Why is there a gap in my kitten's spay incision 8 days after surgery?

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!

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.

From the pictures, Chicles' incision looks great! Occasionally, a scab will linger over the incision until it falls off or is licked off, and this is quite normal. Since she is 13 days post-surgery, you can gradually allow her to increase her exercise level by being out of the single room for a few hours for a few days, before allowing her to return to her normal lifestyle. I hope this helps and that all continues to go well! :-)

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.

It does not appear wide open, is not red and is not bleeding or draining. It looks good for 6 days post op. Monitor for redness,swelling, discharge, bleeding or for dehiscence (opening). Monitor also for lethargy, loss of appetite or fever. These are all symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

When we close an incision with absorbable sutures, sometimes the incision rolls in a bit (which it appears that Pookie's incision is doing). That is no reason for concern. My only concern would be that the right side of the incision may be a little red when compared to the left. I would make sure that Pookie has an e-collar in place and cannot lick at this incision to make it irritated. If the incision is getting swollen, more red or has any discharge, I would recommend having your veterinarian examine it. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Pookie is fine. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello, I am glad your kitten is recovering smoothly from her procedure. It looks like the skin may be a little dry from the cleaning agents used to prep patients for surgery. However, this should resolve/improve within a few days. If at her 10-14 day post-operative, her skin is still not looking healed, your veterinarian may chose to perform additional diagnostics at the site. Alternatively, if your kitten is licking at the area, she may be causing some irritation to the skin there. Please make sure she is not licking the area by placing an e-collar on her if necessary. Monitor the are for any swelling, redness, discharge and contact your veterinarian if you note any as this could indicate a local infection or reaction to the suture material. Hope this helps and best of luck.