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My dog has a firm lump at his surgery site. Is it an emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 8 months old

Columbus (19 month old 20kg cross breed) had a hernia/castration on fri. Today a raised lump has appeared where his hernia scar is. It's very noticeably raised, about 1.5-2 inches long. The lump is firm to the touch and does not move. He is not in pain but did not like it touched (no yelp or bite, just getting away from touch). My vet is closed. Should he go to emergency? The scar seems fine, no discharge or blood

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Ricardo Fernandez, DVM

Veterinarian, Veterinary Oncology Resident

Published on September 20th, 2017

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It is possible that he has developed a hernia again and the concern would be that it could be causing him pain and discomfort, especially if he did not like it touched. The other possibility is a seroma which is an accumulation of fluid at the incision site though that seems less likely. I recommend that you have Columbus evaluated by a veterinarian perhaps tomorrow when your veterinarian opens again. If at some point he develops loss of appetite, vomiting or lethargy, have him evaluated sooner. Good luck with your boy!

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    Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    If he is eating/drinking normally and isn't overtly painful you can try observing him until your vet reopens if they will open tomorrow. It is possible this is just inflammation from surgery or a seroma/hematoma which can occur at an incision site. If the area becomes more swollen/red, painful, has a discharge, or the incision starts to open, or he becomes lethargic/stops eating then a trip to the emergency vet is warranted. I would keep him confined to a crate or very small area so he has limited movement and he should have an e-collar on to prevent him from licking the area. You can also try icing the area- just be sure to wrap the ice pack in a dry towel to avoid having the incision getting wet. Place the ice pack over the area for 5-10 minutes every few hours if your pup doesn't mind. If he fights this then don't bother as we don't want to agitate him! Best of luck!

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