Problems after Neuter (Scrotal Hematoma)

[Shawhan41]

My dog was neutered 10 days ago. The day I picked him up from the vet his scrotum was swollen and purple looking. Today on the 10th day we went back to remove the stitches at which time the vet told me he had a scrotal hemotoma(which is blood collecting and clotting in the scrotum). He said it was due to the dogs activity, but i'm not sure how that is possible since he had it before the drugs wore off. If anyone has any answers or advice on how to help my pup I would certainly appreciate it.

[lankeela]

Did the vet not drain the blood off, or give you some tablets or an injection?

The scrotum will gradually start to shrivel up into a tiny little blob, by which time I imagine the blood clot will have reduced of its own accord if the vet has not drained it.

[Noweia]

The area around the scrotum is slightly swollen and reddish after surgery - swollen because there is an incision in the area, and red to purple due to local haemorrhage (bruising) into the surrounding area.

In most cases haematomas at surgery sites occur due to excess movement post-surgery, which is what your vet told you. However, they can be triggered soon after surgery, if the dog is running around his kennel, for example, or gets too excited or is lifted up on the way out the door! They usually happen slowly and would not be noticed for the first day or so.

Initially haematomas aren't opened and drained. There is a risk that the blood vessel has not sealed off, and making a drainage hole would cause more bleeding. Small ones will also resorb by themselves (large ones too - I've seen a 20L haematoma resolve to a 5L haematoma in a week).

As lankeela says, the swelling and redness will disappear with time. If the swelling gets worse, or your dog gets sick/dull/not quite right go back to your vet.