A Fluid-Filled Lump That Came Back on a Sheltie's Hip
by A reader
A soft lump under the skin that was drained of clear fluid and then came back is often a cyst or a seroma, which is a pocket of fluid that forms after a knock or pressure. On the hip of an older dog, it can come from lying on hard surfaces, much like a hygroma over a joint. Benign cysts are also common.
These often refill after draining, because the lining that makes the fluid is still there. Options are to watch it if it is small and not bothering him, or to have the lump removed with its lining, which is usually the long-term fix. Since it has come back, it is worth having the vet send the fluid or a sample for testing this time to confirm it is benign.
See your vet sooner if it gets firm, grows fast, becomes red or warm, or he licks at it. Thick padded bedding can help if pressure is the cause.
See cysts on dogs and lumps and skin tumors on dogs.
This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.
