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Is a red, painful lump on my dog's spay incision normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Male | neutered | 1 year and 7 months old | 9 lbs

My 2yr old chihuahua just got spay surgery 11/08. I notice this redness lump around her incision. I attached photos. The surgery used dissolvable stitches. are these normal for day-4 after the surgery? She obviously in some pain when I touched area around. If I need take her to the vet, how soon I should? Can I still take her out for short walk, or better stay home all time? Thank you!

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By David Elbeze, DVM, MRCVS

Veterinarian

Published on November 11th, 2018

This doesn't look perfect but definitely does not look too bad either, there is some bulging as you mentioned, probably because the stitches have been put on a little too tight, as long as the stitches hold though i would not be too worried, you need to make sure she does not lick the area (i assume she has an E-collar on) and make sure the incision does not open up, the swelling should start resolving within a couple days from now. as long as it does not look worse than this i would be ok keeping her at home, you can still take her for short walks without any issues and your vet needs to see her at some point but it is not urgent (usually post opps are done 3 days and 10 days after the surgery).

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 27th, 2016

    Poor Pixie! You are correct that she may have been itching it at night. If the area is bloody and swollen, she needs to see a vet immediately. She may have introduced infection into the incision, and she may have pulled out a couple of the stitches. I would take her into a vet now.

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    Answered By Dr. Davis

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 21st, 2018

    It’s always a good idea to have a recheck after surgery if you see problems. It is a common problem to have the incision open a little. It should heal fine as long as you prevent her from licking it, and it doesn’t start to get infected. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for your dog.

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