Petco Text Logo
Petco Pet Logo

  • Two Easy Ways to Start Earning Rewards!

My dog had surgery. Why are his hips tender, tail red, and blistered?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Jack Russell Terrier | Male | neutered | 14 years and 10 months old | 19 lbs

My dog just had an op to remove a fatty cyst and has been on pain meds and abs for 2wks. He also had 4 teeth removed at the same time. Ive just noticed he’s tender around his hips and his tail is red on the end and he keeps licking it. When I rolled him over gently on his side I can see what looks like a healed blister maybe. I have taken a photo.

This question includes photos that may contain sensitive content. Click to view.

View more to consider that the photos may include sensitive content.

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Image profile

Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on January 9th, 2018

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. This appears to be an old wound that is healing. This could have been secondary to a burn. Sometimes when heating devices / objects are used during surgery, these can cause a blister if left on too long. I would contact the veterinarian who did the surgery and ask him / her if any heating objects were used in this region. It looks as though it is healing well so I would just monitor it for now and if you notice any signs of infection (swelling, redness, pus, pain) I would have the veterinarian assess the area. As for the tail, I would recommend using a topical medication such as Zymox topical ointment to apply to the affected area 2-3 times per day until resolved. If there is no improvement, I would recommend having the tail assessed by the veterinarian so that the most appropriate diagnostic and treatment recommendations can be made. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

Vote icon

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Questions

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
My small pet is limping and can't bear weight. Should I see a vet?
Is your pet limping and can't bear weight? A certified vet explains why a suspected fracture needs immediate diagnosis and safe pain relief. Get expert guidance.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu lost teeth after an accident. How can I feed him soft foods?
Your degu had an accident, lost teeth, and can't eat hard food. A Petco Vet Tech offers crucial advice on immediate vet care and how to feed your injured degu.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My pet's eye looks strange but doesn't seem to hurt. What's wrong?
Is your pet's eye issue painless? A DVM explains potential corneal trauma or scratch. Immediate vet care is crucial to save their eye. Get expert advice now!
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My degu has trouble breathing, coughing, and nose discharge. Help?
Is your degu struggling to breathe, coughing, or have nasal discharge? A trusted vet offers vital guidance on respiratory issues like pneumonia and how to help.
Updated on December 04, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
My sick small pet is breathing mouth open. Did I drown her feeding?
Is your pet ill, struggling to breathe, or showing stroke signs? A certified vet addresses syringe feeding worries, discusses causes, and outlines treatment options.
Updated on December 04, 2025
image
Have A Vet Question?

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

Book Now

Sponsored