Is my dog's gooey neuter incision healing or infected?

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! At least based on these pictures, this looks almost healed. It just has a small area that appears to be close to healing but not quite. While neosporin is ok, I think the main thing to make it completely heal is making sure that he is unable to get to it and chew or lick at it. Please make sure to use an e-collar to try to prevent this. If you are able to keep him from getting to his incision, I think you should be able to get it to heal. You can continue to use the neosporin as that may speed up the healing process. However, make sure to not pick at any scabs as that will usually delay healing. Good luck and have a good night!

Hello. This incision looks very good. It does not appear to be infected or inflamed in any way. That crusty appearance is normal with healing and scab formation. Continue to monitor the area for one more week and everything should be well healed by then. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach

Thank you for reaching out about Gus. The incision site looks completely healed based on the picture you provided. The surrounding area does appear slightly red and irritated. If the area is bothering him and itchy it may greatly benefit him to been seen by his veterinarian and get him a prescription of steroid and antibiotics (if necessary based on his physical exam). If you have been applying these ointments and are not seeing improvements this would be the next step. The veterinarian will also evaluate the rest of his skin/fur checking for any parasites (ie fleas) and for possible irritation/infection elsewhere that might warrant oral medications.

That does look a bit concerning with the blood, and if Agno is hunching or acting painful (with the quick steps and then sitting), I'd worry that it is bothering him. I would use a warm washcloth compress for 10-15 minutes to help reduce any pain or swelling and also to clean up the area gently so you can see if there is extra discharge or swelling. If this causes him pain, there is discharge that is discolored, green, or yellow, or the site is opening back up again, a trip to the vet is best to treat any infection and make sure the surgery site is healing properly. Until you can get to the vet, strict kennel rest (leashed walks only) is best to help reduce pain and prevent any open wounds from tearing further.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Reese. It is not entirely normal for an incision to ooze this long. The site does appear healthy though. Be sure to keep his activity level very limited as this will decrease swelling and oozing. Also make sure that he is not able to lick the incision site. Have your veterinarian check it if the oozing continues. I hope this information helps!

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.

It doesn't look a 100%, i would expect it to look a little better after a week but no need to panic either, it doesn't look infected and it will heal eventually, it just may take a little longer than usual.