My dog's neuter incision is irritated. Is it an internal stitch?

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Panda! This is a tough situation! With out seeing the extend of the neck wound it is hard to give advice. I would go the pet store and find the bitter apple spray or lick guard and apply in on the skin (not the stitches) near the testicle area to discourage licking. Then I would consider a donut or softer E-collar to prevent rubbing and licking that hopefully won't continue to irritate the neck. But since the throat wound hasn't improved in 4 days you should have Panda rechecked sooner than Thursday. Maybe if it has been 10 days since the surgeries the stitches can be removed then. I hope this helps and feel free to repost with a picture of the neck wound.

Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Neuter incisions are closed with two layers of stitches. Your vet only removed the outer layer of stitches. The inside layer is never removed and will eventually dissolve. There is still a chance he is having a suture reaction to the inside layer. Typically this will resolve on its own over time with no treatment. Occasionally, if the issue doesn't resolve, a second surgery must be done to remove the old "inside" stitches and replace them with a different type of suture material. I suggest you keep a cone collar on Cosmo until the issue is completely resolved. If he licks this area too much this will cause a severe problem, a possible infection and he may even open the incision. I don't recommend you put anything on the incision. It's best to leave it be. If the swelling gets worse, or there is discharge from the incision then he definitely needs to go back to the vet. If Cosmo is very uncomfortable then you may also want to take him back to the vet so they can prescribe an anti-inflammatory for him. Hope this helps. Best wishes.

Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear about Panda. I would monitor this closely. Signs of infection include redness, swelling, pain, discharge, and loss of function so if you notice this getting worse or other signs develop, take him back to have him re-evaluated. You can use some topical Neosporin or similar antibiotic ointment on the incision. Just make sure if doesn't contain hydrocortisone or a steroid. Good luck

The incision looks a little "puffier" than I'd like. If there hasn't been any drainage from the incision, you can just put an E-collar on him (if he's not already wearing one ) and clean it 1-2 times a day with a plain saline wound wash (available at most pharmacies, usually in a pressurized can to spray). Do not use peroxide or alcohol. If there is any drainage from the incision, please take him to your vet. The area with the tattoo is quite inflamed; again, make sure he's not licking at it. You can apply something like this to the area to help reduce the inflammation: https://www.petco.com/shop/en/petcostore/product/zymox-hydrocortison-cream If it is painful to him when you touch it, please take him in for a recheck. Thank you for asking PetCoach!

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.

I would recommend getting a larger ecollar and let your veterinarian know that this has occurred. He probably is trying to get to the sutures and this is the only area he can reach. This will get worse if he keeps licking. Your vet may just extend his antibiotics or just tell you to keep it clean. His incision looks great! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like the knot under the skin has worked it’s way out. I would continue to use an ecollar to prevent Tucker from licking the incision and opening it up. If after the 2 weeks of healing time the suture is still present, take him to the vet that did the surgery so they can cut it off. If you notice the incision opening, take him to a vet right away to determine if he needs antibiotics. Good luck and kisses to Tucker!