My cat's spay incision is bleeding a little. Do I need to see the vet?

Thank you for the picture, it's very helpful. The bleeding may be due to you cleaning the area, as it should not be washed while healing as that disturbs the scab and the healing process. Also stitches should not get wet. In the picture, the skin around the area does not look red or swollen. Please feel the area, and make sure it does not feel warm to the touch; if it does, that means it is infected and Charlie has to go back to the vet now. When the vet said keep the area clean, it means keep the area dry and away from dirt and debris, not to wash it. Please do not wash it again, pat the area dry, and since there was only a bit of bleeding, just monitor it for now. If you see redness, swelling, pus, the skin is warm to the touch, she becomes lethargic, and/or she has a loss of appetite, she needs to see a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

Mabel is such a cute kitty!! A small amount of bruising around the incision can be normal, but swelling can indicate a possible breakdown in the stitches holding the muscle together and should be checked out sooner rather than later, especially if Mabel seems painful. If the sutures Di breakdown it is possible for intestines to then become trapped beneath the skin and this can be very serious. I would recommend placing an ecollar on Mabel and confining her to a kennel or large box until you are able to have her seen. Excessive activity following surgery is not recommended and can exacerbate any complications that may develop. I hope Mabel feels better soon!

Some mild swelling is quite common but any pain, discomfort or discharge requires veterinary assessment. Monitor closely, it should reduce in size over 3-5days if fluid build up but may require surgical repair if not resolving

As long as the incision isn't actively bleeding and isn't infected (red, swollen, warm to the touch, pus), then Bella should be ok. Keep an Ecollar on her at all times to keep her from licking her incision. Best of luck.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Coconut and for providing a picture, it's very helpful. In the picture, I don't see any signs of infection, which would include severe redness, swelling, and pus from the incision. The incision looks closed in the picture, and I do see some scabs, which can be normal. There can be some discharge from the incision if the cat is moving too much after surgery, or if she was licking at it, which can happen when she isn't wearing a cone. At this point in time, I do not think she needs to see the vet. Keep the cone on her at all times, and keep her quiet. If the incision is opening up, you see the signs of infection that I mentioned above, and/or she is lethargic or suffering from a loss of appetite, then she will need to see a vet right away. I hope this helps!

The incision looks like it’s opened up a little, perhaps from her licking it. I would get a cone on her so she can’t lick and the incision should heal fine in a week or so. The incision on a female has layers and goes into the abdomen so often there is more swelling and puckering than a male who just has a skin incision into the scrotum. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Remi.

The incisions do not appear to be infected in the images supplied. Confirm all three cats have e-collars (cones) in place to prevent licking. The cones should stay on for at least 10-14 days post op. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, odor, excessive bruising, active bleeding or discharge.