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My dog's spay incision has a pink bump weeks after surgery. Normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shepherd | Female | spayed | 8 months and 2 days old | 50 lbs

Long story short we had our high strung shepherd spayed in early May. We had issues with the vet and with our dog being so active it was hard to keep her calm. The incision swelled a little we saw a new vet who got us on antibiotics and she's been fine. as of a week ago it completely healed except for a bump that was skin colored. I wasn't too worried but now it's pink and looks like something is wrong. I dont want to pay a fortune at the vet as it has already been a struggle.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Cara, DVM, cVMA

Veterinarian

Published on July 12th, 2017

It looks like there could be some inflammation at the site of the incision. That could be due to her body breaking down the sutures, or she caused some sort of trauma to the area. If she is acting normal and you don't feel any swelling around that area I would wait and see if it improves. But if there is swelling, drainage, or pain I would worry about a dehiscence (opening of the incision) which would be an emergency and she should see a vet immediately.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS
Veterinarian
Published on February 21st, 2017
Congrats on your new puppy! This pink bump of swelling could be due to irritation from an inner suture under the skin. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, and is behaving normally, there's no need to take Athena into an ER vet tonight. Instead, I would have her seen by the vet in the morning if possible.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Macartney, BVet Med, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on August 25th, 2017
Thank you for providing pictures. The surgical incision looks just "okay". Not healing ideally not not infected at this stage. I would continue to monitor it very closely. If you notice any of the following I would take Tia into the veterinarian earlier then next Tuesday;

Fever
Discharge
Foul odor
Bleeding
Swelling
Spread of the red or inflamed areas
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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