Why does my cat's spay incision look like a hole? Is it normal?

Thank you for sending the picture! I can see the puckering on KC’s skin that you’re concerned about, but this area looks pretty normal to me. The abdomen is closed in 2-3 layers depending on the surgeon’s preference, so even if there is a little puckering of the skin incision, the abdomen itself is still closed. I also don’t see any evidence of infection or inflammation since there doesn’t appear to be any swelling, redness, or discharge. For now, continue to keep the e-collar on KC and do your best to keep her relatively quiet. I realize that’s an impossible undertaking, so just do your best! I hope that everything goes well!

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.

This looks like a typical post spay incision site. The skin can pucker a bit as the pet reacts to the sutures used, but this is normal. As long as you are not seeing any discharge or open areas, then this looks just fine. Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Take care!

Hello. I am so sorry that this has been so stressful. Most surgeries go off without a hitch, sometimes there are complications. This looks like a piece of suture, that may have been in the underlying muscle layer, may be trying to or has already migrated out. For now, just gently clean the area with a skin antiseptic like Hibiclens ( available at any pharmacy ) twice a day. Just dab it on & leave it. If the area seems to be worsening, do have her seen as soon as possible, but for now, just keep it cleaned. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

This incision is fine. It is healing from the inside out. Over the next few weeks thie skin will fill in and the fur will grow back. You may still feel the absorbable sutures under the skin for another month. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Chai.

All in all, I think that Tokyo's incision looks perfectly normal for being about 10 days post-op. I can see that she's likely been licking the center part a bit more than she should have been since the tissue is still slightly red. However, it's still healing nicely. Since this area is a bit red, I would try to put an e-collar (cone) or baby onesie on Tokyo for the next few days to prevent her from licking at it. The white areas that you're seeing look like normal fibrin-rich tissues, which are normal in the healing process and will fall off shortly. I hope that she continues to heal well!

Hello. It does look like the incision is opening a bit, but just the skin. The underlying muscle looks intact. You may have to put an E-collar ( cone of shame ) on her to prevent her from licking the incision open more. Most of the big pet retailers have them & one of the soft ones made for kitties should not be too stressful for her. I would also pick up some betadine at any pharmacy & gently clean the skin twice daily. No need to scrub. It is not necessary, but it would not hurt to put a dab on Neosporin on the incision, but only if she is wearing the collar. You do not want her to try cleaning the incision with her rough tongue. If the incision reddens much more, or begins to discharge at all, you will need to have her seen over the weekend. She will not fall apart on you, but keep a good eye on things & if it really worries you, have her seen quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.