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Post by esteve on Dec 26, 2013 4:53:34 GMT 10
The above has appeared, small fluid filled sack, how should i treat it? not causing any pain it seems, have read this is normally caused by a lack of bedding, my Greyhounds all rest on quilts blankets etc so that it unlikely to be a contributing factor.
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Post by Tom Meulman on Dec 26, 2013 21:26:32 GMT 10
Hi esteve,
As you have said yourself, the most common reason for swelling to occur on the elbow is due to the greyhound resting with the elbow on a hard surface, and doing so repeatedly.
While great bedding is obviously supplied in the actual bedding area, this problem can also occur if the greyhound spends several hours each day resting outside in a yard on a hard surface.
However swelling on the elbow can also occur as a result of a “track leg” problem, as in this case the swelling is caused by the outside point of the elbow striking the inside of the hind limb.
The exact location of the swelling does provide a clue as to the cause. Simply because if the swelling is at the rear tip of the elbow, particularly if there is hair loss in the area with rough skin showing, it’s caused by resting the body weight on the elbow while it is resting on a hard surface.
On the other hand if the swelling is on the tip of the elbow bone on the outer surface, it is most likely caused by a trackleg problem. In this case it is highly likely that there would also be a corresponding area of swelling in the inside of the hind limb.
There can also be one another cause of swelling in that area, and this is due to a infection that has penetrated under the skin as a result of an abrasion in the area.
As far as treatment is concerned the first step if finding out exactly why the swelling is occurring and getting rid of the cause.
The swelling itself; Providing it is possible to rule out an infection, and if there is a large amount of fluid it is best drained using a 3 ml syringe with a 21 gauge needle using a sterile technique of swabbing the area first with a isopropyl alcohol swab.
If there is no swelling on the inside of the hind limb, and there is no hair loss or rough skin on the hind tip of the elbow then there is a good chance an infection may be involved. In which case a trip to the Vet for professional advise and a course of antibiotics is certainly warranted.
If the swelling is only minor with no obvious cause, cold compresses and anti-inflammatory creams will get rid of it within three or four days.
PS: If an anti-inflammatory cream is used keep in mind withholding times, and make sure you don’t get caught with an inadvertent positive swab.
Cheers,
Tom
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Post by Esteve on Dec 28, 2013 2:12:49 GMT 10
Have discovered a slight tear on the chest muscle directly above, although was no bruising or discoloration of the skin , could this be the cause ie leakage into the elbow?
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Post by Tom Meulman on Dec 28, 2013 3:57:09 GMT 10
Have discovered a slight tear on the chest muscle directly above, although was no bruising or discoloration of the skin , could this be the cause ie leakage into the elbow? Hi Esteve, That is certainly a possible cause, but I must admit an unusual one. Cheers, Tom |
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