Dog's ACL surgery scar has red bumps and pus. Why isn't it healing?

Hi and thanks for your request. This presentation looks like a tissue reaction/infection of the underlying implants or some material used during surgery. In the cases an x ray and possibly a bacterial swab to culture possible resistant infections are needed.

It looks like a small pustule. He may need an antibiotic to treat so you should call your vet and have him rechecked. If the suture underneath is poking through then your vet might be able to trim the suture so it doesn't bother him. It should eventually be absorbed. The incision appears to have healed well.

Scab formation as surgical incisions heal is quite normal. As for the yellowish tissue that you are seeing from the middle of the incision, this could be fibrin-rich tissue as a part of normal healing, or could be purulent (pus-like) discharge associated with infection. If an incisional infection is present, I would also expect Ellie's incision to be red and/or inflamed. If you do see signs that could be consistent with infection, try to find a vet to take Ellie to this weekend since antibiotics may be necessary. If there is no redness or inflammation, and Ellie is otherwise eating, drinking, and acting normally, you can continue to monitor this incision closely at home through the weekend. If you are not already doing so, be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) on Ellie at all times until her sutures are removed so that she cannot lick the incision, introducing infection or even inadvertently removing her sutures. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

By licking the incision your dog licked bacteria into it and now there is an infection. You should take Bentley back to the vet for a recheck. He will likely need prescription antibiotics and a bigger e-collar.

Place the e-collar back on him. Have him rechecked by your veterinarian. He may need a few more staples to keep the site fully closed. Consider Bitter Apple Spray, Fooey or other deterrent ( https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/category/dog/dog-training/dog-training-repellents-and-attractants ) around the site to further prevent licking. A cold compress applied for 10 minutes 2-3 times a day may ease any discomfort. Continue to restrict activity to just leash walks for eiimination.

I am afraid the itch is the wound trying to heal. Anything that would stop the itching would likely also hinder healing. I actually think the woulnd is irritating him and a natural reaction to that is to lick the wound. Of course we need to keep him from licking the wound and contaminating it with nasty mouth bacteria as well as opening the wound. So, Priat will need to be brave and plow through having a e-collar or wearing the doggy jacket. It will keep him from licking and so facilitates healing. The pain and itching should be gone in a few days (DO NOT take off the jacket until your vet says so). He will get used to it and be a good boy.

I'm sorry Brutus had to have surgery for his CCL recently! From the pictures, it looks like it's healing well at the moment, and I'm not seeing any sign of infection. It's normal to have a slight bloody discharge, and I would be concerned if there was pus, or if the incision was red, swollen, or warm to the touch. Should you see those signs that I've mentioned, that indicates infection, and I would take him into the vet. Hopefully he continues to heal well. Good luck, I hope this helps!