Willoughby “Willy” – From Bouncy Pup to Brave Patient

Name: Willoughby (Willy)
Breed: French Bulldog
Age/Sex: 1 year 1 month, Male (Neutered)
Weight: 13.8 kg
Clinic: Housecall

Willy may be small in size, but he’s big on character 🐾. Over his first year, Willy was a regular at Creature Comforts—coming in for puppy vaccines, checkups, and eventually, his desexing procedure. From day one, Willy’s family has been attentive and proactive, making sure he grows up healthy, strong, and full of zoomies.

Like many French Bulldogs, Willy has a spirited nature—but also a few health challenges along the way.

Willy received all his core vaccines (DHPPi, Leptospirosis, and Rabies) right on schedule between June and August 2024. His vet noted how much he’d grown—stronger hind legs, improved muscle tone, and a perfect BCS of 5/9 💪

But in late August, his family noticed he was limping on his left front leg, especially after naps. Dr. Annabelle examined him and found no pain, swelling, or structural issues—just a mild soft tissue strain. A short course of Meloxicam helped relieve the discomfort, and Willy was soon back to his playful self.

In December 2024, Willy came in for his routine neutering. His pre-anaesthetic bloodwork came back clear—organ function, hydration, and red/white cell counts were all within normal limits.

His surgical team administered:

• Gabapentin for pain
   
• Trazodone for calming
   
• Cerenia to prevent nausea
   
• General anaesthesia: Propofol + Isoflurane
   

Dr. Martin performed a standard prescrotal castration. The procedure went smoothly, and Willy recovered well on the day.

The day after surgery, Willy’s family noticed his scrotum looked very swollen. While he was still playful and eating well, the swelling concerned everyone.

Dr. Annabelle reassessed Willy and confirmed:

• No fever or infection
   
• Bruising consistent with post-surgical haematoma
   
• No discharge or wound issues
   
• Willy showed no pain, licking, or signs of distress
   

She prescribed Meloxicam for inflammation and advised rest and cold compresses. Surgery wasn’t required yet—but they agreed to monitor closely for signs of infection, necrosis, or non-resorption.

Thanks to attentive care and gentle monitoring, Willy’s swelling gradually subsided. He remained energetic, happy, and well-fed throughout the recovery period. His case reminds us that every pet reacts differently to surgery, and even standard procedures can come with small surprises.

✅ Completed full vaccine protocol with no adverse reactions
✅ Managed soft tissue strain conservatively
✅ Underwent successful neutering with appropriate pre-op screening
✅ Monitored and treated post-surgical haematoma without additional surgery
✅ Received tailored sedation and pain relief protocols

🐾 Post-op swelling in male dogs can be scary but manageable—monitor, don’t panic.
🐾 Always check surgical sites daily and follow your vet’s advice.
🐾 Let your dog rest and restrict wild play—even if they feel okay.
🐾 Early diagnosis of limping, strains, or swelling helps avoid complications.

🎯 Sector 1: What Pet Owners Want to Know 

1. Why did Willy’s scrotum swell after surgery?
   
    
2. Is post-castration swelling dangerous?
   
    
3. When should I worry about a swollen surgical site?
   
    
4. Why wasn’t antibiotics prescribed?
   
    
5. Is cold compress safe for dogs?
   
    
6. Can all swelling after surgery heal naturally?
   
    

🌡 Sector 2: Medical Highlights

1. What is a scrotal haematoma?
   
    
2. How do you decide when surgery is needed post-op?
   
    
3. What’s your protocol for pain relief in neutering cases?
   
    
4. How does a soft tissue injury differ from joint damage?
   
    

🩺 Sector 3: Vet's Community Message

1. What’s your advice to new pet parents handling post-op care?
   
    
2. How important is communication with owners during recovery?
   
    
3. Any tips for spotting complications early?
   
    
4. What’s one thing you wish every dog owner knew about desexing?