My dog was neutered. Why isn't his scrotum completely empty yet?

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!

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.

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.

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.

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.

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.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Neuter incisions are closed with two layers of stitches. Your vet only removed the outer layer of stitches. The inside layer is never removed and will eventually dissolve. There is still a chance he is having a suture reaction to the inside layer. Typically this will resolve on its own over time with no treatment. Occasionally, if the issue doesn't resolve, a second surgery must be done to remove the old "inside" stitches and replace them with a different type of suture material. I suggest you keep a cone collar on Cosmo until the issue is completely resolved. If he licks this area too much this will cause a severe problem, a possible infection and he may even open the incision. I don't recommend you put anything on the incision. It's best to leave it be. If the swelling gets worse, or there is discharge from the incision then he definitely needs to go back to the vet. If Cosmo is very uncomfortable then you may also want to take him back to the vet so they can prescribe an anti-inflammatory for him. Hope this helps. Best wishes.