Our dog went for a walk 2 days ago. She is an older dog. Today I saw that her elbow was like a golf ball and her leg was swollen. Vet thought it was an abscess but when she drew fluid there was no pus - just clear liquid with some blood. She also has a temperature. The vet has given her anti biotics and says on Monday to bring her in for investigative surgery as there must be something in there causing it. Has anyone had a dog with either the above symptoms or had surgery on a dogs leg to look for - I assume - a foreign body? splinter or thorn ? I dont expect an opinion on what to do but I did wonder if anyone had a similar experience. Thanks
Oh dear, poor girl!!! Would some kind of imaging technique help? Ultrasound? I dunno, I'm just guessing. Is it swelling round the tendons (wondering if it's fluid round a tendon sheath). Sounds like what a horse can get if they get a kick or knock to a leg joint. I've seen big fluid filled lumps come up fast on hocks like that after a blow.
Well yes, sort of. A big golf ball sized lump on Jet's elbow but it didn't pop up overnight. It was a big lump of fatty tissue which my VEt said had to come off before it got bigger and interfered with movement of the joint. It was not pleasant to deal with as it's hard to keep a healing elbow from moving but we managed. I hope it is something you can just have drained on your girl.
Well, not exactly the same but my dad sometimes suffers from bursitis in his elbow and it sounds quite similar to what you've described. His can be brought on by trauma (e.g. a knock to the joint), prolonged pressure or an infection. Oh, and he's an older specimen too Hope it clears up quickly x
Thanks everyone. We wondered about a knock but she had a temperature so I assume this must be infection from some cause. Just don't know what that is. She is OK today. Pottered around the garden and then back to her bed. See the vet again tomorrow. Why does it always happen on the weekend?
Always on the weekend or about half an hour after the vet closes for the evening! Hope it settles down quickly ☺