My dog's incision has red areas after surgery. Is this normal?

It's difficult to tell from just a picture. The skin is definitely discolored, but this could be from the surgical prep (iodine), or from dried blood. If the skin is not stained, then this would be abnormal and would indicate bruising or an infection. You can test for stained skin by gently wiping the skin with a little hydrogen peroxide. Avoid wiping the incision (the middle) and just wipe the edges. If it's staining, then the redness will start to be lifted with just a couple of wipes. If the wiping is unsuccessful at removing the discoloration, then it's likely bruising or infection and I'd recommend he get checked by the vet in the next 24 hours. I hope that helps and all is well with your dog.

Ghese are subcutaneous hemorrhages (bleeding under the skin). Your dog may have a problem with blood coagulation, I suggest you take her back to your vet for a recheck. It is likely nothing to worry about provided these areas do not get bigger. If you feel that the dark areas are indeed increasing in number and size you will need to take Blue to your vet right away.

Hello, thank you for your question about Harley. Based on the photo that you’ve attached it appears that small area is a blood blister or forming bruise. If Harley recently had surgery it is possible that she is having a mild reaction to the surgical antiseptic used or that area is where one of the surgical instruments rested. As long as Harley does not super painful around the area I would recommend continuing to monitor the area. If it does not fade or go away in the next few days I would recommend having Harley evaluated by a veterinarian. Hope this helps!

These bruises happen when blood seeps into the tissue surrounding the surgical site. This usually happens when a dog has a coagulation disorder, or the dog bled a lot during the surgery (for example when spayed during her heat) and then the blood cannot be absorbed quickly enough and seeps into the tissue. If the bruises expand more and should your dog develop white gums or pale gums, then she needs to be seen by your vet who should do a packed cell volume blood test and a coagulation panel. Dogs can easily bleed to death when there is a coagulation problem or continuous bleeding.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It can be normal to see a small amount of blood-tinged/clear fluid (what we term serosanguinous discharge) from an incision within the first 24-48 hours following a surgical procedure. This discharge will typically decrease in amount and should have resolved within 48 hours following surgery. Clinical signs that could indicate a problem with the incision (such as dehiscence or infection) or abdomen would include a swelling that was not previously noted that is painful and may be firm or fluid-filled, discharge that looks purulent (pus) or has a foul odor, extreme reddening of the incision, or if Ashleigh is exhibiting lethargy, fever, inappetance, vomiting, or diarrhea.

It is inflamed on that back portion with the scab but the rest looks great. It is not uncommon to have a scab on the incision but the redness can be a problem. I would soak trbscab in warm water or with a cloth to get the scabciff and make sure ours is not underneath it. After that you can apply neosporin to the area to prevent it from scanning back. Keep your appointment for Tuesday so they can check it and take the stitches out

The incision appears closed in the pictures and the blood around the incision appears dried, so that is all good news. However, the incision is much redder and more swollen than I would expect it to be the day after surgery, so I would be concerned that she has been licking at the incision. If you don't have one, I would recommend getting an e-collar to prevent her from licking at the incision and keep her in a kennel to make sure that she cannot run and jump and risk opening the incision. If the incision starts to ooze or continues to be red and swollen, you may need to have your veterinarian examine it to make sure that it isn't infected. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Maggy heals quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.