Bruising After Neutering

My 5 yr old Chihuahua was neutered 6 days ago and has been doing well. Last night he had some bruising on his belly and this morning the bruising was a little darker and I can feel a lump under the skin. The bruising and the lump are not near the incision they are on the left lower side of his belly closer to his leg.  I took him to the vet this morning and had him examined. They said he was fine and that bruising can sometimes happen as he heels especially if he is an active dog and the lump was probably from the stiches but the lump is no where near the incision. Is that correct and am I just being a worrier or is this something else. some of what I read online said they can develop clots so I was not sure what this was.


Thank you

[Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS]

Hello Roscoe_Chance,

Bruising can happen after any surgery.
I would suggest:
. keeping a close eye on it (I'm sure you will !!!). It should decrease, not increase.
. making sure it's basically gone by 10-14 days, at suture removal/recheck.
. CONFINING your puppy!  He won't heal as well if he is allowed to run and jump all over the place.
. keeping in touch with your vet to make sure things are progressing as they would expect.

Good luck.

Please kindly keep us posted.

Phil Zeltzman, DVM, DACVS
Doggie aurgeon and author of a free newsletter at drphilzeltzman.com