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My dog had surgery. Why are his hips tender, tail red, and blistered?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | neutered | 14 years and 10 months old | 19 lbs

My dog just had an op to remove a fatty cyst and has been on pain meds and abs for 2wks. He also had 4 teeth removed at the same time. Ive just noticed he’s tender around his hips and his tail is red on the end and he keeps licking it. When I rolled him over gently on his side I can see what looks like a healed blister maybe. I have taken a photo.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 9th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This appears to be an old wound that is healing. This could have been secondary to a burn. Sometimes when heating devices / objects are used during surgery, these can cause a blister if left on too long. I would contact the veterinarian who did the surgery and ask him / her if any heating objects were used in this region. It looks as though it is healing well so I would just monitor it for now and if you notice any signs of infection (swelling, redness, pus, pain) I would have the veterinarian assess the area. As for the tail, I would recommend using a topical medication such as Zymox topical ointment to apply to the affected area 2-3 times per day until resolved. If there is no improvement, I would recommend having the tail assessed by the veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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