My cat's surgery incision has blood, stitches missing. Is it healing?

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Oliver. The incision site appears slightly red in color. However, there is no discharge visible and I do not see areas that appear to be opening. I think that it is healing very well. Please keep the collar on him at all times to prevent any further licking. He should heal up very well. I hope this information helps!

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!

Then incision is more red than I would expect it to at this time. It could be just because he has been too active, or it could be early signs of an infection. If it is more red tomorrow then it is probably an infection. I would confine him to a small bathroom where he can’t jump around and keep his mouth away from the incision. Either a onsie or the e-collar needs to be on at all times to protect him from opening the incision. I would encourage you to have a follow up appointment with your veterinarian tomorrow to examine the incision and see if he needs antibiotics. I don’t see any need for an emergency clinic appointment today. Best of luck and I hope he heals soon. Thank you for using Pet Coach.

Hi there. Often, losing a single suture a few days after surgery isn't a huge deal, especially if the incision still appears to be closed and there is no bleeding or drainage. But it's hard to say if this is a problem or not without being able to see it. If you want to, you can post a photo of the incision for us to look at - we may be able to give you a better idea of whether it needs any treatment.

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!

Hi. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. From the pictures the incision looks ok; though be sure you are monitoring at home make sure there is no discharge, opening of the incision, swelling, heat or redness at the incision line. Make sure that Yuki isn't licking or chewing at the incision. Do not clean or wipe the incision line as this can irritate it and cause Yuki to try to lick. Do no apply any medications. If you notice any swelling or discharge, please take her back to the veterinarian. Also monitor that she is eating, drinking and urinating/defecating normally. The incision line will take 10-14 days to heal.

I agree with your vet that the area will heal with time. However, Gypsy has the potential to get the area infected or open it up more if she continues to lick at it, so you need to use an e-collar or such to prevent her from licking. If the area continues to ooze, becomes red or swollen or the incision opens up more, then I would certainly contact your veterinarian again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Gypsy heals quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.