My dog's neuter incision looks crusty. Is it normal or infected?

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks that the wound is healing very well, I don't think that there is anything to worry about. The crusty stuff is small amount of dried discharge, normal for healing wounds.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The incision is healing beautifully. I would not be concerned with the scabbing as it's just a normal part of healing. It is best to leave it alone - don't apply anything on it. Definitely leave the E-collar on a for a few more days minimum. We always tell people to leave it on for 10-14 days post-operatively and it always better to go more towards the 14 days mark. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Based on what I can see in these photos, the incisions appear to be healing. Occasionally there is dried blood from surgery, but sometimes it can bleed a little after surgery, especially if the dog is too active. I recommend monitoring for increasing bleeding, swelling, heat, or licking of the area and seek veterinary attention if you notice any changes. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hello. I think this incision looks good for 6 days post op. The crustiness is most likely just a little bit of dried blood and skin glue. Do not pick it or try to scrub it away. It will go away on its own. The minor swelling or “lump” that you Ser is due to the muscle being inflamed where the incision through the abdominal muscle was made. This lump is typically firm and is more prominent in busy active dogs. It, too, will resolve on its own - but it will take a couple of weeks to flatten out. If the lump was soft or flattens out with mild pressure from your hands- that is a concern and should be checked. A firm lump is typical and not an issue. Continue to monitor the area for heat, redness or active bleeding or discharge . So far, it’s looking pretty typical for a busy young lab. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Nothing looks red but the neosporin (?) makes it look gooey. If this is all neosporin, then I would say it looks normal. If it is gooey without the neosporin, then I suspect it is infected and he needs to see his veterinarian. When in doubt, have him seen again by his vet as they can palpate the area to check for any fullness, heat or other signs of an issue. I recommend to stop applying the neosporin at this point unless your vet recommended it. Let this incision stay dry and this will help a scab to form which will finish the healing process faster. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions!

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The incision appears to be closed, although it isn't a pretty incision, it is functional. : )There is one area that has a pustule (infected pocket) there, but it should heal with the antibiotics that he is on. This is a common thing that occurs in pets that have a mild reaction to the sutures or staples placed, nothing serious to be concerned about at this time. So far, this looks to be healing appropriately. : ) Keep an eye on the pustule there, it may rupture, and if it does just wipe it with a clean dry towel and make sure the incision does not get wet in any way. Also ensure that Waffles keeps his e-collar on at all times to avoid him getting to the incision and potentially taking out staples, which could cause this to open up. With the antibiotics on board, the incision and pustule should heal completely by day 10. Keep an eye out also for any profuse drainage, separation of the incision line, or increased redness, and get this rechecked by your vet sooner if seen. For now, things look quite stable. : ) I hope that Waffles continue to heal well post neuter. Best of luck and take care.

Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. From your pictures you have provided, I would strongly suggest taking Buddy in to have the neuter incision rechecked. It looks infected and looks as though the wound will open up further. The sooner this is seen the better. I hope this helps! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further. This likely needs to be cleaned up and Buddy needs to be on an oral antibiotic.