My cat's spay incision has a bump. Is it healing normally?

Although quite inflamed and with mild amount of dry discharge, the incision looks healing normally and does not look infected. A vet check up at this stage is not needed. Buster collar should be kept on at all times. Hope this answer was helpful, but please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Monitor for an redness, drainage, increase in swelling or pain along the incision. Not eating or lethargy are also signs to watch for. This may be a suture reaction, an inflammatory reaction to the sutures used. If concerned you may want to call the shelter to find out if their vet or technician offers rechecks of their surgical patients.

Hi and thanks again for reaching us out with this concern. It looks healing fine and the little bump will slowly reabsorb. It is probably best to request a consultation with us so we can monitor it every day and follow this up properly.

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. I am sorry about your concerns about Judy, but everything still looks pretty good. The bump is probably a small seroma or suture reaction under the skin & this usually resolves on its own after about a week. So, just keep an eye on things. If there should be any leakage from the incision, or the lump continues to enlarge much more, it may be best to have your veterinarian take a look as soon as possible. But all looks OK for now. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

It looks like there could be some inflammation at the site of the incision. That could be due to her body breaking down the sutures, or she caused some sort of trauma to the area. If she is acting normal and you don't feel any swelling around that area I would wait and see if it improves. But if there is swelling, drainage, or pain I would worry about a dehiscence (opening of the incision) which would be an emergency and she should see a vet immediately.

Some mild swelling is quite common but any pain, discomfort or discharge requires veterinary assessment. Monitor closely, it should reduce in size over 3-5days if fluid build up but may require surgical repair if not resolving