What to Do About Hygroma

Ever notice a little firm knob about the size of a gumdrop under the skin on the back of your dog’s front elbow (the joint of the front leg below the shoulder)? It is probably a hygroma.

Hygroma of the elbow is a condition that afflicts large breeds, including Greyhounds, Irish Wolfhounds, Dalmations, and, our pals, the Dobermans. A hygroma growth is a fluid-filled sac that is formed by the dog lying on hard surfaces or by the dog favoring one elbow over the other.

The sac forms below the skin and feels firm but yielding and somewhat mobile within the loose skin. Usually, dogs develop hygroma when they are young and lying on hard surfaces doesn’t seem to bother them.

At first, the hygroma may not be painful; however, as the dog ages, it can become very sore and swollen. Eventually, it can even become ulcerated and harm the joint and bones.

Naturally, it is better to prevent hygroma by always providing a soft place to sleep and rest, such as a commercial dog bed, a sofa, or blankets.

This doesn’t always work, however. Some dogs refuse their comfy beds, preferring cool but hard tile. Bored Dobes may even shred their bedding for something to do and end up on the floor. Even dogs allowed to sleep on the bed can still develop hygroma if they always tend to lean on one elbow.

To treat hygroma, you should first get it properly diagnosed by the veterinarian to make sure it is not something else, like a tumor. Never assume that you know the cause of your dog’s health problems.

Next, you should follow your vet’s advice. He or she will probably recommend heat packs to be placed on the growth a couple times a day. Wraps are difficult to keep tied on a skinny Doberman leg, so you should find something that can be placed under the dog.

A heating pad is an easy way to accomplish this because it provides even, lasting heat, and a surface that most dogs will lie upon.

Keep in mind that unsupervised dogs should never be left on a heating pad. The pad can malfunction, wear out, or the dog could bite the electrical components causing a fire, injury, or even death.

Another option is to fill a sock loosely with dry rice or small beans. Tie off the open end of the sock. Microwave the sock for one or two minutes. Hold the sock to your inner wrist for several moments to test the intensity of the heat. Wrap the sock in a towel, and place it under your dog’s elbow as he is lying down.

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