My dog's sub-q fluid isn't absorbing from her armpit. Is it normal?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Buddy. It sound like he recieved subcutaneous fluids. These are fluids given under the skin to help rehydrate a dog. Gravity can pull the fluids to different areas. They can shift after he has been laying down or sleeping as well. They should absorb naturally over the next 24 hours. If Buddy is acting normal, then you shouldn't have to worry. I hope this information helps!

Sometimes the skin and the subcutaneous space where the fluid was put can get sore, especially if there was a lot of fluid pressure. This should go away after a day or two. Next time Jack needs subcutaneous fluids ask the vet to divide the fluid up into two separate places, it might help keep it from being sore afterwards.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about George. It is normal to have a lump of fluid develop where the subcutaneous fluids were given. This pocket of fluid will be absorbed over the next couple of hours. As long as you used a new needle to give the fluids, it is not likely you introduced an infection; even if you did, it would show up immediately. The lump will be due to the fluids, and again it is normal. It may feel a big uncomfortable to him for now, and I'd leave him be and let him hide. It should resolve in a few hours. I hope this helps.

That shouldn't hurt anything at all - in fact, 400 mL is within the range that I would normally give to a 30 pound dog at one time if needed :) She should urinate out any excess fluid without a problem. Just check to make sure that it's all (or mostly) been absorbed before you give her next scheduled dose of fluids, since it can be uncomfortable for her to have large amounts of fluid just sitting under her skin for long periods of time - if you need to, you can delay it by a few hours until the "bubble" is mostly gone.

This is most likely a seroma which is just a fluid pocket. But a seroma can inhibit healing if it is too big. I would have your vet look at it so they can drain it. Your vet will be able to confirm that it is a seroma and that there isn’t any pus or infection involved. After it is drained you can put a warm compress on it for 10 minutes twice a day to help prevent the fluid from coming back. Sometimes it will return and need to be drained again. Also make sure you are keeping her confined as too much activity can also cause these to form post-op. I hope this helps!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The area looks moist so it is likely a superficial skin infection or hot spot. I would wash the area with water and mild soap and apply a triple antibiotic ointment twice daily. The area does look a bit swollen so watch it closely. If there is no improvement over the weekend have her checked by your Vet Monday. I hope this helps!

This happens when fluid leaks from the vessels beneath the skin. This happens sometimes when fluid is given for multiple days in cases where they lose a lot of protein (common with parvo), or if fluid was given under the skin (they do this sometimes before sending home). The fluid should eventually be absorbed in the next 3-5 days. If not, then it's best to notify your vet. I hope that helps and all is well with Charlie.