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My French bulldog has bruising 3 days after neuter. Should I worry?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | French Bulldog | Male | neutered | 1 year and 5 months old | 28 lbs

My French bulldog was neutered exactly 72 hours ago. I'm concerned about the amount of bruising he has. I told the vet that he only stays still for me and it would be easier if I held him for the blood work, but she refused. It took them 10 minutes. 5 people yelling at him to "stop it" and "stay still"... He has a thumb shaped bruise on his front leg (not a IV leg) and 3 days later he's still getting bruises around the surgery site. I spoke to a vet tech and she's never seen bruising like this.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

Veterinarian

Published on May 22nd, 2017

Poor Carl, the bruising is definitely more than expected, especially around the surgical wound. I would be suspicious he may have an infection or poor clotting ability resulting in easy and extensive bruising. This should resolve over 7-10 days, your vet can prescribe additional pain relief if uncomfortable and you should monitor for any fever

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Lauren Jones VMD
Veterinarian
Published on October 24th, 2017
Poor Victor! The bruising around his incision site is a bit more prominent than usual, but it does not appear to be a cause for immediate concern. The incision appears to be healing in the middle, but still looks a bit more open than expected at both the very top and bottom. Be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) on Victor at all times until his incision has fully healed (typically 10-14 days after surgery). However, if you are noticing any discharge from the incision, redness, swelling, or worsening of the bruising, I do recommend taking Victor to his vet for a follow up evaluation. I hope that all goes well!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 12th, 2017
The bruising is quite common, it's nothing to worry about, the surgical area also looks very clean. you must keep an e-collar around his neck to prevent him from licking the area though. the mood change might be due to some pain or discomfort in the area, that should get better within a few days.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on November 24th, 2020
That looks like bruising but I would keep a close eye on it. Follow the post operative instructions you were given; no running or jumping for 10-14 days, don't let him lick it, outside only to go potty on a leash then back inside, keep him confined to a crate if you need to to keep him quiet. If it starts oozing serum, pus, if it swells, gets red and/or hot, if he starts acting sick, get him back in to see your vet right away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Should I be worried about my dog's red neuter incision from the cone?

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