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Why are my dog's nipples and vulva still swollen 6 months after spay?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog was spayed 6 months ago. However, her nipples and vulva are still swollen. She was cared for correctly after her spay as it was completed during her one week stay at the vet while we were on vacation.

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 25th, 2019

I suggest you take her back to the vet for an exam. She may have a piece of ovary that was left behind during surgery that is causing stimulation of the mammary and vulvar tissues. The vet can do some hormone blood testing, a vaginal cytology and/or an abdominal ultrasound to check for this.

( https://vcahospitals.com/know-your-pet/ovarian-remnant-syndrome-in-dogs )

3Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Debi Matlack
Veterinary Technician
Published on February 16th, 2021
The loose skin may be a result of the mild swelling after her spay resolving and the hard spot could be scar tissue if it's near her incision site. It might be a good idea to have your vet check it to be safe.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on January 15th, 2019
There is a possibility that she was in heat when she was spayed. The swellings are caused by female hormones and it will take a week to two weeks for the hormones to leave the body and the swelling to go away.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT
Licensed Veterinary Technician
Published on July 4th, 2017
The incision and area actually look very good. There appears to be no bruising or redness. Some post op swelling is normal but is not cause for concern. If she was in or near heat at the time of spaying, this could account for what you are seeing. Any swelling should resolve given time. Continue to medicate her as directed by your veterinarian and monitor for lethargy, bleeding, bruising or for an open incision. An e-collar (cone) is always recommended after surgery to prevent licking of the site.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

Why are my dog's nipples/vagina still swollen 2 months after heat?

tAs long as she didn't get bred or is going through a false pregnancy, most dogs will shrink down within 2-3 weeks or so months from the heat cycle. It should be noted they will never shrink back to the size they were prior to here heat cycle. Since her teats and vulva are still swollen, I recommend to have her examined to find out if something is wrong or if she is pregnant. I do recommend to spay Oakley unless she is planned to be a breeding dog. There are many health and behavioral benefits to the procedure. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why is my dog's vulva still swollen after heat, and nipples enlarged?

It is not unusual for the vulva to remain swollen for a period of time after the "heat" cycle is over. In dogs, there are [4 stages of estrus](https://www.petcoach.co/article/anatomy-and-function-of-the-reproductive-system-in-dogs). The combination of proestrus and estrus, which is often referred to as "heat" by breeders, lasts approximately 21 days. "Heat" is followed by diestrus and anestrus. During proestrus, the vulva swells and has a bloody discharge. During estrus, the vulva softens and becomes pliable in preparation for mating. It can take several weeks following estrus for the vulva to shrink back down in size, but it will never go back to the size it was before the first heat cycle. The same is true of the mammary glands, which enlarge slightly in preparation for [pregnancy](https://www.petcoach.co/dog/condition/pregnancy/).

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

Why are my spayed dog's mammary glands growing and lactating?

I am sorry for the delay in answering your question. It sounds like you’ve gotten her to the vet by now, and I hope you got some answers. My thought when reading your question is that some dogs will have some remnant ovarian tissue (small amounts ovarian tissue that either is left behind at surgery or is growing elsewhere in the abdomen). Ovarian tissue can cause false pregnancy which could cause these symptoms. A hormone profile test (run on blood) should be able to give your vet information to determine if there is ovarian tissue still present. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Again I apologize for the delay in your answer.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My dog's vulva is swollen 2 months after birth, no blood. Is she in heat?

This is definitely possible that she is already back in heat. She could also have an infection so be sure to keep an eye out for any abnormal behavior like not eating, lethargy, or vomiting. If you see any abnormal behavior or just want to be sure, I would have your vet take a look at her to ensure she is healthy. I would not breed her during this heat cycle since she just had a litter. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Why does my older spayed dog have a swollen nipple with lumps?

These could be mammary tumors even if she was spayed after her first heat. Please take her in for an exam. The veterinarian will feel the lumps and check the nipple. They can do a needle aspirate to see if it is infection or cancer. Breast cancer in dogs can be slow growing and often can be cured with surgery. They may recommend an X-ray to make sure there are no growths in her chest or abdomen before surgery. A biopsy of the lumps will also tell what it is and if it has been completely removed. If there is infection in the nipple area they will put Zephyr on antibiotics. Please have this examined soon so she can get the necessary treatment and be on the road to recovery. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Zephyr.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My puppy's vulva and nipples are swollen after heat, plus hair loss?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It can take a bit for the vulva and mammary glands to decrease from the hormones. She could also be experiencing a false pregnancy, which is a hormonal imbalance that can cause pregnancy symptoms: swollen mammary glands, milk development, nesting behavior, anxiety, carrying stuffed animals around. It usually resolves in 2-3 months. Causes for the area of hair loss are: trauma/injury/abrasion, skin infection, ring worm, demodex. I would put her on one of the oral flea and tick medications: Nexgard, Bravecto, or Simparica. All 3 also kill demodex as well. If the spot grows or doesn't resolve then I would have her seen. I hope this helps!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Health & Wellness

My spayed dog shows heat signs. Is her spay surgery incomplete?

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Trixie. I agree, this does not sound right. It sounds like she is showing heat behaviors, and this can be a sign of an ovarian remnant left behind. I'd have her seen by a vet today or tomorrow for a hormone stimulation test. This will diagnose if she does have an ovarian remnant or not. If she does, she will need surgery to remove it. Best of luck.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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