My dog was spayed 4 days ago and she is still not close to being herself... today I noticed a lump next to her incision the lump is red and sore looking. Is this an abscess?

Call the Vet and ask - it could be anything from a bad stitch to an infection and she MIGHT need antibiotics to prevent a bad infection.

I have had dogs spayed and they were bouncing off the walls the next day, totally fine and not the least bit concerned about the procedure. I've also had dogs that took a week to feel better. I think it depends on the dog.

But I would be concerned if the incision (or the lump) looks worse.

I'd call the Vet - and congratulations on spaying your dog. Not everyone is as responsible as you are.

Please don't wait until next week, call today.

I'd get her in, they usually bounce back after a day or too. As far as the lump goes, could be anything from a seroma to a tissue reaction to the internal sutures.

Thanks for your advice we went to emergency clinic last night ( I would never have slept worrying all night if I hadn't)... Her body is reacting to the stitches is the cause of the lumps. Also I hadn't mentioned to you folks that she was diagnosed w Lyme Disease 3 weeks ago and being treated for it... The probable reason for her slow recovery is that her body is dealing w the Lyme plus the surgery. Little too much for her. Vet gave her some anti inflam meds also fluids seems little better today. Still not herself bt we know it will take a little longer. Thanks for your help.

Again - a responsible pet owner! If there were prizes, you would come in first.

Good to know she's doing well and I know what you mean about not being able to sleep because you are worried.

Please keep us informed.

You might want to hang around and join us on boards that interest you - more input is always welcome.

I agree with Judy, gold star for you marzo.

When I had my boy neutered he had a reaction to the stitches they used. He has very sensitive skin and all around the stitches was red an inflamed. He ended up getting them taken out about 4-5 days early.

Good luck with your girl, I wish her a speedy recovery.

My sweet girl is now herself again... eating again, playing with he toys too. You can tell she still feels little pain by the way she climbs stairs, but besides that she is OK. You are all awesome & I thank you for your support and I am totally for spaying and neutering your pets!! I have neutered my daughters 2 cats and spayed one of my own then found a stray and had her spayed too... It is the right thing to do with so many unwanted dogs and cats in the world. Anyway thanks again!!

How's the Lyme treatment progressing?

My Kudos as well on your concern.

Only couple of more days to the Lyme treatment and she is doing great. She has totally recovered from the spay. Back to her crazy playful self!! In regards to the Lyme she never had symptoms but tested positive for it. And only a couple of days left of her treatment, which she seemed to tolerate pretty well other than the slow recovery for spay surgery. Then she gets retested in 6 months to make sure the lyme is no longer active. Thanks everyone!