How much swelling is normal after neutering

Most often in veterinary practice, this surgical procedure is performed on dogs and cats, but it may also be applied to rabbits, rats, squirrels, and many of the other male animals which are housed as pets in our homes. The discussion below applies to those pets as well, but for more information on surgery for those specific animals, please contact our hospital.

Castration may be performed for many reasons, including population control and treatment of certain medical and behavioral problems. Medical problems that may be prevented or resolved by castration include testicular cancer, prostatic disease, certain hernias, and some skin diseases.

Behavioral problems that may resolve include roaming, attraction to females, and certain dominant, aggressive attitudes. Castration is a surgical procedure. It is performed with animals under general anesthesia, and animals suffer less pain during recovery because we use pain relieving medications following surgery. In dogs, a small incision is made through the skin in front of the scrotum, both testicles are removed, and the incision is closed with sutures or surgical staples.

In cats, two tiny incisions are made in the scrotum; each testicle is removed separately, and the incisions are not sutured. Cats can usually go home the same day, while dogs usually can go home the following day. Recovery is generally fast.

Most cats are back to normal within 1 or 2 days, and can use their regular litter in the litter box after 1 week. During that period, male cats are allowed to use a paper litter product rather than normal litter to prevent problems associated with the surgical incision site.

Swelling of the scrotum normally occurs after surgery. This may make it look as though the testicles are still in the scrotum, even though they have been removed.

The swelling should go away after several days. It is very important to prevent your pet from damaging the incision site by licking at the area. If it becomes a problem, this can be prevented with the use of an Elizabethan collar or certain distasteful medications that may be obtained from your veterinarian.

Occasionally, one or both testicles do not descend from the abdomen into the scrotum after birth, a condition called cryptorchidism. Apply an ice pack wrapped in a thin towel to the scrotum for 10 minutes, 3 times a day for the next few days. If swelling continues and the scrotum is growing larger and is dripping blood, you should visit our clinic immediately.

Please do not feed your pet in case the veterinarian needs to surgically repair the site. If our clinic is closed, contact the emergency clinic immediately. You are responsible for paying the cost of this visit and all treatments directly to the emergency clinic or private veterinarian.

Gently touch the swollen area to see if it is hard or soft. If it is hard, it is most likely the suture material being absorbed. This is not uncommon and will eventually go away. It can take several months for the material to be completely absorbed by the body. If the swelling is larger than a grape, or if the swollen area is soft, it should be looked at and you may bring your pet into our walk in clinic.

Running, jumping, or excessive activity can cause stress on the incision site. Dogs should be leash walked only no running loose or rough housing for one full week after surgery. Cats should be kept indoors if at all possible for one week.

If you feel the bleeding or draining is not life threatening, please call us so we can arrange a time for your pet to be seen by our staff. If it is after hours or duing the weekend, we encourage you to call the emergency clinic. Major bleeding that appears to be life threatening is serious and you should call the emergency number provided on your post-surgical instructions packet immediately or take your pet to the nearest emergency clinic. You are responsible for paying the cost of the visit and all treatments directly to the emergency clinic or private veterinarian.

Due to the stresses of both surgery and pregnancy, your pet is at a higher risk for metabolic changes and pain-related issues. Please ensure she is eating and comfortable especially the first days post-op. This sounds like an allergic reaction to the immunization s. Typically a patient who is experiencing a vaccine-related reaction will show symptoms within the first 4 hours following immunization.

You can give your pet Benadryl to help remedy the symptoms. Please contact us for the appropriate dose. If your pet has severe allergic symptoms ie-trouble breathing, weakness, collapse please return here immediately or to a full-service veterinarian for care. If the e-collar is scratching the incision site or your pet can reach the incision site with the e-collar on, you should either bring the pet into our clinic get a larger collar OR PetSmart and Petco carry other types of e-collars that may work better for your pet.

Also, other pets in the house are feeling fine and may want to entice the surgery pet into playing, which is something that should be avoided for days. Your pet who has had surgery, may also be feeling grumpy or uncomfortable and may not want the additional attention from other pets. In all of these cases, you should separate your surgery pet from the others, especially when you are not there to supervise.

This will resolve within a few days. If your pet is licking the area, you should apply an e-collar on your pet. You may also apply topical Hydrocortisone cream to the skin not on the incision 4 times daily. Healthy skin will heal on its own and bandage placement or neosporin could cause more skin irritation. A superficial skin incision is made near the surgery site, green tattoo ink is applied along with tissue glue. This is a universally recognized tattoo that identifies your pet has been spayed or neutered.

The ink or glue is non-toxic and should not hurt your pet if licked. Please no travel or boarding your pet until 10 days post-op. It could delay recovery due to stress. If the incision should become dirty, gently clean the area with a cotton ball and mildly soapy water. You must not allow your dog or cat to get wet for at least 7 days after surgery.

For this reason, bathing is also prohibited for at least one week after surgery. The best way to do this is to keep her in her kennel or in a small room such as a guest bathroom away from children, other pets, and any other exciting stimuli.

When you let your dog outside, make certain to keep her on a leash. Light walking is okay during this recovery time, but running is absolutely not allowed. While viewing the incision site, please note that your pet may have buried sutures that may not be visible on the skin.

The incision should be closed and not open. A small amount of swelling can be typical. If a large amount of swelling does occur, you will need to bring him back to a TCAP for a follow up.