Tripawds Three Legged Dog & Cat Forum Archives
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Hi, Bella is doing well - post op day 4, but has a nasty seroma . It's gotten larger and traveled to her lower abdomen where there is no incision. You can definitely tell its fluid build up where there is loose skin. The skin color is botchy red, but the lump is loose - not hard. Spoke to the vet yesterday and shard a picture. She suggested we monitor and she said she did not believe draining would be appropriate (introducing potential bacteria into a sterile environment). I'm not sure, but I think Bella may have a slight fever too. Her ears are warm, her nose is dripping a bit and she's panting occasionally.
On a brighter note, she knew exactly how to maneuver up and down her fancy new grass lined ramp.
She ate and drank today and did her business outside, but I'm wondering if we should just monitor her tonight and call vet tomorrow, or if we should take her in.
Bella, BELLLLLAAAAA!!! You are a wonder dog!!! To be home and working your wonder dog ways is truly exceptional and inspiring! You keep on keeping on Miss Bella!!!
As far as the seroma , unless it seems to be growing much larger or is making her uncomfortable, eventually, and it does take a bit longer without a drain, it will be reabsorbed. I can understand your vet's caution regarding introducing possible bacteria. However,I'd also not hesitate to take Bella back to be seen if you have any worries at all:)
Also, sometimes, the aneasthesia wearing off can cause a slight fever, as can pain, as can, of course, an infection ( which would be fairly unlikely unless her incision is hot to the touch, yellow, smelly, or crusty?).
It is hard to know if a dog ( or cat) has a temperature even if their ears are hot as heat dissipates through ears but may fluctuate tremendously within a short period of time. Soooo...
One item that may help to measure her temperature ( without using the vet's preferred measure;) is to buy a laser/infrared thermometer ( much like the ones they use for children). They are a bit costly ( about $25-35) but you can order one just for pets or the one for kids online or pick it up at the local drugstore. What I like is that you can then just point it on the inside of the ear flap ( or mouth if Bella cooperates: CharlieBear does not;) and rapidly record the temp multiple times ( and then compare readings). Mine has a body, room, and surface temp mode and keeps the last 20 readings in the memory. It has helped me through many a late night:)
We at Da Bears HQ hope Bella continues to recover in good form! Best wishes, huge hugs, and PyrPaws all around!!!
Great advice. Thanks so much. She definitely still has an appetite and her wound is cool to the touch. Her tail is constantly wagging too. I've also read the panting can be a side effect of Tramadol. Either way, we'll talk to the vet tomorrow. She's zonked out by my side right now and we are enjoying the balmy spring breezes (for New England). So grateful for this site and so encouraged by so many brave and loving pets and pet parents sharing their stories.
5:27 pm
Team Tripawds
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25 September 2009
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Cheers to Bella for really doing pretty darn good. Yeah, I'd agree that talking to the vet tomorrow would be a good idea. Her symptoms don't sound too much in line with signs that dogs give when they have fever, but if you're really concerned you can always take her temperature to find out. We have a special digital thermometer just for Wyatt.
Here's a post about dog fever symptoms:
http://pets.web.....er-in-dogs
And yay for making the most of a pretty spring day! You and Bella are adding to the inspawration in our community, so thank you for that. Keep us posted!
Tripawds Founders Jim and Rene
tripawds.com | tripawds.org | bemoredog.net | triday.pet
Hi Bella,
Bruno says hi to you guys and is glad to hear that you are recovering well. Just a day or so separates our recoveries and we are each doing it our own unique way. Keep up the eating and drinking and stay on your speedy recovery.
Best Wishes from balmy Thailand
8:41 pm
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Bucketeers
22 February 2013
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I think it was Paul, TJs dad, who called the seroma that has settled lower on his dog's tummy a "sagging booby". Sounds like Miss Bella may be experiencing that "look"'with her seroma ! 🙂 🙂
Yeah, panting can be from the Tramadol, or pain. Yeah, the symptons look the same...ugh!
Sounds like Bella is doing very well. Wagging tails are always a good thing!
Keep us posted
Higs
Sally and Alumni Happy Hannah and Merry Myrtle and Frankie too!
Happy Hannah had a glorious additional bonus time of over one yr & two months after amp for osteo! She made me laugh everyday! Joined April's Angels after send off meal of steak, ice cream, M&Ms & deer poop!
7:00 am
Bucketeers
15 December 2015
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It sounds as though Bella is doing really well. It's good you shared a picture with the vet, and they are obviously there for you if you have any concerns, but the wagging tail, the eating and the fact that the wound is cool to touch are all very positive signs.
That thermometer sounds great, CharlieBear. I'm going to look them up. I love a gadget. The Pie has a thermometer in her identichip, so when they scan her they get her temperature. Doesn't help me at home, obviously, but pretty cool nonetheless.
Looking forward to Bella's next update. Those balmy Spring breezes sound just the ticket.
Meg, Clare and Elsie Pie xxx
Ruby, Staffy, born June 2022, became a Tripawd, November 2023, adopted January 2024.
Also Angel Tripawd Meg (aka The Megastar), who died in April 2023, aged 14, after seven glorious years on three, and Angel Staffies Elsie Pie and Bille. In the pawprints of giants...
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