Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!
Become a member today!
Members-only pricing and offers, personalized care notifications, Vital Care points back on every purchase and more!
Already a member? Sign in
Become a credit card member today!
Earn 2X Pals Rewards points at Petco
when you use Petco Pay!
APPLY NOW
Learn More About Petco Pay Benefits

My dog was neutered, but his sac looks like testicles. Is it normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered

My dog was recently neutered but he still has testicles in his sac. Is this common? Should I be worried?

5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

Published on July 23rd, 2016

If his sac looks like it has testicles in it, this is most likely due to swelling from the surgery. This is called a scrotal hematoma, and is fairly common after a neuter surgery. The swelling can definitely look like testicles, but it's just fluid and blood clots from the procedure. It should resolve on its own within the next 7-10 days as long as you keep him calm and quiet and prevent him from licking at the surgical site by using an Elizabethan collar (e-collar). The testicles themselves are removed during the neuter, so they're definitely not still there. If you have any concerns about how it looks, you can always have him rechecked next week with the vet who did his surgery to make sure everything is healing as expected.

213Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on December 10th, 2017
The testicles have not grown back, I assure you. What you are seeing is a build-up of fluid/blood in the scrotum (seroma/hematoma). After the testicles were removed from the scrotum that left behind some empty space and often times fluid will fill it up. I suggest you do the following:

1. minimize his activity - any extra running/jumping/playing can make this worse
2. ice the scrtoum for 10 minutes 2-3 times per day
3. Keep an Ecollar (cone) on his head until this is resolved. If he licks this he will make it worse - it could get infected or he could open the incision up.

If this looks no better in a few days you should get him to your vet for an exam. The other possibility is that he could have a herniation into the scrotum so be aware of that. This could be life threatening so if he acts ill in anyway you need to get him to your vet for an exam ASAP.

Hope this helps. Best wishes.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 17th, 2019
Hi. This is most likely a hematoma...bleeding into the scrotal sac. It can be a complication of surgery. This looks pretty inflammed. I would call your veterinarian and ask to come in. In the meantime, ice the area. If they cant get you in, ER
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA
Veterinarian
Published on September 29th, 2018
Some minor swelling is normal, but if he is in discomfort or having difficulty walking or you notice any discharge from the wound you should have him rechecked by your vets office. Keep him confined to the lead but encourage gentle walking 10-15mins at a time
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on September 25th, 2019
Those glands randomly enlarge and go down usually due to excitement. It is not really sexually related so it is not surprising that he did not have an erection concurrently. It may be related to him needing to urinate but no one knows for sure if that would be the case. Regardless, it is nothing to be worried about.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

Related Questions

My dog's neutered scrotum feels tender and empty. Is this normal?

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I'm not able to see the incision, but what looks like the scrotum. When a dog, especially an older dog who's testicles have developed, is neutered, the scrotum (or the sack that the testicle is in) can have some empty space in it. This is completely normal and can get smaller with time, or stay the same. Unfortunately, Pokey absolutely must keep his collar on at all times, even when he is sleeping. The collar prevents him from biting or licking the area. Not only can he pull out his stitches and hurt himself, but he can actually cause the area to become infected. If he is not comfortable with the cone, you can get him a donut-shaped version that some dogs find more comfortable. It is very important that the collar stays on to avoid complications. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's scrotum is swollen after neuter. Is it infected or painful?

Poor guy...that does look uncomfortable. It may be infected, but I would suspect a discharge at the incision or a fever, lethargy. It is more likely that this is a scrotal hematoma. These typically do resolve in their own, but it can take weeks. Keep his activity level as low as possible to discourage more swelling, continue the anti inflammatory medication, make sure he cannot bite or lick it by using a “cone” if needed. It can provide some relief if he will allow you to do a cold compress on the area. Try wrapping an ice pack with cloth and apply to the area for 15 minutes..three times daily. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My neutered dog looks like he has testicles again. What is it?

What you may be seeing is the *bulbus glandis*. It is a normal part of the [male dog anatomy](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs). The *bulbus glandis* 'ties' a male and female dog together during mating. It doesn't mean his testicles have grown back, only that he is excited. It may also occur with an erection when a dog is overstimulated or happy. The swelling will go down as the dog calms.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My puppy's scrotum feels hard after neuter surgery. Is it normal?

It actually looks likes it is healing great. If the scrotum as painful and swollen I would have it checked out but if it is not painful, no fever, no discharge I would just watch him. It may seem firmer because it is shriveling up post surgery. The area looks great though! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog looks intact after neuter, but has hard bumps. Is this normal?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. I suspect the hard bumps in the scrotum is swelling or haematoma caused by castration. The swelling should disappear in the next few days. However if the scrotum is painful or hot to touch, you should take Einstein to your local vets for an appointment.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog has redness and swelling after neutering. Is this normal?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Swelling of scrotum is not uncommon after neutering. As long as the swelling is not painful to touch, is not bothering Sheldon and he is acting as normal, you can monitor him at home. However, if the scrotum becomes hot to touch, painful or your dog is lethargic, you should take him back to your vets for a course of painkillers and anti-inflammatory medications. Typically, this kind of swelling goes down a few days after castration.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog was neutered. Is this much swelling normal after surgery?

It doesn't appear that there is much swelling other than between the sutures here, and I don't see any discharge/leakage from the incision. If he is acting normally/normal energy and there is no leakage from the area I don't think this is an emergency, but I would recommend getting it looked at in the next day or so. He could be having a suture reaction which can cause inflammation/irritation to the incision site. I would put an e-collar on him at all times if he doesn't already have one, to prevent him from causing any trauma, and you can put an ice pack over the area to decrease swelling- just be sure to cover it with a cloth because the incision can't get damp/wet. If you don't want to drive back to Banfield, any vet office should be able to examine the incision, they will just want to charge an exam fee, which may be worth it so you don't have to drive so far!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Share