Spaying is a crucial procedure in animals that help reduce the risk of reproductive cancers, reduce hyperactivity, and control unwanted breeding. However, spaying and neutering can have side effects, like the formation of a lump at the incision site. So, what are the causes of dog spay incision lump?
Dog spay incision lump can be caused by suture reaction, infection, hernia, scar tissue, or building up of fluids, also known as seroma.
5 Causes Of Dog Spay Incision Lump
1. Suture Reaction
After the surgery, vets will stitch the incision site. The depth of the tissue damage might vary depending on the type of incision, sometimes even affecting the muscles and connective tissue. The vet will need to use extra suture material and put multiple stitches in this situation.
The dog’s immune system often responds to implanted foreign material, causing inflammation, slow healing, and the development of a noticeable linear lump under the spay incision.
The good news is that a minor suture reaction typically goes away by itself. However, take your dog to the vet for follow-up care, and be on the safe side.
2. Infection
In rare instances, an inflammatory reaction that manifests as a lump or a protrusion can also indicate incisional infection.
A dog licks chews, or scratches the incision area a few days after being spayed or neutered might result in incisional infections. Invest in adequate protective clothing like a cone, dog onesie, or bandages to stop your dog from interfering with the incision and to prevent infections.
There are extremely slim odds that your dog will get an incision infection. The following post-surgical problems should be monitored, though:
- Redness and swelling of the incision or around it.
- Bleeding or leaking from the incision site
- Foul-smelling incision
- Dehiscence
- Severe pain lasting for more than 7 days.
If you notice any of these signs, plan to visit your veterinarian as soon as possible.
3. Seroma
Seroma is the buildup of serous fluid beneath the skin. Although not every dog that has been spayed or neutered will experience this side effect, it’s quite common.
Seroma is a result of an inflammatory reaction to tissue trauma. When the immune system notices injury, it activates immune cells to fight infection and promote healing. This then sets off an inflammatory response, which results in swelling and the accumulation of serous fluid.
Seromas might feel sore and tender, but they are not painful. After being spayed or neutered, very active dogs run a higher risk of developing seroma at the incision site. Limit your dog’s movement and utilize a crate if necessary to reduce the risk.
There is no need to visit the veterinarian unless the seroma:
- If it is present from two weeks. The vet can decide to remove the fluid from it manually.
- It is hot and oozing pus.
- Expands and/or becomes firmer
How Long Does It Take For A Dog’s Seroma To Go Away?
It may take two to three weeks for a seroma lump that formed where your dog underwent spaying or neutering to go away.
It’s important to note that the rate at which a seroma disappears is unrelated to its size. Before it completely disappears, a little seroma could get a little bigger.
Have your dog’s incision’s seroma evaluated again by your veterinarian if you discover that it hasn’t disappeared after 2 weeks and is getting significantly bigger.
4. Hernia
Sometimes a female dog that has been spayed may experience a hernia a few days or weeks afterward. The most frequent causes of hernia development are excessive physical activity, lack of rest, or poor surgical technique. In addition, after the surgery, your dog’s abdominal muscles are weak, and overworking them increases the risk of internal stitches rupturing.
What Does A Hernia After Spay Look Like?
Hernia following surgery appears as a bump or a bulge at the incision site.
Hernias typically have a noticeable, softer appearance than a typical post-operative swelling. They might hurt when touched, when your pet sneezes, or when they attempt to stand up.
Hernias are most easily recognized by their varying size and shape. Whether your dog is sitting, lying down, or standing, the hernia lump will appear differently in each position. Since there is less pressure from other organs on the abdominal wall when your pet is lying down, it might not even be noticeable.
Additionally, your dog may display any of the following symptoms of a hernia:
- Vomiting
- Loss of appetite
- Swelling
- Lethargy
- Fever
5. Scar Tissue
The body generates scar tissue as injuries recover. If there is too much scar tissue, it may resemble an abnormal bump. Scar tissue often has a stiff, ropy texture. It does not lead to any discomfort or fluid leakage.
Is It Normal For A Dog To Have A Lump Under A Spay Incision?
It’s normal for a dog to experience post-operative swelling resembling a lump or protruding ridge. This shows that your dog’s immune system is aggressively battling any infections and accelerating the healing of the spay incision. Spaying and neutering entail surgery and result in tissue damage, after all.
Nevertheless, there are numerous potential causes of a bulge after spaying or neutering, so you must be cautious. While many lumps are often inconsequential, others may indicate a significant surgical complication that requires immediate care.
How do I prevent my dog from jumping after neuter?
Your dog mustn’t jump after being neutered or spayed since he or she could tumble and injure themselves or even tear apart its sutures. After the procedure, for 10 to 14 days, keep your dog on a leash and as calm as you can. Use a safety collar to stop him from licking the incision. However, for energetic dogs who enjoy exercise, it could be challenging. However, pet experts caution that this is an important stage in the recovery process.
Conclusion
Dog spay incisions are common. Some are painful and require medical attention, while others don’t. However, this is not an excuse for any dog parent to avoid neuter or spaying as it has a lot of health benefits for the dog.
If you see any lump after the incision, keep in touch with your vet so he can recommend the best way to handle the situation. A vet might recommend careful monitoring or treatment.