A Knot After Surgery
Posted By Clod on April 6, 2011
I recently had my cat spayed and a few days later I discovered a knot in the region where her incision is. Could this be a hernia, and if so, is it serious?
This knot you describe could be one of several things: a normal healing reaction, the formation of surgical scar tissue, a collection of fluid such as a seroma or a hematoma, or a hernia. Are there other clinical abnormalities? Is she happy, eating, and healthy otherwise?
The surgical closure from abdominal surgery such as an oviariohysterectomy (commonly called a “spay”) usually includes several layers of suture material, absorbable or non-absorbable. Post surgical healing for every animal can be different. Age, activity level, general health, and other factors can affect healing.
If a little oozing of fluid occurs at the surgical site, a seroma (clear fluid) or hematoma (bloody fluid) can occur. If this area is left alone, the fluid usually reabsorbs and the swelling gets smaller. At suture removal time, your veterinarian can remove the excess fluid from a seroma to reduce the swelling.
If a dehiscence; an opening in the abdominal wall at the surgical site; occurs, inside tissue such as abdominal fat or loops of intestines could find its way out, resulting in a hernia. If the knot you describe is an opening in the surgery site, creating a hernia, resuturing the area may be needed.
Anytime there is a question after surgery about the viability of the surgery site, have your veterinarian check it. The surgery rechecks by the surgeon who spayed your cat are usually part of the initial fee. Have him or her check the cat to be sure. In the vast majority of the cases, the knot is caused by scar tissue or fluid in the area. Hernias are the least likely to occur, but can be the most serious if the abdominal wall opens up.
Comments