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Why is my dog lethargic with a raw nipple after spay surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | unspayed | 20 lbs

Ladybug recently had an emergency hysterectomy. She's been doing great until the last couple days. She is usually enthusiastic about going outside every few hours (she's an indoor dog). Recently, she doesn't bother even getting off of our bed (where she's snuggled) in the morning/evening. We just noticed a raw nipple with redness around it; just one. She's been picking that area quite a bit. The red splotches are not raised. What do you think might be the problem? Should she see the vet?

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Chad Brown, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on June 28th, 2018

First, thank you for being such a caring and compassionate pet owner. Ladybug is so lucky to have you. Second, thank you for providing the picture - this helps us a lot to help you.

Without the exact information, I can only assume that she had to have an emergency spay because of a serious problem like a pyometra, difficult birth, etc. Just a routine spay is still a major procedure, but an emergency spay because of the above conditions, is even more significant.

Although it is possible, I am quite hesitant to think that this nipple redness would cause her to act so lethargic and unenthused about going outside. I am more likely to believe that there is some internal issue like pain or infection that is causing her to display this behavior.

So yes, because of the above reasoning, I truly believe you should have her rechecked by your veterinarian as soon as possible to make sure everything is ok.

I hope this helps and that she feels better.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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