Hi Terri, These are hygromas and benign. They are caused by pressure on the joint perhaps caused by flopping down on a hard surface or vigorous play. They resolve themselves in time and do not need to be drained. She will fill up again on the elbow in all likliehood but I would just provide her with a soft surface to lie on and curb her play for a while and stay with several short leash walks for a while. Your vet may be suspecting elbow dysplasia and while there is a possibility for this you would normally be aware of her limping if unilateral and/or short picky strides if bi-lateral. If this is the case you need to seek the opinion of a board certified orthopedic specialist. Your vet may want to insert a drain but this is not advisable for a joint capsule as it would introduce infection.
Rose Tierney
