As always, seek veterinary advice before applying aloe. Limit Activity. Do not allow your dog to lick or chew its wound: The mouth of a dog contains a large variety of bacteria. Spay Incision Appearance - Days 1-3 The incision will appear fresh but should be completely close and not leaking any fluid or showing any signs of bumps or redness. Thank you for the insight. A seroma or an incision lump that occurs after spaying Red, angry, oozing bumps If you notice that the bumps around your dog's incision cut are red and if they are oozing a fluid contact your vet immediately. The edges of the wound will not be healed together and a slight gap between the edges is acceptable. If you move down from the belly button towards their tail then you should be able to find it. Customer. It is important that your cat takes it easy for a couple days following surgery. Are you planning on a new journey to become a pet sitter? Avoiding infection is going to be the best approach when it comes to your dogs healing spay incision, of course. 159 reviews of Simi Valley Non-Profit Spay & Neuter Clinic "Everyone was super nice. Thank you for your kind words! Honestly, I have no idea how anyone keeps the plastic cone on their cat for 7 whole days. But, seromas can get infected. Dogs may not return to normal activity until the incision is healed and sutures are removed if applicable. Youre welcome, Leona! They dont meow loudly as though theyre using a megaphone. Follow the vet's advice for aftercare to ensure your dog is comfortable and has the most excellent chance of avoiding possible and dangerous complications. My goodness this was SO helpful!! Licking the surgical site traumatizes the skin and introduces oral bacteria into the wound. Also, more importantly, her incision is healing without complications! When a dog gets spayed, do the stitches dissolve? In the second picture, the incision is beginning to open up. The skin then swells and reddens. Instead of just clasping the cone around the neck, they may also use ribbons to secure it around your cats shoulder, backpack-style. It is integral to make sure your dog is not interfering with the incision, as this can cause infection and broken stitches. Day 4 to Day 5 - The skin regains a little firmness as it recovers. That means keeping an eye on the incision site, too. An accumulation of fluid or pus around the incision also puts extra tension on the sutures, increasing the risk that they may pull out. You might also notice sutures missing. When introduced to an incision by licking, the bacteria can colonize and cause an infection. Dog Advisory Council also participates in affiliate programs with other sites. So, prepare a quiet isolation room or fenced-off area for your spayed cat to recover from her surgery. One complication we always educate owners on is recognizing incisional infections. Your cats poop schedule may take some time to return to normal though. Discharge, red streaks, and malodor can occur with infection, complicating the dog spay incision healing process. Do continue to put your rabbit on cage rest for a few more days and monitor for any incision licking though. Your email address will not be published. Learn how your comment data is processed. It is uncommon for spay surgery sites to become infected, the vast majority never do and heal up fine and quickly. It could just be chafing or picking at the wound, but it could be an infection. Do you want to adopt a fierce dog that captures the hearts Dog deafness is a common issue that affects dogs of all ages and breeds. This was such a helpful article, thank you. Your veterinarian will discuss monitoring for infection. This promotes growth of skin tissue around the wound, which helps prevent infection and soothes the wound so your cat wont scratch at it. Her pupils may also be in a slightly dilated state. It is always best to be overly cautious because incisional infections can become disastrous if left unattended. Similarly, if the swelling just stays at angry red and doesnt fade, this is where you will want to get in touch with your vet to see if something is going on beneath the surface. You want to prevent any further damage or worse issues. External stitch tearing will look like a gap or a hole in their obvious incision line. I rescued a 3 month old kitty last week and your pics and insight have been really helpful , Youre welcome, TJ! Buying from Alamy. Learn how your comment data is processed. If the swelling of the incision is going the other way, however, it could be a sign of an infection. Including the lump recovery period, it takes at least 14 days for a cat to completely heal after being spayed. Eschar: a dry, dark scab on the incision Delayed Healing: usually caused by radiation treatments and sometimes chemotherapy; this is when the surgical incision . It makes so much sense to share a timeline of photos for the home caregiver to check on progress, but NOBODY shared this, including the experts. As any concerned pet parent, youll want to ensure that your dogs spay surgery incision is healing properly, right? This may be just temporary, or a sign of illness. An early spay incision will show signs of redness and swelling around the wound. Keep in mind that spay surgery is an effective procedure for your dog. Incisions can also be closed with the sutures buried under the skin so that they are not visible. Photos are extremely helpful, and your veterinarian may request you email pictures to their clinic for review. With this article, sharing information not fully available elsewhere and letting other cat owners know that theyre not alone in this were my two main objectives. Seromas are usually filled with fluid that could be watery in texture and red in color. Chronic corticosteroid use: Animals that are on corticosteroids long-term may have delayed wound healing and be more at risk for wound healing failure and infection. Second, breast cancer is the number one type of cancer diagnosed in intact (unspayed) female cats. Magnus89. But youll want to make sure that she isnt chafing them on anything that may cause her irritation, infection, or ripping them open. This is an incision with suture material under the skin that will absorb: This is an immediate postoperative photo. It is not a good idea to put anything on your dogs spay incision unless directed to do so by your vet. By decreasing the hormone, your dog may be unable to hold her bladder. EmilyF421. Usually, internal sutures, or stitches, are used to close the opening from spay surgery, so you will not be able to see visible stitches. Here is a video: Fortunately, complications are very rare for dogs after being spayed or neutered. Avoid changing your cats food abruptly during this period. It is very effective because it hydrates the surface of your cats skin where it received the stiches. document.getElementById( "ak_js_1" ).setAttribute( "value", ( new Date() ).getTime() ); This site uses Akismet to reduce spam. Search Results for Spay surgery Stock Photos and Images (582) Page 1 of 6. Your email address will not be published. Your dog will need to keep from jumping after her spay for a certain amount of time for this reason! It will look like a thin scar or wrinkle on the skin. She graduated with a Doctorate in Veterinary Medicine (DVM) from the Ontario Veterinary College in 2019. Yes, modern-day spay procedures have sutures and stitches that will dissolve after about one week. White Blood cells and anti-inflammatory cells accumulate at the point of incision. A healthy and healing spay incision will be a straight line on your dogs stomach with raised edges and visible stitching or invisible suturing holding the raw edges together. Your dog recently came home after having surgery and now its up to you to make sure the incision heals properly. The short answer is yes. A seroma appears as swelling at the surgical site, and this can occur during the recuperation period that follows any surgical procedure. Your vet will provide more details about your dog's specific procedure and how it affects incision healing. You should keep it indoors, limit its movement, and use the cat collar. Reduce the daily amount during the first few days, if needed. Seromas are a type of swelling full of lymphatic fluid in the shape of a lump; they usually go away on their own in a month or so but occasionally need to be drained. I have also seen dogs chew through their sutures and open their incisions, requiring emergency surgery to repair the defect. But how can you tell if the redness and swelling are part of a normal healing process or signs of trouble? Im glad the info has helped you prepare for her future adult spay recovery. The key to a healing cat spay is that there shouldnt be any swelling or inflammation in or around the incision. During the healing process, try to get your dog to lie on his side. The healing process can be divided into stages. You should check your female pup for infection or infected stitches no less than twice each day. After this, collagen works to thin the scar tissue, rendering it nearly healed. As far as discharge, youll notice a particular change. What is the typical post-operative care for a dog? Personally, my cats wolfed down all their food portions happily. ), then a process called "second intention" comes into play. The skin should be its normal color or slightly pinkish-red, and it's not unusual for the incision to become slightly redder during the first few days following surgery. The stages of wound healing are described here. Youll want to make sure that she wears a cone while recovering from her spay to prevent this from happening. A big part of this is making sure your pets incision is healing without complication. First, the wound will be inflamed, with swelling and red or pink edges. There should also be no inflammation or bumps around the incision. To help you provide the best recovery care for your cat, this article covers: So, youve made a vet appointment and sent your cat for her spay. Stand the dog up or lay them on their back if they let you. Im happy to hear that what I shared helped you. This immune response results in the mobilization of white blood cells, inflammatory cells, and protein to the site of injury. A small amount of bloody or pink-tinged discharge is normal after surgery. If your cats spay scar looks like one of these pictures below, you should consult your vet immediately. After surgery, a dogs skin will heal in a normal wound-healing fashion. Some dogs will intentionally guard their stitches as they recover for the first few days, and others will deliberately lay on their backs to expose them as they struggle with discomfort. There is one area in the center towards the top that I would keep an eye on as it doesn't look as well glued as the rest of it. Spay incision healing pictures may be . Diligent owners are monitoring their dogs incision closely to make sure an infection is not developing. Go to page. typically include infection, spay incontinence, opening an incision, seromas, and hernia. At first, the spay incision wound of your dog will look bright red, but it should gradually go down to a lighter pink, and then the reddish hue should disappear. With this procedure, you won't have to worry about your pup going into heat every three weeks. I was an anxious wreck with my first female cat, too. Some incisions may have slight clear or pinkish discharge in the first few days of healing. Follow the dosage recommendations carefully to ensure your pup gets the most of its pain medication and antibiotics. Dog Advisory Council is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Associates Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising and linking to Amazon.com. All is going well and her incision looks good. It is not unusual for the incision to become slightly redder during the first few days, as healing begins to take place. It also is non burn and non sting. In a normal, healthy dog, properly healing, non-infected incisions typically heal within 10-14 days and a permanent scar forms within about 14-21 days. Our mission is to be the trusted resource for dogs and owners.This website was developed by dog lovers, enthusiasts, and professionals to share knowledge and knowhow on dogs. Make sure it's cotton, so it will breathe. . Youre welcome, Crystal! Licking also causes trauma to the skin and can delay healing. If bleeding continues, your pet may have an infected spay incision or other complication. Similarly, if swelling is accompanied by heat when you put your finger to the woundor if you see red streaksyou will want to visit the vet. In laymans terms, she explains: Its simply the reaction of your cats body after those layers of skin (tissue and fat) were stitched together. Swelling a mild amount of swelling is normal after surgery, but if it becomes excessive or is progressive and not improving, an infection may be brewing. Signs of possible infection would be swelling/hot/red around the incision site, pus drainage, bleeding. Why Does My Dog Sleep with His Eyes Open? Redness slowly darkens as scabs start to form. This method is called healing by second intention. And its a spot on description! Swelling is expected but is usually mild. Severe infections may need to be surgically addressed and cleaned. A harmless lump called a seroma may also appear on the incision. A culture is a swab taken of the incision that is sent to a laboratory to assess for bacterial growth that can indicate an infection is brewing. Dogs have sharp teeth that can chew through the fabric to the underlying incision, causing significant trauma. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. Symptoms of infected stitches. If you notice excess redness, bleeding, pain when the incision is touched, missing sutures, wide gaps in the incision, or any tissue protruding, contact your veterinarian. Its essential to know the signs of infection or ripped stitches, however, for proper care! If a hernia on a dog consists of fat only, then your puppy may not experience any pain. Your vet will put on a cone (or e-collar) to prevent your cat from licking and chewing the sutures at the incision site. This is usually caused by an overactive immune system in response to excess movement and activity by the dog. Glad to hear my article helped you, Sarah! There will be slight redness and swelling, slight bruising, and perhaps light pink or clear discharge as the wound heals. Spaying is, after all, an invasive surgery. In the first 12 hours, your cat will likely be woozy, slow and quiet due to anesthetic effects. Incisions that are healing properly typically look clean, with the edges touching each other. Also, take care not to let the stitches rip through the friction of your dog lying on top of them. Do not scrub the incision. It has been closed with staples that are becoming embedded due to the swelling of the skin: This dogs incision is very clearly infected. All rights reserved. It possesses Coughing is our body's natural way of responding to the presence of any irritants or abnormalities existing in our airways. Im glad the photos helped you. Pet insurance can be a safety net for you and your pet, helping your pet care budget go further. In my experience, I was given liquid painkiller for my cats after their spay. Licenses and pricing; Browse by category; What Should a Spay Incision Look Like? Scratching presents a problem through the potential creation of cuts and abrasions; it may cause infection or broken stitches. A dog spay incision should appear as a closed, straight line with pinkish skin surrounding the incision edges. Heres what you need to prepare. You can get a free quote below. Heres the answer from my vet. You should be able to find their belly button, there should be a swirl mark around the middle of their belly. Seromas. As long as it doesn't look like it's pulled open so you can see the fatty skin layers underneath or looks super red, it should be okay. If you have multiple cats, its best to separate the spayed cat from the group during her recovery. It cost 40 dollars per animal to have them spayed." . How much protein do cats need? As the incision heals, the wound should appear smaller with minimal swelling and redness. Both incisions are closed up and there is no inflammation or bumps around the wound. As the incision heals, it should appear smaller and lighter in color. Another great cream for a healing cat spay incision is the Skin and Wound gel. This will taper off as the incision heals and the skin starts to close at the line of the incision. Contaminated wounds, such as those secondary to trauma or bite wounds, are at greater risk of infection: This photo is of a traumatic wound that has become infected and has broken down. What a difference, Im not alone! However, some hernias result from organs slipping through the abdominal wall, such as the intestine or bladder. Ultimately, what remains is a dog neuter scar. While we veterinarians are responsible for doing a good job in surgery, it is then left to the pet owner to ensure recovery is going smoothly. Almost all incisional infections are self-inflicted in dogs. And it was, they did not inform me that they would be closing her incision with "glue", I would . The incision should normally be clean and the edges should be touching each other. Read more about us. The Adorable Adventures of a 3 Week Old French Bulldog, Is Dawn Dish Soap Safe For Dogs? Poor aseptic technique: Dogs that have surgery performed in an unsterile environment can be more prone to infections. Itll appear as though the incision is simply disappearing! For females, apply ice to surgical sight for 10-15 minutes (as pet will allow) to help reduce pain and swelling. It is now up to you to make sure the incision heals properly. There are tons of considerations to factor into your decision, which can be overwhelming at times. Dog Tail Docking: 5 Dangers of This Procedure (Based on Science). If you notice your cat is scratching at the spay incision, there is a good chance it is infected. A sensitivity and culture usually cost around $200-300. store-bought alternatives and DIY recovery suits, Cat Spay Recovery Guide (with Incision Healing Photo Timeline), Cat Parvo Treatment at Home (How My Cats Survived Parvo), Best Cat Litter for Cats with Respiratory Problems (Chronic Cases, Asthma, Allergies). Day 6 Some scabs start to fall off, leaving smooth, new skin. Can You Get A Pet Insurance Military Discount? Personally, my cats personality never changed at all. Other effective covering methods include a shirt or onesieor wearing an Elizabethan (E) collar or cone to prevent scratching (see next section). Both vets and pet parents agree that infection is one of the most common problems when your dog is recovering from her spay surgery. Cushings Disease in Dogs: Symptoms, Diagnosis and Treatments, Most Effective Dog Training Methods According to Science, TOP #25: Debunking 8 Common Homemade Dog Food Diet Myths, TOP #26: Who Benefits from Homemade Dog Food the Most. Here are some pictures of cat spay incision healing pictures. An infection could occur if your dog excessively cleans or chews at the incision site. When this is done, the skin may be closed with tissue glue. There will be mild swelling, causing the incision to appear raised, and perhaps light bruising in the areas around the swelling. Average incision healing is 10-14 days. In a healthy incision, you can expect some pinkish (not red, just light pink) discharge that will get less and less as time goes on. Here are some guidelines to consider. We tried putting it back, but they were very stressed out about it. She blogs about animals, small businesses, and social causes on her website. We use cookies to ensure that we give you the best experience on our website. Excessive motion or exercise will apply tension to the wound, making healing difficult. Can I Put Anything On My Dogs Spay Incision? The spay incision should no longer be red it should be pink color, the edges should be sealed together, and there should be no drainage or pain from the incision. Dr. Little, Expert. Its been hard to keep her as quiet as she should be. by spaying and decreasing her chance of future diseases, including breast cancer and uterine infections. The initial healing time for most incisions is two weeks or less (see following paragraphs). Other types like sand litter may stick to (and contaminate) the incision site, affecting the healing process. . The key to a healing cat spay is that there shouldn't be any swelling or inflammation in or around the incision. An hour after your cat comes home, you can give of your cats normal food portion. Scaring is very minimal and incisions weren't more than an itch. Sometimes, hernias in dogs can be life-threatening, so if you suspect she has a hernia, you should return to the veterinarian immediately. This dog cone-like collar attaches to your dog's collar and will prevent your dog from licking or gnawing at the incision site, even if you cannot watch her every move. I made this website with the purpose of writing everything I know about cats in order to answer all of your cat questions. What should a spay incision look like after a week? Youre welcome, Suzanne! Infection is one of the most common complications associated with incisions, and early detection and treatment can usually solve the problem before it worsens. Stitches can tear if your dog scratches or simply licks the incision. If your pet surgery was performed at Pets In Stitches, please contact us if your pet's incision looks like any of these pictures. Ripped stitches can be severe complications, so youll want to bring her to the vet if you notice that she is missing even one or two. Before swollen spay incisions in dogs become infected, pet owners must seek professional care. Your cat may have decreased appetite right after her surgery. And in some cases, the male dog neuter scar may be very small. This is an accumulation of fluid under the skin after surgery. You can see the skin is mildly swollen, which is normal. Initially, the skin swells and reddens and may even show signs of bruising. Check out these useful ways to give your a cat a pill if youre having a hard time with the process. Even a couple of split stitches can be dangerouspotentially moving vital organs out of placeand require immediate veterinary attention. I'm just afraid her moving might've pulled out a stitch but thank you. It is normal for spay incisions to appear lumpy as they are healing. Incisions become itchy as they heal and are sore immediately after surgery. You may see scabbing or crusting develop, which is how the body heals wounds in a normal fashion. These are uncommon after clean surgical procedures (like reproductive surgery or abdominal surgeries) but still occur with some frequency. Pain medication and antibiotics will likely decrease the potential for some of the spay above surgery complications. . 1 It's also known as wound separation. . There is a problem if the discharge suddenly worsens, turns yellow or green, or dark red. You would likely know right away if it were becoming infected. 6. Licking her spay incision can have many complications, including tearing out sutures or stitches and introducing bacteria right to the incision site.