Accepted Answer

<p>Hello, </p><p>Well, I would have hoped for greater return to function of that other back leg, but that is tough for me to even comment on. </p><p>This swelling at the incision site may represent a seroma. This is an inflammatory reaction under the skin that is usually filled with clear bloody discharge. It could also represent a reaction to the suture material that was used. Unfortunately, we cannot rule-out the possibility for an infection starting. </p><p>Definitely, worth a recheck with the surgeon just to be safe. </p><p> </p><p>They may recommend a fine-needle aspirate test to better identify the fluid under the skin or the contents of the sac. </p><p> </p><p> </p><p>A fine-needle aspirate test is performed usually without anesthesia and is very quick. Your veterinarian takes a few needle samples from the lump (the needle is no larger than the needle used to give vaccines). The sample is smeared on to microscope slides and submitted to the laboratory. It is not always as definitive as a biopsy (this is a full tissue sample), but often it can yield enough information to determine if it is anything to be worried. </p><p><a href="http://www.petplace.com/dogs/cytology-in-dogs/page1.aspx">http://www.petplace.com/dogs/cytology-in-dogs/page1.aspx</a></p><p><a href="http://www.petplace.com/dogs/fine-needle-aspiration/page1.aspx">http://www.petplace.com/dogs/fine-needle-aspiration/page1.aspx</a></p><p> </p><p> </p><p>Good Luck</p><p>Dr. Andy</p>

Expert:	DrAndy
Pos. Feedback:	99.8 %
Accepts:
Answered:	8/7/2009

Veterinarian

UC Davis graduate, Canine and Feline emphasis, Dermatology, Internal Medicine, Geriatrics