Why is my dog's neuter incision hard with stitches still visible?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Beagle | Male | neutered | 1 year and 4 months old | 19 lbs
My dog was neutered on Oct 6 with dissolvable stitches. On Oct 16 they removed some of the stitches that "the body was rejecting". Now, Oct 31, it looks like there are still some stitches left. Additionally, the entire raised area feels hard underneath like there could be stitches left in there
4 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on October 31st, 2023
Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Neuter incisions are closed with two layers of stitches. Your vet only removed the outer layer of stitches. The inside layer is never removed and will eventually dissolve. There is still a chance he is having a suture reaction to the inside layer. Typically this will resolve on its own over time with no treatment. Occasionally, if the issue doesn't resolve, a second surgery must be done to remove the old "inside" stitches and replace them with a different type of suture material. I suggest you keep a cone collar on Cosmo until the issue is completely resolved. If he licks this area too much this will cause a severe problem, a possible infection and he may even open the incision. I don't recommend you put anything on the incision. It's best to leave it be. If the swelling gets worse, or there is discharge from the incision then he definitely needs to go back to the vet. If Cosmo is very uncomfortable then you may also want to take him back to the vet so they can prescribe an anti-inflammatory for him. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on
Hello, customer service emailed me your photo. Based on this photo I would not be worried at all. The incision looks fine. Just continue to monitor that area and if you notice any discharge, redness or the incision opens up then take him back to the vet. I am not worried about he the incision being firm. jThere are stitches inside and he may be having a minor reaction to it. Do not apply anything topically to the incision.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on March 14th, 2020
Poor guy. This actually looks very much like a delayed suture reaction to the sutures that were placed internally during his neuter. This isn't very common but we do get a few cases like this. Because of the seepage, I would suggest taking Blue to your vet to get him on some medication to help calm the inflammation and also antibiotics will likely be recommended b/c most of these do get a mild infection at the site. Until you can get him seen by your vet, you can clean the area with Betadine diluted 50:50 with warm water to help reduce the bacteria there and also help calm down some of the inflammation. I would also make sure he is not licking the area and making it worse. To do this you will need to purchase an e-collar (cone) from your local pet store. I hope that Blue's delayed reaction resolves soon! Best of luck and take care.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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Published on April 23rd, 2017
That should be ideally checked by your veterinarian as the problem could be to either a tissue reaction from stitches or incomplete healing and small abdominal herniation. In case of abdominal/humbilical hernia, depending on the size, it should repaired surgically. In case of a reaction, anti-inflammatory meds are required. I would recommend to put the buster collar on to avoid further licking. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation (where you can post pictures ) if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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