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

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](https://www.petcoach.co/article/benefits-of-neutering-castrating-male-dogs-puppies). 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](https://www.petcoach.co/article/6-ways-to-rest-your-pet-after-surgery-or-injury) and prevent him from licking at the surgical site by using an [Elizabethan collar (e-collar)](https://www.petcoach.co/article/e-collars-for-cats-dogs-types-of-collars-and-diy-options/). 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.

Hello. You are just feeling some scar tissue or a little consolidated tissue. This should continue to resolve over time & just a part of the healing process. It sounds like John ids doing very well. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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.

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.

Some vets use a technique involving making an incision directly along the scrotum, and some vets use a technique involving an incision between the penis and scrotum. As long as it is kept clean and dry and Scooby wears a cone to reduce the risk of him licking the area, hopefully it should heal up fine, no matter what technique your vet used!

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.

Thank you for providing pictures of Blitiz! This looks normal, you can see the scrotal skin hanging loosely after removing the testes, and over time, the skin should tighten up. It looks like the area has healed just fine, there is nothing wrong :-)