What Is an Elbow Hygroma in Dogs?

A hygroma is a fluid-filled swelling that usually develops over bony areas of a dog’s body, most commonly at the elbows. While they’re generally not painful for dogs, untreated hygromas could become infected, so it’s important for pet owners to understand how to manage and prevent them.¹

Below, we’ll cover how to recognize hygromas, their causes, effective treatment options, and preventive measures you can take to help keep your dog comfortable and healthy.

Signs and Symptoms of an Elbow Hygroma

At a glance, signs to look for on your dog that may indicate an elbow hygroma include:^1,2

• A small, round bump appears under the skin.
• It may be soft and movable at first.
• It can develop into a larger, hard mass.

These sacs contain a clear, yellow- to red-colored fluid and can vary in size, from so small it’s barely noticeable to about two inches in diameter. Because of their appearance, hygromas in dogs can often be mistaken for tumors, but rest assured they’re not.^1,2,3

Sometimes, hygromas can develop into harder lumps that may form a sore (ulcer or abscess) or get infected. Fluid coming from the bump or broken skin could be signs of these issues.¹

Watch for unusual swelling on your dog’s elbows or other high-pressure points, like the hips or ankles — there’s a chance it could be a hygroma. To rule out any other concerns, it’s a good idea to have your vet take a look at it.

What Causes Elbow Hygromas?

Hygromas form when a dog’s elbow experiences repeated trauma. Just as humans can bruise or swell after bumping into or resting on something hard, a dog’s body reacts to pressure or impact by creating a fluid-filled cushion.^1,2,3

Let’s go over some common factors that can influence the formation of an elbow hygroma in dogs.^1,2,3

• Repeated impact: If your dog frequently lies down on hard surfaces, the pressure on their elbows can cause a hygroma to grow. Over time, this repeated impact can lead to more swelling and fluid build-up.
• Size of the dog: Larger dog breeds can be more prone to hygromas because their weight puts extra pressure on their elbows and other bony areas.
• Age and activity level: Senior dogs, less active dogs, and those who have weaker joints or decreased mobility may be more prone to developing hygromas. Continued pressure or trauma on bony areas can result in more fluid build-up and swelling.

By understanding these factors, you can help your pup avoid the repeated pressure that often leads to hygromas. For example, providing soft bedding for resting can make a big difference for dogs prone to these swellings.

When to see a vet

While you may not always be able to avoid hygromas, even by providing a cushioned bed for your dog, it’s a good idea to talk to your vet if:^1,2,3

• The hygroma is growing or changing quickly.
• There are signs of an infection, such as warmth around the area or discharge.
• The hygroma has turned into a sore, ulcer, or abscess.
• Your dog looks uncomfortable, or the hygroma seems painful.

Early action can help avoid complications and get your pup feeling better.

Treating Canine Elbow Hygromas

Depending on the state of your dog’s hygroma, your vet may recommend a range of treatments.

• Mild hygroma cases: Some vets may suggest changing your dog’s bedding to provide a softer surface, and/or using a padded cover over the hygroma to prevent further irritation. With these adjustments, mild hygromas can sometimes heal on their own within a few weeks.^1,2,3
• Needle aspiration: If the hygroma is larger or not going away on its own, your vet may drain it using a technique called fine needle aspiration. A small needle is attached to a syringe and inserted into the hygroma to remove the excess fluid.¹
• Infected hygromas: If the hygroma is infected, your vet may prescribe antibiotics to prevent further complications.²
• Severe hygroma cases: In rare situations, hygromas may require surgery to drain the fluid and skin grafting to ensure the area heals properly.¹

Following treatment with preventive measures, like buying soft beds or covering hard surfaces, can help protect your dog’s elbows and prevent more hygromas from forming.²

Does pet insurance cover hygroma treatment costs?

For dog owners, pet insurance can be a helpful option to offset some of the costs of treating conditions like hygromas.

For example, when Gracie, a Goldendoodle from Florida, developed an elbow hygroma, her owner brought her in for a vet exam — which cost around $440. Because Gracie’s owner had MetLife Pet Insurance, they were reimbursed about $395 on the vet bill.⁴

A dog insurance policy may be able to help you cover the expenses if your dog develops a hygroma — just like Gracie’s did. This can allow you to focus more on your pet’s care without the unexpected financial stress.

Preventing Elbow Hygromas in Dogs

The good news is many hygromas can be prevented by giving your dog’s elbows and other bony areas a little extra cushioning.

Start by providing your dog with a soft, padded bed, carpeting, or foam tiles to lay on instead of a hard surface — especially if they spend a lot of time lounging or have a more sedentary lifestyle. Cushioned surfaces help reduce prolonged pressure on their elbows, which can minimize the risk of hygromas.^2,3

For more active pups, cushioned elbow pads are another way to protect their elbows from impact. These are a great option for dogs who are often on the go. Your veterinarian can help you decide if elbow pads might be a good fit for your dog and recommend where to find ones that suit their needs.^2,3

MetLife Pet Can Help With Costs Related to Dog Hygromas

Elbow hygromas in dogs can often be managed effectively when caught early, so regular checks for any unusual bumps or swelling are important. Treating a hygroma promptly can help prevent further complications and the need for more intensive care down the road.

If you’re considering pet insurance, MetLife Pet can help cover vet expenses related to treating hygromas — like exams, prescriptions, treatments, surgeries, and more. Take the next step in protecting your finances and your pup today by getting your free quote.