Post Surgical Complications - Seromas
One of the most common post-surgical complications in cats and dogs are seromas, a collection of fluid under the skin near the surgical site. This fluid is clear and uninfected, and is caused usually by excessive activity during the healing period. Sometimes they are caused by a reaction to the suture used.
A seroma looks like a small to medium sized bump near the surgery site. It is soft (filled with fluid) and not hot to the touch. The fluid pocket may be emptied or even surgically repaired by your vet, but most often the fluid is absorbed by the body with rest.
Seromas form between the body wall and the skin where there has been a separation during surgery. This separation causes a “dead space,” and the body doesn’t like to leave dead spaces unfilled. Activity further irritates this space causing more fluid to fill it.
Kittens and puppies are especially prone to seromas because they play, jump and run after their procedures. To prevent seromas from forming, keep your dog or cat quiet after abdominal surgery. Leash walk dogs to prevent running and cage rest kittens and puppies to keep them from jumping and exercising too hard.
Sometimes a pet needs medication to calm them and keep them quiet during the healing period. Talk with your veterinarian about this during your visit.
If your pet has a seroma it’s usually nothing to worry about and should go away quickly, but if the area becomes red, warm to the touch, or the incision itself is leaking fluid, call the veterinarian who performed the surgery.