Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

What's this lump near my puppy's spay incision 6 months after surgery?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

My puppy was spayed 6 months ago, today I noticed a knot or swelling in the area of her incision. Any info or ways to treat would be appreciated.

2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Christie Long, DVM

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

Published on October 19th, 2015

Hmmmm...six months is a long time after surgery to see a suture reaction or a seroma (fluid-filled area underneath the skin). I suspect your dog may have a small hernia or opening in the abdominal wall. When we do abdominal surgery (which a spay is) we have to cut through three layers of tissue. First the skin. Under that, the fat. And finally the body wall, which is muscle and connective tissue. Subsequently, when we finish the surgery and close the incision, we stitch all 3 layers separately. Rarely, one of those, typically the body wall, doesn't heal all the way and a small opening into the abdomen is left. These need to be attended to, since a piece of the bowel can lodge itself in the hole and cause a blockage or strangulation. Call the vet who did the operation and talk to him or her about your concern for this complication, and schedule a follow up.

Vote icon

7Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

  • Image profile

    Answered By Christie Long, DVM

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist

    Published on February 4th, 2018

    It's likely that this is a small area of reaction to the suture material that was used to close the skin and tissues below it. Normally when we close up a dog after spaying her, we bury the sutures below the skin, so that there is no need for the owner to bring the dog back in to have the sutures removed. The material we use is "absorbable", meaning that the body gradually breaks it down. As long as Mabel isn't painful when you press on this area, and as long as the lump doesn't break open and start draining blood or pus, you should be OK to monitor this carefully for another couple of weeks. It should begin to resolve very soon, as most suture types should be dissolved by 2 months after surgery. Sometimes it takes a bit longer, however if the abnormality hasn't gone away in another couple of weeks, take her in for a check up.

    Vote icon

    10Pet Parents found this answer helpful

See More Answers

Related Questions

Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and has pus?
Is your mouse's eye swollen, cloudy, and pussy? Dr. Melanie, a certified vet, discusses severe eye issues like infection or abscess, urging an immediate visit.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
What fish dog food helps dry skin if my dog eats Science Diet?
Is your dog's dry skin a concern? A certified vet offers expert advice on finding the best fish-based dog food alternatives to Science Diet for essential oils.
Updated on February 04, 2026
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why is my pet's swollen lump with green patches not getting better?
Is your pet's swollen, green-patched infection still bothering them after treatment? A certified veterinarian discusses proper diagnosis methods like biopsy and FNA.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Dog licking paws, fur loss, and jaw wound: Could it be allergies?
Is your Shih-Tzu crossbreed biting his feet, losing fur, or has a wound? A trusted vet explains these classic allergy signs and advises on treatments like Apoquel or medicated shampoo.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Food & Nutrition
Is there a chart for dog food protein biological value and digestibility?
Dog food protein's biological value & digestibility: A vet explains why data is complex. Learn to judge quality by company reputation and your dog's health.
Updated on September 23, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Why does my puppy have bloody, mucousy stools despite diet changes?
Your 4-month-old puppy suffers from ongoing loose stools with mucus and blood. An expert veterinarian explores potential intestinal parasites and advises further fecal testing. Find answers here!
Updated on September 23, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.

Book Now

Sponsored