Dog with abscess drains: Is heavy drainage and whimpering normal?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It can be normal for a healing abscess to feel warm to the touch due to inflamation. I recommend contacting the vet that treated her to see if they would like to recheck her or if it may be time to remove the drain. I hope this helps.

I don't think that it being hard is normal for an abscess, but this appears to be a very large abscess. You should call your vet to discuss this new finding, as they may have some insight depending on the suspected cause and the exam findings. The purpose of the drains is to allow the fluid to be released as the wound is healing. If they weren't there and the hole your vet created closed up, then all of that fluid would be trapped under the skin and it would re-abscess.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This lump you describe could potentially be something like an abscess for example. However, other things are possible. If there is really an abscess, this should not be treated at home. I recommend that you have him evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. If an abscess was noted, further local therapy with drainage and antibiotics would be recommended. Good luck and best wishes!

Applying a warm compress for 10 to 15 minutes a couple times a day can help the abscess continue to drain. cleaning the discharge from the skin with a mild soap or hibiclens (available at drug stores) is also recommended. An e-collar to prevent your dog from licking at the area and keeping your dog indoors except to use the bathroom is also recommended (to avoid flies). You will, however, need veterinary attention because the abscess may need to be flushed and your dog will need systemic antibiotic which requires a prescription.

It looks like a penrose drain was placed these drains usually stay in 3-5 days. It is normal to see a blood discharge or seriosangenous fluid like it see in the picture. I would monitor the wound for drainage. It should be decreasing each day. If at anytime the patient is lethargic or not eating/drinking I would take him back to the vet to have it checked.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It sounds like this wound that became a lump that is oozing fluid has become an abscess, or a pocket of infected fluid. Abscesses form when infection is trapped under the skin or within tissues such as fat or muscle. The bacteria will try to find a way out, so they can break through the skin and create a "draining tract" of pus. This should be addressed by your veterinarian, who will likely drain the abscess and open it up to allow continuous drainage. Antibiotics for at least 2 weeks will be needed, along with pain medications. Depending on the size of the wound/abscess, a bandage may be needed. I hope this is helpful! Thank you for seeking care for your Luna!

Depending on how bad the abscess was would say if a drain was needed or not. Your vet probably felt that with how severe it was the abscess still needed to be drained and hat is why the drain was placed. Did they send home pain medication? I would discuss the anxiety with your vet and see if they can dispense not only an anti-inflammatory but a pain medication for him. I would not use marijuana since it can be toxic to dogs. I would start with good pain control to see if that helps. If he is still anxious I would discuss anxiety meds with your vet to see if it will help calm him during this process. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.