Help, I'm really starting to worry about my dog after his surgery. He got neutered five days ago, and everything seemed to be fine at first. But just yesterday, I noticed that his sack looked a bit more swollen than it did the day before. It almost looks like it's filled with fluid or something, and I'm not sure if this is normal or something I should be concerned about. He's been more lethargic than usual, although I can't tell if it's just him recovering or if there's something more going on. I've been trying to make sure he's comfortable, but I feel so guilty that I might be missing something important. Has anyone experienced something similar with their pup after neutering? I'm debating if I should rush him back to the vet or if this is something that might resolve on its own. Any advice would be greatly appreciated!
Thanks for the question. It’s perfectly normal to feel a little anxious after your dog’s surgery, especially when you notice changes like swelling. After neutering, some swelling in the scrotal area is common, often due to fluid accumulation or mild inflammation as part of the healing process. However, a significant increase in swelling, especially if it's more fluid-filled, could be a hematoma or seroma.
A hematoma is a collection of blood outside the blood vessels, and a seroma is a pocket of clear fluid that sometimes occurs after surgery. Both are generally not harmful but can sometimes cause discomfort or complicate the healing process.
At home, you can help by keeping your dog calm and minimizing physical activity to prevent further swelling. Cold compresses applied gently to the area a few times a day can also help reduce inflammation. Make sure your dog isn’t licking the area, as this might introduce infection.
Watch for signs such as increased redness, warmth, or discharge from the incision site, or if your dog seems to be in pain or lethargic, which could indicate infection or other complications.
If the swelling continues to increase or any concerning symptoms arise, it’s wise to consult with a veterinarian. I recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets here at Dial A Vet to review your dog’s condition and ensure everything’s healing properly.
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