My dog is growing a protuberance under her spay incision

Something weird just happened, and I’m really starting to freak out a bit. My sweet Luna, who got spayed about two weeks ago, suddenly has this weird bump under her incision. This morning while I was giving her a little belly rub (because, you know, she’s such a sucker for them), I noticed this hard, pea-sized lump that definitely wasn’t there before. She seems normal otherwise — eating like a champ, which is her usual, and all-out sprinting in the yard when we play fetch, but I can’t shake this nagging worry. I’m planning to call the vet first thing tomorrow, but has anyone else experienced something like this? Any insights would be super helpful!

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Answer

I completely understand why you're worried about your dog's spay incision. It’s not uncommon for dogs to develop a small bulge or swelling under the incision site after surgery. This could be due to a few different things. One possibility is a seroma, which is a pocket of fluid that sometimes forms after surgery as the body's response to the healing process. It usually feels soft and squishy and should improve with time.



Another cause could be a minor infection at the incision site, which might be accompanied by redness, warmth, or discharge. There’s also a chance this could be a suture reaction or scar tissue forming, both of which are generally harmless but should still be monitored.



At home, you can ensure the area stays clean and dry. Keeping your dog from licking or biting the incision, perhaps by using an Elizabethan collar, can help prevent infection. Try to limit her activity to avoid disturbing the healing process.



Watch for any signs of infection worsening, such as significant swelling, intense redness, fever, lethargy, or if the incision appears to be opening up. These indicate that prompt veterinary attention is necessary.



It’s wise to book a video consult with one of our Dial A Vet professionals so they can take a closer look and provide more tailored advice.

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Disclaimer: The customer and expert messages presented herein may have been altered with artificial intelligence or modified to enhance readability and safeguard the privacy of individuals. This content is for informational purposes only and is not a substitute for professional veterinary advice, diagnosis, or treatment. If your pet is experiencing a medical emergency, contact your local veterinarian or emergency animal hospital immediately. Talk to a vet now.

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