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Why is my dog's spay incision scab bothering her after surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 1 year and 1 month old

My dog was spayed 15 days ago. The incision healed well but at the bottom there is a very small raised scab that seems to bother her. Can I attach pic

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on April 2nd, 2016

It is only possible to attach picture via private consults, which you can have with any of our online vets. from your description it's probably the knot underneath the skin (where the scab is) that is bothering her. these knots take a little longer to dissolve- it might take up to 4-5 weeks to dissolve completely, nut as long as the incision is closed i wouldn't worry too much.
Vote Icon8Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

  • Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on December 25th, 2018

    Hi there! I'm not sure if you meant to attach a photo, but if so, it didn't come through.

    In general, I can tell you that it's fairly common to feel a firm knot under the skin along the length of the incision after a spay or other abdominal surgery - this is usually caused by a local inflammatory reaction to the suture material under the skin, and isn't normally cause for concern as long as there is no redness or discharge, and the pet is acting normal.

    However, if you're concerned, the best option would be to stop by your vet's office and have them take a look to make sure everything is okay :)

    Vote Icon

    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Smart Picks for Smart Questions

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Why is my dog's spay incision still scabbing after 6 months?
The wound appears very superficial in the picture and I would leave it open to the air without dressing. Manuka honey and saline washes once daily may help if it becomes crusted. It is possibly due to a reaction to suture material which although rare can occur (surgical repair is a last resort as healing can be slow!)
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Why does my dog's spay incision feel like stitches years later?
Actually, it could be stitches, depending on what kind of material they used for that layer (we close abdominal incisions in 3 individual layers). Or it could be scar tissue. Either way, if it isn’t causing any issues, just let it be! :) If it seems to be causing discomfort or swelling, then it needs to be examined by a vet.
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Vet Q & A
My dog's spay incision is red and scabby after a week. Is it normal?
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lina. Unfortunately only one picture is attached, and I think it may be the earliest picture given your description in the question. If the incision looks more red and scabby, that suggests infection. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning to get it checked out to be safe. I hope this helps!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025
Vet Q & A
My dog's spay incision has a pink bump weeks after surgery. Normal?
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.
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Red bumps on dog's spay incision 11 months later: Should I worry?
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My dog's incision looks scabby after surgery. Is this normal?
That bit of scabbing is normal and no cause for concern. There is no redness, major swelling, bleeding or discharge. She will still need to be restricted in activity for another 4-6 weeks after suture removal.
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My dog has pink bumps on spay incision 3 weeks later. Is it normal?
It is not uncommon for dogs to have a mild reaction to under the skin sutures. As long as there is no pain, discharge, odor, or opening of the areas with suture sticking out, it will likely resolve with time. It takes a long time for sutures to dissolve. See your vet if she is bothering the area or you notice any of the signs above. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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