My dog is very swollen after surgery, how life-threatening is this?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 6 years old | 50 lbs
My dog went in for surgery 4 days ago to have an unknown mass removed from her side.Two days later her lower neck/upper chest were swollen. Figured it was maybe due to an allergic reaction or the surgery. Yesterday the swelling got bigger. Tonight after dinner her entire body swelled up to the point that she looks like a VERY over weight dog. She has trouble walking, sitting, laying down and moving about. How life threating is this?
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on March 17th, 2018
Oh no, poor EB! I'm very concerned that the swelling has gotten so big that she has trouble walking, sitting, laying down, and moving. I would be very concerned that this swelling could eventually affect her ability to breath. Based on what you have described, I would consider this a medical emergency as this is not a normal thing seen after surgery. She needs veterinary treatment now in my opinion, and waiting to have her seen could be life threatening. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on December 5th, 2018
If your vet isn't available, call around and see if you can get her in at another veterinarian's office. If your concern was just that your vet isn't immediately available, based on what you're saying I don't think this is a dire emergency, however, you should have her evaluated in the next day or 2. If she is lethargic and/or vomiting frequently, or having any difficulty or significant change in her breathing then it IS an emergency and you should seek emergency care. Thank you for asking Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
My dog had surgery a year ago and got infection how her area is swollen and lymph nodes are swollen my vet is not available what can I do
My dog had surgery on wed. was fine until sat at 4 am, his cheeks/jaw line were swelling. Took him to the vet. Only thing we could figure was an allergic reaction to pain meds. Got Benadryl, cortisone and antibiotic injection sat. Just now we see blo
My yellow lab, 14 and 80lb., had emergency pyometra surgery about a month ago. I just noticed swelling on her stomach, right side of the incision. Is this hernia? Or infection possible after a month? Should I take her to ER or can she wait for a few
My dog is swollen and I don’t know why’s she’s been fine all day
Hi there, my Golden Retrievers snout and mouth area have completely puffed up and are so swollen. We have checked for ticks/bites and can’t seem to find any and at this stage she is acting/breathing normally. It is 1:30am here should I contact a 24 h
My dog was bitten and has a puncture wound. She isn't bleeding but she is very swollen on top of the head and under the neck
My dog had a mass removed from her throat on Monday. Would it be normal for her to have swelling in her face today on her jaw?
My dog had surgery today for a torn acl. Upon picking the dog up post surgery, I noticed both his seresto collar and the cone applied were extremely tight. To the point where I could not fit a single finger under the cone. My dog was drooling extensi
My 9 year old pitbull/boxer mix just had surgery a couple weeks ago for a bowel obstruction just past the stomach. Not sure if it's related, but today we noticed a flabby growth from his chest and he won't sit or lay down, there's also a firm mass be
Scrotum swelled up after neuter - dog cannot sit or lay down anymore.
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
