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My dog's wound is refilling with fluid. What can I do at home?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer | Male | unneutered | 9 months and 20 days old | 52 lbs

Our 11mo GSP got a wound over his ribs running coyotes off didn’t appear 2B a bite (barbwire?) he licked it. Now there's a bubble under the healed wound filled with what the vet said was serosanguinous fluid and didn’t see signs of infection. They drained it and today it appears to be filling again. We called to let them know but We can’t afford to take him back tomorrow like they want. Is there anything we can do at home? They gave us Carprofen 100mg X 4

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Catherine Stecyk

Veterinarian

Published on October 11th, 2018

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I'm sorry to hear about Duke's wound, but you did the right thing by seeking veterinary attention! The pocket of fluid may be what is called a seroma, which is a pocket of sterile (non-infected) fluid that can form under the skin where wounds are present. You can try applying a warm compress to the area for 5-10 minutes at a time, 3-4 times a day. I recommend wetting something like a washcloth with warm water (make sure it isn't too hot - ie it should feel comfortable on your own skin), and holding it gently on Duke's swelling. This warmth may help the fluid dissipate and the swelling go down. I would continue the Carprofen as prescribed, and recommend restricting Duke's activity (no jumping/running/playing) to allow his wound to heal properly. If it is in a location he can reach to lick or scratch, I recommend keeping an elizabethan collar (cone) on him at all times. I hope this is helpful!

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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