’s hind paws are all black, and the part above it looks red with small bleeding wounds. To me it looks like gangrene. I have no idea how it happened, the kitten was with me since birth. I will take him to the vet as soon as possible, but in the meantime…
What can I expect? Does gangrene mean euthanasia for this poor baby? I’m not sure they can operate on kittens this small…
He has this on both hind legs, sadly.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m sorry to hear about your kitten.
    There isn’t enough information here for me to offer much advice. But if you think something this severe is going on you absolutely need a vets help.
    If this was truly gangrene your kitten would not be able to walk and I suspect they would be liking the legs like crazy.
    Your vet needs to examine this kitten to see if this is a skin infection, skin discoloration or deeper problem. Kittens are also incredibly resilient but there is a much better prognosis for your kitten if it is treated as quickly as possible. Too often people wait until a small problem becomes a huge problem. So please go see the vet as soon as possible.
    Very best of luck.
    Dr magnifico

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Nolan | 4 years ago
Hi, My Bernese Puppy Just Had, 5 Days Ago, A Jps (Juvenile Pubic Symphysiodesis) Surgery As Prevention …

Hi, my bernese puppy just had, 5 days ago, a jps (Juvenile pubic symphysiodesis) surgery as prevention for hip dysplasia. He has stitches just under his penis. Yesterday, he had the worst zoomies which caused him to run so fast, he got to the end of his leash and litterally backfliped. He seemed physically fine until I noticed quite a lot of bleeding coming from his stitches: for sure from the leash. I cleaned the wound with soap and water and everything looked fine. No more bleeding, stitches were fine too (picture #1, where we can see a finger). Today, we found out he had quite a big, pretty firm bump around the stitches (picture #2). No signs of infection. It seems to change size depending of his position, too. I just found out about seroma, but a bump like that is pretty scary. I will talk to the vet tomorrow but would really appreciate a quick opinion. The JPS recovery is already so stressful because we have such a hard time keeping him from running and jumping, now this…

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning- it is really hard to see anything from a picture. I would just keep him calm as can be and try to get into the vet ASAP first thing, so that they can take a close look and feel around. Hope everything is ok????????

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Anna | 4 years ago
Hi There, Our 1 Year Old Staffie Got Spayed 5 Days Ago, Her Incision Wounds Looked Great And …

Hi there, Our 1 year old staffie got spayed 5 days ago, her incision wounds looked great and still do only she has a balloon shaped lump on one side of her incision. We have tried our hardest to keep her as inactive as possible but when my partner’s father came in she went nuts wanting to great him ????????‍♀️ I did a little research and thought it pointed to a seroma but I am unsure. There are no changes in her, she is her usual happy self. I wanted to see if I could get some info first before racing to the vets with her as I am worried now! Thank you!

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dana | 4 years ago
Hi, I Got My Cat Spayed Two Weeks Back, And She Has Developed A Swelling Behind The Skin Sutures

hi, i got my cat spayed two weeks back, and she has developed this swelling behind her skin sutures one week after the surgery. there’s no discolouration, or tenderness, or drainage of any kind from the sutures. the swelling itself feels firm, and soft tissue-esque. my cat herself doesn’t show any signs of discomfort/pain either. no loss of appetite, no diarrhoea or change in bowel movements, no change in behaviour, no lethargy, etc.
this is my first pet, so i don’t have any experience in the post-op recovery of cats, and what is considered normal or not. also i live in a super remote area, and the vets in my town are more experienced in cattle, so taking her to them was of no help. they think it’s an infection or hernia. i don’t think it’s either because there are literally no signs of infection, the wound is absolutely clean, and it’s not hernia because it’s doesn’t reduce (and if it were at a strangulated/irreducable stage, there are no systemic signs to support that diagnosis).
the hospital where i got her spayed at is in a different city, and i talked to the surgeon who performed the surgery on the phone, and going by the pictures, he thinks it’s probably a seroma. he absolutely shot down the hernia possibility, because he says they put uninterrupted sutures, so the chances of hernia are very rare.
my local vet has put her on a ceftriaxone plus dexamethasone (intramuscular) regimen, for 4 days to see if the swelling improves or not. but i am not super confident about their judgement since they are not experienced in cat physiology, at all. they didn’t even consider it could be a seroma, i had to explain it to them. i just need to know what are the chances of it being something serious, because if it’s only a seroma, or a reaction to the internal sutures getting dissolved, i’d rather not have her uselessly medicated.

so, tl;dr how does a seroma swelling feel like? and how do you differentiate between a swelling due to seroma, or because of the body’s reaction to internal sutures healing?

4 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Hi there-
    When is her follow up visit to the surgeon? It is very hard to tell from a photo, but her incision looks clean- not infected. Is it warm to the touch at all? Nothing painful? You said no lethargy, etc? If she is acting normal, eating normal etc., then I would just wait until my follow up to discuss directly with the surgeon. Unless there is no follow up at this point? If that is the case and things do not improve, then you may have to take a ride I. To see the surgeon anyway to make sure things are healing properly. Hope things go ok- ????????

    1. dana Post author

      thanks for responding.
      the surgeon didn’t plan any followup visit initially, since i was visiting from out of town. he said the local vet could take out the skin sutures. but when i talked to him yesterday, he said to give the antibiotic/steroid regimen, and wait.
      it’s not warm to touch, and not tender either. she’s eating, and drinking just like she used to.
      if the swelling is a normal reaction to sutures, how long does it take to settle down? is it alright to give her more antibiotics, she was given a 5 days course of co-amoxiclav (156.25 mg, 1.5ml twice bd) post-op? is seroma supposed to be a firm swelling, because the surgeon suggested aspirating the fluid, but the vet that saw her today advised against it because the swelling was firm in consistency. sorry for bombarding you with all these questions.

      1. Sarah

        Sorry- that is tricky. Any meds need to be discussed with the vet… in any case IF it is a seroma, it will hopefully reabsorb on its own. Again, the vet would have to feel it to confirm if it is indeed a seroma or not.

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Harsh | 5 years ago
Is It Normal For A Puppy To Limp After Getting A Dose Of Calcium Injected In …

Is it Normal for a puppy to limp after getting a dose of calcium injected in it’s leg?
Today was his vet’s appointment for a dose of calcium injection.
He’s a 3 months old Alsatian German Shepherd.
Unfortunately , I was picking up his litter to throw it and meanwhile he chewed a stone and gave a loud cry. I immediately came to him and stroked his fur,n Soon , his mouth was dripping so much blood! I immediately took him to the vet , who treated his wounds. Now he’s completely fine.
But after 3 hours of the dose , he started to limp (in the leg in which the dose was injected).
I asked a friend , who has taken care of many dogs! He said it’s completely normal as the dose of calcium is a bit strong and that he’ll be fine when he wakes up in the morning.
But I wanted to double check.
Please answers asap.

2 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    Please call the vet who gave the injection. And if he is not acting normally or continues to lip past 12-24 hours go back to the vet to have him seen. I hope he is ok.

    1. Harsh Post author

      Thank you for responding. I did contact the vet. He’s totally fine now and as energetic as always. ❤️

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Yamini | 5 years ago
I Have A Semi Domestic Cat With Maggots At Its Tail On Uper Body. It’s …

I have a semi domestic cat with maggots at its tail on uper body. It’s not completely a house cat and can be very aggressive when in pain. Lives mostly in parks in front of my house. I want it help but vets are all closed due the covid 19 lockdown. And the infestation of maggot is really bad. There are 3 wounds on its tail.
I need some tips to sedate it at home so that I can treat it. Any tips?

7 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m so sorry to hear about your cat.
    All vet clinics in the us are open to emergencies. This is an emergency. Please call and explain what is going on and have your cat seen.

    1. Yamini Post author

      Can I apply Ivermectin on the wound to kill the maggots? Or turpentine oil is better?

  2. Sarah

    Our vet remains open as well as those in the surrounding area. I would call around to find a vet as h this is an emergency.

    1. Yamini Post author

      I don’t live in the us. I live in India. I’ll post u a picture of its condition soon after it returns. It goes in the park at night.

    2. Yamini Post author

      Can I apply Ivermectin on the wound to kill the maggots? Or turpentine oil is better

  3. Krista Magnifico

    This needs to be seen by a vet. If you are unable or unwilling there are videos on YouTube on flushing them out. I cannot offer advice on how to safely sedate. A vet needs to be contacted for that. It’s too dangerous to attempt at home. Also there are products available that have been used in rescue for many years to help. I have known rescuers to use capstar. In the USA it is available over the counter.

    1. Yamini Post author

      I have seen many videos on youtube and have been doing some research since yesterday when I found out about it. Unfortunately catstar is not available at shops. Most suggestions on net I found are of ivermectin or turpentine oil. I am just confused between the 2? I have bought both and will start the treatment soon as he comes back.

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Suz | 5 years ago
Shoulder Hematoma/seroma In An Adult Dog, After Microchipping

Hello animal lovers! I am seeking advice about a shoulder hematoma/seroma in an adult dog, resulting after microchipping.
I recently adopted a wonderful shelter dog. The problem started when she had to be microchipped, she was uncooperative and the technician had to do 2 insertion attempts, over the left shoulder. She bled from the injection sites for a few hours, but seemed ok otherwise.
Two days later, she jumped down out of our tall cargo van, started limping within minutes, wincing in pain, and had obvious swelling on the shoulder where the microchip was placed.
We took her to the vet, where they sedated her and placed a drain for a hematoma. The vet said there was a lot of inflammation, blood and clots. She prescribed an anti-inflammatory, no antibiotics. There was a lot of drainage the first few days, then less and less. The microchip came out, I found it on her bed one morning.
They removed the drain on day 8 with almost no fluid drainage present.
Within 36 hours of drain removal, the drain holes are well scabbed over and I can see and feel a small pocket of fluid (feels like a tiny waterbed) where the hematoma was. It is not growing, even with short walks and normal backyard activity. Her behavior is totally normal, no signs of pain or infection.
After researching, this seems to fit the bill for a seroma. I would prefer to watch and wait as long as she is acting normally instead of return to the vet for diagnosis and more possible interventions…
My questions are:
Does this sound like a seroma?
Could the hematoma have returned?
Should I go to the vet to have fluid drawn to confirm? Does it sound appropriate for me to decline another drain or aspiration as long as she is behaving normally?
Is attempting to place another microchip advisable?
Is it reasonable to assume that these are complications from a poorly done microchipping?
Any insights appreciated, thank you very much!

4 Responses

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I’m glad to hear that things have resolved and seem to be doing well. I always think it is best to talk to your vet about anything that you are worried about. It is always neat to keep the lines of communication open and healthy. Usually a seroma is just fluid clear and no blood or clots. I am not a fan of draining. It can introduce infection and keep a resolving problem an active problem. But you should discuss this with your vet. I think all pets should be microchipped. Find someone who is very comfortable doing it and try again. Best of luck. Keep us posted

    1. Suz Post author

      Hi Krista, thank you so much for your response on this awesome platform. I found pawbly through your blog post on seroma.
      Is the only way to diagnose a seroma to pull out some fluid with a syringe? Or can it be reasonably assumed via palpation?
      Thank you again. I am so grateful for this resource. (I am living in Portugal, so the language barrier can make clarity difficult at vet visits!)

  2. Sarah

    Hi there! Thank you so much for rescuing a dog. It does sound like it could be a seroma. I think if it starts to feel warm to the touch or your dog shows signs of discomfort that you should go to the vet ASAP. However- I would express the concerns and suspicions that you have shared here with them- regardless of when your next visit is. A simple discussion and quick Q and A would help get a good relationship started between patient, client and caregiver. I highly recommend micro chipping. Perhaps during your chat you can figure the best way to go about it next time? Very best of luck to you????????

    1. Suz Post author

      Thank you so much for your response, I am very grateful!

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Cathy Kowalewski | 5 years ago
Our 4 Year Old Sheltie Who Frequently Suffers From Skin Allergies Has Very Sore Front Paw Pads …

Our 4 year old Sheltie who frequently suffers from skin allergies has very sore front paw pads from licking them frequently. He takes prescribed apoquel and we supplement with benadryl as needed. I have not seen him licking his paws for a while but he has a visible limp on one paw when walking. I have looked at his paw pad and while it looks very rough and chapped I don’t see any visible cuts or wounds. In addition to the medications mentioned we have purchased dog booties for him when walking him and are applying an all natural paw butter. I’m just wondering what else we can do to help his paws heal short of putting a cone on him, as I don’t think he’s licking them currently? Thanks for any suggestions.

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  1. Krista Magnifico

    Hello,
    I see lots of limping in dogs with red and painful feet. Typically they are licking pretty feverishly. The best advice I can give is to talk to your vet and ask them all of the things you mention here. I also want to highlight how important routine year around flea and tick prevention is. Also ask about Cytopoint use. Also it might be time for a medicated shampoo and even supplements like omega 3 fatty acid.
    My point is that dermatology is an active and evolving condition. It takes lots of time and assistance from your vet often this is a life long challenge. Please let us know what happens. Good luck.

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Lauren | 5 years ago
My 12 1/2 Year Old Miniature Schnauzer Has A Bump On Her Face I Discovered Two Days Ago. …

My 12 1/2 year old miniature schnauzer has a bump on her face I discovered two days ago. The bump was originally pink and matted over by hair. She got a full hair cut about a month ago so the bump wasn’t there before that. We’ve been putting Neosporin on it and a liquid band aid but after cutting more hair from the wound which had scabs over it with the hair, it is red and still fully exposed with a black edge. Not sure what this could be. Is it life threatening or do I need to take her to the vet?

2 Responses

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  1. Sarah

    Good morning-
    It is so hard to tell from a picture. I think I would call and get an appointment with the vet- it could be something simple, but I would make sure. Best of luck.

  2. Laura

    To the vet, for sure. They’ll want to put hands on it to help in diagnosis and cure.