Is my kitten's spay incision healing normally 6 days after surgery?

Related Answers from Veterinarians

• Answered By Catherine Stecyk

  Veterinarian

  Published on March 3rd, 2019

  Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Ollie's incision looks to be healing well at this time, and does not appear infected. Signs of infection include swelling, redness of the incision itself, and yellow/thick discharge from the incision. The pinkish area next to her incision looks like some bruising that likely occurred due to trauma/pinching of the area during surgery. Bruising can worsen during the first 2-3 days following a procedure, but should start to improve after that time. The dried blood/crusting around her incision is not abnormal either. I definitely recommend keeping Ollie's Elizabethan collar on AT ALL TIMES until her recheck appointment with your veterinarian to prevent her from licking at the area and causing trauma/increasing the risk of an incisional infection. If the bruising worsens after day 4-5 post-op, and/or you notice yellow/thick, foul-smelling discharge, I recommend having Ollie seen by your veterinarian right away. Otherwise, I recommend monitoring the area and keeping her E-collar on. Best of luck with Ollie! And THANK YOU for spaying your pet!

  

  6Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Debi Matlack

  Veterinary Technician

  Published on March 3rd, 2021

  It looks like it seeped some fluid that dried around the wound. You can clean this very gently with a warm damp washcloth by dabbing at the dried material, don't rub and don't wipe directly on the incision. If she didn't have the cone on she would have roomed this off herself, but it's safer to keep it on her so she doesn't chew or overgroom her incision site. It looks pretty normal otherwise and as long as she is acting fine and you are restricting her from jumping and running she should recover just fine.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Sarah Smith, Bsc (Hons) BVM&S MRCVS

  Veterinarian

  Published on January 1st, 2017

  Slight redness and swelling is a normal part of the healing process in the first few days after surgery. Excessive swelling, bruising, or discharge from the wound is not normal. If you are concerned about the appearance of your kittens wound I would recommend making an appointment with your regular veterinarian to determine a course of treatment.

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

• Answered By Ana M, DVM

  Veterinarian

  Published on September 7th, 2020

  Thank you for submitting your question regarding Minka. Her incision appears a little red, but most of the time that is normal after surgery. Otherwise, it seems ok. Signs of a problem can include pus or discharge coming from the surgical site, the incision opening up or her acting sick. If you notice any of these signs, she will need to see a veterinarian right away. Do not allow her to lick the site as this can lead to problems. I hope this information helps!

  

  1Pet Parents found this answer helpful