Cat has hard, growing lump after bladder stone surgery. Is it serious?

The picture is not as good as seeing it in-person, but it doesn't appear inflamed and appears like the skin is healing well, which are good signs. The top part of the incision appears a bit crusty, so I can't quite tell if there is a break in the incision, or any other issues. You can take a cloth soaked with warm water and gently dab the incision to help remove the crusting. Just don't scrub the area. If you notice that the incision is open, then it's best to have your vet check her in the next day or two. I hope that helps and all is well with Nilla.

It certainly looks like this surgery site is infected. This could be due to parasites or it could be a bacterial or fungal infection. I recommend you ask your vet to have the mass cultured to determine exactly what is causing the infection. That way he/she can ensure that the correct medication is being used to resolve the infection.

Yes it is definitely possible for an abscess to form if there was any bacteria that was introduced underneath the skin in this area. It is good that it is draining, but now Luna needs a short course of antibiotics prescribed by your vet to get this to heal well. Also having it flushed with an antiseptic (usually we use Chlorhexidine solution diluted) will help this help well. I am sorry that Luna has this complication following surgery, but hopefully you can get this to resolve soon. Best wishes and take care.

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. This lump could be scar tissue and maybe due to a suture reaction from the stitches. This may also be a hernia but it is hard to tell. If it is firm, it is likely not a hernia and likely to be scar tissue. This is not contagious so I would not be concerned about transmission to your other cat. It would be best if a veterinarian examined this to ensure it is not a hernia. If it is scar tissue, it may reduce over time but could remain there for a long period of time if not forever. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction. Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

This looks swollen but it can be a normal reaction to the dissolvable sutures under the skin. If the hernia opened up the swelling would be able to be pushed into the abdomen. If the swelling is firm it’s most likely a suture reaction. Be patient. This should go down a little every day and it may take a week or two to get flat. If it’s not going down or you can push the swelling into the abdomen then please take her for a recheck. If she was too active the inside stitches may have broken and the inside incision opened up. Then it would need to be closed again. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Symphony.

This sounds like it is likely a seroma (a fluid pocket under the skin), or a tissue reaction to the suture material - both of these are quite common in cats after spay surgery, and should not cause any serious problems. Less commonly, the swelling could be caused by an infection or even a hernia. If Leia is acting normal (eating and drinking fine, playful, etc.), you can monitor the bump until it's time for her stitches to be removed. Applying a warm compress like a warm wet washcloth to the area 2-3 times a day can help the swelling to resolve faster, as well as restricting her activity as much as possible. If Leia is acting very lethargic or not eating, or if there is any bleeding or yellow-green discharge from the bump, these may be signs of infection - in that case, I would take her to the vet today for an exam and antibiotics or other medication if needed.

Hello. This incision looks normal for a week after surgery. Some swelling like you are seeing is normal especially if they are active and playing. It is normally just some inflammation of the muscle wall and subcutaneous tissue. It can take a few weeks for this to resolve and flatten out, but it will.