Accepted Answer

Hi there XXXXXXXX,

Thank you for your question regarding your 11 year old and his swollen paw and leg. This is definitely an abnormal symptom and one that could be caused by a number of things. If your Veterinary has carried out a range of diagnostics on your dog and come to the conclusion that this is a hygroma (or elbow bursae), then I would have to say that he is most likely correct in this instance. If he hasn't carried out a full range of diagnostics on your dog however, including x-rays, possibly joint taps and potentially also a culture and sensitivity on fluid in the bursae then it may well be worth asking him to. However, from what you have told me in your question your Vet is most likely absolutely correct with his diagnosis.

It is most likely this is due to your dog chronically lying on hard surfaces - this causes inflammation and/or infection of the space around the elbow and leg, a syndrome called bursitis (true bursae) or hygromas (a false bursae). The main cause of bursitis is trauma or injury, which may be complicated by bacterial infection. Hygromas are seen mostly over the elbow area in large breeds of dogs and are caused by mild, continual trauma to this area from the weight of the dog, usually as a result of lying on hard surfaces.

True bursitis usually responds to rest. Some cases require anti-inflammatory drugs such as corticosteroids to reduce the swelling and pain. Antibiotics will be required if infection is present. Hygromas are more difficult to treat, but fortunately most can be left alone, unless they are causing pain, increasing in size, or are infected. Small hygromas respond well to surgical drainage, but larger ones may require surgical removal. Unfortunately, hygromas tend to recur in heavy dogs, and wound healing is often a problem after surgical removal because of the continuing trauma to the area from the weight of the dog. Good nursing care is essential. Soft bedding and weight reduction, if the dog is overweight, are helpful preventives.

For more information on these conditions please visit http://www.peteducation.com/article.cfm?cls=2&cat=1592&articleid=2861 and be sure to ask your Veterinarian if you have any further concerns or would like more diagnostic tests to be sure of an exact diagnosis. A culture and sensitivity of joint fluid from the elbow would be great in order to more properly treat the problem with a more specific antibiotic.

I hope this has been of help and please do keep me updated with how you get on.

Thank you and please now click ACCEPT.

Kind Regards,

Dr M D Edwards

Edited by Dr M D Edwards on 6/23/2008 at 3:51 AM

Expert:	Dr M D Edwards
Pos. Feedback:	99.7 %
Accepts:
Answered:	6/23/2008

Dog Veterinarian

Veterinarian - BVSc (DVM equivalent) - Webmaster & Head Veterinarian for www. onlinepetdr.com