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My dog's scrotum is swollen after neuter. Is it infected or painful?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Male | neutered | 10 months and 25 days old | 65 lbs

My dog was neutered a little over 1 week ago. The surgery went well and his stitches have been healing well. However, the scrotum has been very swollen. I took him back to the vet yesterday and they gave us some more anti-inflammatory syringes. After administering one about 24 hrs ago, the swelling has increased even more. I'll continue to administer the drugs but is it possible his scrotum is infected? Hes been waking funny and sitting with his leg up so I assume it must be very painful.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 27th, 2018

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.

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42Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 2nd, 2019

    Yes, this sounds normal. The scrotum won't "fall off" but it should shrink; but if the scrotum was very large to start with then it won't completely shrink up. Always limit activity for at least 7 days after surgery. You can ice the scrotum for 10 minutes twice a day for the next few days if he will let you. If not, don't worry too much. The only thing that would worry me is if the scrotum gets very swollen. If you notice that then he needs to be checked by a veterinarian.

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    Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 23rd, 2021

    There is usually a good bit of swelling and bruising of the scrotum after neutering, particularly in larger adult dogs. Puppies and toy breeds tend to experience less bruising and swelling. Since Bruno is 53 lbs., I'm assuming that he's an adult dog, so this situation would be more expected. If his scrotum swells to double (or more) of it's previous (prior to neutering) size, then he should be checked by his vet for signs of a scrotal hematoma. Also be sure that his incision stays clean and dry without any significant redness, discharge, or swelling. The most important things that you can do to help him heal without complications are to keep him quiet (no vigorous exercise for 10-14 days), keep an e-collar (cone) on to prevent him from licking at the incision, and closely monitor the surgical site for any changes along the way. I hope that Bruno makes a speedy recovery!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on July 31st, 2017

    HI, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There can be normal post surgery swelling of the scrotum. It should decrease over the next several days to 2 weeks. The scrotum still may be a but pendulous but should be flatter. It depends on how big his testicles were at the neuter.

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