Differential Diagnosis: Seroma Look-a-Likes
Because of how they look, seromas can often be confused with various other conditions and formations. Differential diagnosis is the term used by veterinarians to depict the process of ruling out similar conditions and look-a-likes.
Here are some common differential diagnoses and how to reach them.
Seromas are often confused with hernias, especially when occurring at incision lines. Hernias occur when an internal organ pushes through a weakness in the muscle protruding out.
However, statistically speaking, hernias are far less common complications than seromas. Although uncommon, just to be sure, the vet will palpate the mass and if necessary, perform ultrasonography to examine the content of the formation. The ultrasound will reveal whether the content is fluid (seroma) or organs (hernia).
To make this differentiation, the vet will have to extract some of the fluid from the formation. The basic difference between a seroma and a hematoma is in its contents: seromas are filled with serous fluid while a hematoma is filled with blood.
The serous fluid is made from blood plasma and inflammatory cells – it does not contain red blood cells. On the other hand, the typical hematoma is filled with full blood and contains red blood cells.
Once again, the vet will have to extract some fluid in order to differentiate the two. Abscesses are filled with pus and just looking at the fluid composition is enough to make a differentiation. Pus has higher consistency, is cloudy, and is characterized by a repulsive smell. On the other hand, the fluid contained in a seroma is clear, transparent, and scentless.
Touching the formation can provide the vet with useful information. Namely, seromas are soft and squishy while most tumors are typically hard. However, if the veterinarian suspects a tumor, he/she will need to either extract fluid and perform a fluid analysis under a microscope or take a tissue sample for more in-depth analysis.
What Causes Seromas in Dogs After Surgery?
Dogs undergoing a surgical procedure in the ventral midline have a 10 percent chance of developing a seroma. This means that out of ten operated dogs one will develop a surgical complication in the form of seroma.
Seromas are typically a surgical complication most likely to occur after abdominal surgical procedures involving the central line. Common examples are spaying and neutering procedures.
Although the exact causes leading to seroma development are not fully understood, the chances increase in the following scenarios:
These factors are all related to the surgeon and its practices.
Your veterinarian may opt to let nature take its course, if your dogs seroma is small in size. Typically, the accumulated fluid gets reabsorbed and redistributed by the body over time, so you may be instructed to simply monitor the seroma at home and to apply warm or cold compresses. Alert your veterinarian, if you observe any the following changes:
When your dog is discharged from the clinic after her spay procedure, the veterinary staff will provide you with some postoperative instructions. These instructions will guide your nursing skills, as your furry friend recuperates in your care. You will be asked to keep the incision clean and dry, keep your dog as calm as possible, and keep an eye on the incision. Spay and neuter procedures, while common, are still surgery, and post-op patients need to be treated with care. One of the things that you need to watch for is swelling at the incision area.
A seroma occurs as part of the postoperative healing process. Your dogs immune system has detected that her body has been invaded and trauma has been inflicted. This results in an inflammatory state, as the immune system goes to war at the site to combat infection and achieve healing. This leads to the accumulation of serum. By making the battle easier for your dogs immune system, chances of a seroma formation can be reduced. This is one reason that you were advised to keep your dog less active for a few days. She should not be allowed to run, jump, or roughhouse with the kids or other pets. This is easier said than done, when you are caring for a lively Labrador, rambunctious Rottweiler, or other playful pup. The following tips can help you to curb her enthusiasm for activity:
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A seroma is an accumulation of fluid, which is called serum, within a pocket of tissue under the skin. A seroma appears as swelling at the surgical site, and this can occur during the recuperation period that follows any surgical procedure. In the case of a spay procedure, the lump will appear around the incision line on your dogs abdomen. When palpated gently, it feels like a water-filled balloon. Seromas are not usually painful, but they can become large in size. It is important to confirm that the swelling is caused by a seroma and not by an infection. If you notice any swelling around your dogs incision, err on the side of caution. Schedule an appointment for your veterinarian to take a look, and, if necessary, drain the fluid.