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My dog's neuter incision looks swollen after 6 days. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Australian Shepherd | Male | neutered | 8 months and 4 days old | 45 lbs

My dog got neutered 6 days ago and the incision looks like this. I was wondering if I should take him back to the vet?

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Angel Alvarado, LVT

Licensed Veterinary Technician

Published on May 4th, 2017

It looks swollen but still closed and no discharge or bleeding. Keep an e-collar (cone) on him until suture removal, 10-14 days post op. Restrict activity as much as you can to avoid stress at the site. See your vet if he becomes lethargic or it the site looks open or infected.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jeffrey Milner

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 1st, 2018

    The picture is very dark so I can't say for sure if the amount of swelling you are seeing is normal for two days post-operative. If there is any notable heat emanating from the surgical site, any thick yellow-green discharge, any pain at / near incision site, or any fever (rectal temperature >102.5), there is more than likely a problem. If none of the above are occurring, then the surgical site just may be a bit swollen but within the normal expectations. If Jasper had any external sutures, he should have been given a collar to wear to prevent any self-inflicted trauma. If you continue to worry about the swelling or think it is getting larger rather than smaller, do not hesitate to get him into the vet for an exam. The surgical sites can get infected and require either lancing or general re-closure. Hope this helps.

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    Answered By Lindsey Edwards MVB, BSc, IVCA

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 10th, 2018

    There does not appear to be any swelling, redness or discharge around the wound, the slight scabbing is quite common. If you are concerned, your vets office can check the wound before you leave off the collar but I would be quite happy it is healing ok at this stage from what can be seen on the photo

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    Answered By Dr. Elizabeth

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 14th, 2020

    It looks a little red. Most pets get rechecked at 1-2 weeks so I recommend to call your vet and tell them what is happening. They may want to recheck Creed's incision. Also make sure Creed is wearing and elizabethan collar at all times to prevent any licking. Make sure to restrict his activity until he is cleared by the veterinarian. I hope this helps.

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