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My dog has a dark red lump by her spay incision. What should I do?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Dark red small lump by spade incision

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 14th, 2019

Hello. There may be a reaction to some suture material that was used to close the muscle layer under the skin. Start apply very warm compresses to the lesion for 10 minutes twice a day. Gently clean with a skin antiseptic with chlorhexidine & apply a little topical antibiotic. If the lesion does not resolve within the next 10-14 days, your pet may need to be seen by your veterinarian & a course of antibiotics may be required. But, it is not anything too worrisome. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Stephanie Echols, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 28th, 2020

    Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It doesn’t look like the surgery went bad it looks like you are seeing some swelling around the suture knot under the skin. It isn’t urgent but I would take her back to the vet that did the surgery to confirm the swelling. If it is the knot, once the suture dissolves the swelling will go away. Good luck and kisses to Harriet!

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    Answered By Laura Johnson VMD

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 17th, 2018

    Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The large bump under the incision is likely inflammation from the surgery or a reaction to the absorbable suture. Sometimes not enough exercise restriction causes the swelling. Be sure that it is firm and not soft. If it is a suture reaction or inflammation it should improve over the next 2 weeks. If will not be permanent. I would be very strict with her to prevent her from being active. We want them rested for 10-14 days post surgery. This means no running, jumping, playing tug of war, playing with other dogs and leash walks only. Contact your Vet for sedatives if you think you need help to keep her calm. I wish you the best!

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    Answered By Dr Stafford, BVetMed, MRCVS

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 1st, 2018

    It is totally natural for the muscle and subcutaneous skin to swell a little following a spay operation so it is nothing to worry about as long as she is comfortable. The swelling in the red circle could be related to the spay but likewise it could just be a small variation in her subcutaneous skin. As long as he lump isn't growing or changing I wouldn't worry about it. If it ever concerns you it would be best to have a vet check it.

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Related Questions

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What could this be? It doesnt seem painful to the touch nor bother her. She had stitches from being fixed but this started as a small circle under her skin and now it has started turning red and into what the pictures show. Thanks
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This could be a benign or malignant growth. There is no way of knowing what it is just based on its appearance. This is often differentiated by a test called a fine needle aspirate (FNA) which is a pain free, inexpensive and easy procedure which in most cases will help reach a diagnosis. Sometimes a biopsy is needed for a definitive diagnosis. I recommend that you have her evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. I am really hoping for something benign. Good luck and have a good day!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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We recently adopted a dog on Aug 30th and on the 29th, she had gotten spayed. For the past two days we have noticed the site is red and seems to have a lump under it and is warm to the touch. She is also losing hair on her tail and spots of her hind
If she is eating and drinking and acting normal, you can wait to make an appointment at your regular vet. if you notice a discharge or the swelling gets worse, then she should be seen as an emergency. It may a suture reaction that has the tissue inflamed and forming a seroma. A warm compress will help also.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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Hi, My puppy just got spayed 4 days ago, and about 3 days ago this bump appeared around the incision, I’m sure it is swelling but i am concerned that it has not gone away. She is only a puppy so I can’t really keep her from running and playing as mu
Thanks for using Boop by Petco! This can in fact be something to be concerned about. This could be inflammation secondary to the surgery if she has been having too much activity though even then it is a bit too much based on this picture. However, this could be due to something else like an infection for example. I would recommend that you have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment and treatment. They would be able to check what may be causing this bump so that it can be treated appropriately. Best of luck!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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Since my puppy was fixed a week ago a soft bulge/lump has formed. It does not seem to bother her but it worries me. Will it go away? She is quite active.
Hi, thanks for using Boop by Petco! The large bump under the incision is likely inflammation from the surgery or a reaction to the absorbable suture. Sometimes not enough exercise restriction causes the swelling. Be sure that it is firm and not soft. If it is a suture reaction or inflammation it should improve over the next 2 weeks. If will not be permanent. I would be very strict with her to prevent her from being active. We want them rested for 10-14 days post surgery. This means no running, jumping, playing tug of war, playing with other dogs and leash walks only. Contact your Vet for sedatives if you think you need help to keep her calm. I wish you the best!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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Help!! Some pink “pimple” looking liquid filled (I think) lumps appeared on my pups suture line just today, it isn’t painful and she doesn’t lick it. She was spayed almost 3 weeks ago with absorbable stitches. Help! Do I need to take her to the vet a
It is not uncommon for dogs to have a mild reaction to under the skin sutures. As long as there is no pain, discharge, odor, or opening of the areas with suture sticking out, it will likely resolve with time. It takes a long time for sutures to dissolve. See your vet if she is bothering the area or you notice any of the signs above. I hope this helps and thank you for using Boop by Petco!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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My dog was spayed about 9 days ago, but there is a little red bump on her belly at the incision site. She has been on an antibiotic and an NSAID for 4 days.
This appears to be healing just fine. I suspect this is a mild reaction to the stitches under the skin. This is very common. I would only be worried if it opens up and starts draining fluid, gets much larger or becomes very red. Just make sure she cannot lick it until it is completely healed.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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Health & Wellbeing
My dog got spayed (early caught Pyometra) in November 2018 and I noticed that the incision healed but one of the ends looks like the attached picture and it doesn’t seem normal, what could this mean? Thank you!
Hi, it does look like a reaction to subcutaneous sutures. It could just be inflammation or an infection. I would recommend to have it checked over at your vets, to see wether does need an antibiotic /antinflammatory ointment or injection or better some oral medications. The decision will depend on how the lump feels and on its content ! Hope this helps.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
Is this red bump normal after spay surgery 17 days ago? It's soft to the touch.
Yes, it looks normal. That bump is a pustule (like a pimple). You can use these medicated pads on the bump for a week or so and if it doesn't go away you should have your vet check her out. ( https://www.allivet.com/p-5393-douxo-chlorhexidine-3-ps-pads-for-dogs-and-cats-30.aspx?SearchTerm=duoxo%20pad+Auto )
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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I have an 8 month old lab mix who I just adopted 2 months ago. She was spayed at time of adoption and is due for her Lepto booster in a week. At the base of her scar there has grown rather quickly a 1x1cm round, reddened, shiny, raised, hard but mobi
Hi there! It sounds like you're a very good friend to Athena and care very much. This looks very much like a suture reaction, or a reaction to the material of her internal stitches. The stitches we use inside the body are absorbable, and eventually break down in the tissues. Sometimes, they can cause an inflammatory reaction when this happens that looks a lot like this. If the reaction or breakdown is too soon, we risk the possibility of a hernia, etc. there is a possibility (smaller but still there) that the suture broke down a bit before it was noticed and with her exertion it just pushed its way a bit more open. If she is unbothered and has not changed in size it could probably wait until your appointment. I would recommend keeping her exercise very restricted in the meantime though-no stairs, no running outside just leash walks, etc. if you are still concerned, you can always call her doctor and see if they can get you in a bit sooner. Hope this helps!
Updated on September 24th, 2025
Petco Pet Education Center
Health & Wellbeing
So it's the 6th day after her spay, is this coloring normal? There is also an almond size bump under the skin there. It's not leaking or open. Do I need to take her to a vet?
Hello. I am sorry about your concerns about Judy, but everything still looks pretty good. The bump is probably a small seroma or suture reaction under the skin & this usually resolves on its own after about a week. So, just keep an eye on things. If there should be any leakage from the incision, or the lump continues to enlarge much more, it may be best to have your veterinarian take a look as soon as possible. But all looks OK for now. Thanks for contacting Boop by Petco.
Updated on September 24th, 2025
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