Yes, it is normal for your dog’s spay incision to be hard. This is usually caused by an overactive immune system response to excess fluid and inflammation around the incision. It is important to keep the area clean and dry to prevent infection and allow the incision to heal properly. If the area is still swollen and hard after two weeks, contact your veterinarian for further advice. Additionally, it is important to keep your pet from licking the incision, as this can lead to infection.
When should I be concerned about a spay incision?
You should be concerned if you notice any of the following signs around the spay incision: excessive wound weeping, fluid buildup, pain and tenderness, redness, swelling, discharge of fluids, bad odors/smells, warmth at the incision site, missing sutures, excessive drainage, bleeding from the wound, or a wide gap in the incision. If you notice any of these signs, contact your veterinarian or veterinary technician immediately.
Why does my cat have a hard lump under her spay incision?
It is likely that your cat has a hard lump under her spay incision because of the sutures that were used in the procedure. The sutures are made of an absorbable material, and as the body absorbs the material, a firm lump may form beneath the incision line. This is a normal reaction to the sutures, and the swelling should decrease in size over time. In some cases, a hematoma (fluid buildup) may form beneath the incision, which would require medical attention.
What is the hard lump under my incision?
It is likely that the hard lump under your incision is a seroma, which is a collection of fluid that builds up under the surface of your skin. Seromas may develop after a surgical procedure, and they usually form due to some type of trauma or injury to the tissue. Symptoms of a seroma include a swollen lump that may be tender or sore when touched, clear fluid coming from the incision site, and a hard lump under the skin that may feel like a marble. If you are concerned about the lump, it is best to consult with your doctor.
What does a healthy spay incision look like?
A healthy and healing spay incision will be a straight line on your dog’s stomach with raised edges and visible stitching or invisible suturing material. The incision should normally be clean and the edges should be touching each other. The skin should be a normal or slightly pink color. It may have a blue glue-like material over the incision. You may also see some bruising and swelling around the incision site. In most cases, the incision should start to heal within a few days, and the swelling should recede within a few weeks. With proper care and attention, the incision should completely heal within 4-6 weeks.