My puppy's neuter/hernia surgery incision is swollen. Is it normal?

Based on the photo, it does not appear to be infected or overly swollen. There is likely some discomfort from the incision healing (itchiness) and pain from the procedure. If you believe that the pain is not well controlled, I would reach out to your veterinarian to discuss additional pain medications. Continue to monitor for any signs of infection such as discharge, swelling and redness. I hope this helps!

Hello, thank you for your question about your dog. Based on what you've described it sounds like he may have an infection secondary to his recent surgery, this is not uncommon. Typically, these infections due heal on their own with antibiotics, pain medication, and exercise restriction. The hole is actually a good thing as right now it is allowing the infected fluid to drain. It the hole does not heal or your dog continues to be lethargic or clinically ill I would definitely recommend having him rechecked by your veterinarian. They may need to flush out this area and help it close with additional stitches. Hope this helps, good luck!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Teddy. I suspect that he has been too active and has some post-surgical swelling as a result. When an adult dog is neutered, there is a very high rate of swelling in the scrotum unless the dog is kept very quiet. If he is just too energetic, you may need to request a sedative from his veterinarian. The incision site has mild swelling, but appears to be healing. Be sure to keep him from licking. I hope this information helps!

Since retrieving the retained testicle is a little more invasive than a regular neuter, it's not unusual for there to be some puffiness and a little oozing, especially if he's feeling good and is moving around. If he seems fine otherwise and the site continues to improve, I would keep an eye on it. You may want to call your vet and maybe send them this pic to get their opinion, but I don't see anything to be alarmed about. If he loses his appetite, acts like he's not feeling well, if the site gets red, hot, oozes blood or pus, get him in to see your vet right away.

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The photo looks like there is a little crusted discharge around the incision, which is OK. As long as the swelling continues to stay down, and you don't see yellow, thick, purulent liquid coming from the incision site, he will likely be OK. Winston should absolutely be wearing an Elizabethan collar (cone collar) AT ALL TIMES until his sutures are removed. It is best to restrict his activity too so that he is not stretching or pulling at his stitches. I hope this is helpful!

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The incision appears to be closed, although it isn't a pretty incision, it is functional. : )There is one area that has a pustule (infected pocket) there, but it should heal with the antibiotics that he is on. This is a common thing that occurs in pets that have a mild reaction to the sutures or staples placed, nothing serious to be concerned about at this time. So far, this looks to be healing appropriately. : ) Keep an eye on the pustule there, it may rupture, and if it does just wipe it with a clean dry towel and make sure the incision does not get wet in any way. Also ensure that Waffles keeps his e-collar on at all times to avoid him getting to the incision and potentially taking out staples, which could cause this to open up. With the antibiotics on board, the incision and pustule should heal completely by day 10. Keep an eye out also for any profuse drainage, separation of the incision line, or increased redness, and get this rechecked by your vet sooner if seen. For now, things look quite stable. : ) I hope that Waffles continue to heal well post neuter. Best of luck and take care.

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.