A Painful Red Welt Near a Spay Incision

Some bruising and mild swelling near a spay incision are common in the first days. But a red, raised area that's getting worse and is very painful can be an infection, a reaction to stitches, or a fluid pocket under the skin, and it should be checked.

Since your clinic is closed, call the nearest emergency vet or 24-hour hospital and describe what you see. Go in if there's discharge, a bad smell, a gap in the wound, bleeding, fever, lethargy or loss of appetite, or if she's in a lot of pain.

Until then, keep her quiet, stop her licking with a cone or recovery suit, and don't put creams or human medicines on the wound unless a vet tells you to.

See spaying dogs.

This is general information, not a diagnosis. Please follow your own vet's advice.