My dog's neuter incision is red. Is it infected and needs antibiotics?

This presentation could be due to a trauma or localized spot of skin infection. Disinfection may be started at home with very diluted hibiscrub or betadine or salted water baths. Buster collar may be useful as well to avoid any licking (if any). A check up, appropriate disinfection and possibly antibiotics (oral, topical or in a shampoo formulation) are needed to solve the problem if the redness does not improve in the next 4 days.

Batman's incision appears quite red and inflamed. I can't zoom in far enough to be certain, but I'm questioning whether or not the top portion of the incision may also be slightly open. Based on the appearance of his incision, I think there's a high likelihood of infection. I strongly recommend taking Batman to see his vet today or tomorrow for further evaluation. He'll need antibiotics if an infection is diagnosed and will likely need anti-inflammatory pain medications if he isn't already receiving them. Given this redness, he's clearly been licking at his incision quite a bit. Since he's a little guy, you could try putting a baby onesie on him in the crate or use an inflatable donut collar ( I hope that the rest of Batman's recovery goes smoothly!

Hello. The scrotum does look a little red for being 6 days post-op, but I am not sure it requires antibiotics. I would start by gently cleaning the skin with a skin antiseptic like Hibiclens twice a day. You can purchase this at any pharmacy. If the redness continues to spread, or Doug seems to be uncomfortable, then do see your veterinarian. Thanks 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!

Based on the photo, it does not appear to be infected or overly swollen. There is likely some discomfort from the incision healing (itchiness) and pain from the procedure. If you believe that the pain is not well controlled, I would reach out to your veterinarian to discuss additional pain medications. Continue to monitor for any signs of infection such as discharge, swelling and redness. I hope this helps!

Hi there and thank you for using pet coach to address your concern. From your photo I can tell you that this looks seriously infected and does not look very good post-neuter. I would get him in as soon as you can for treatment before this affects healthy surrounding tissue. He will likely need to be sedated and have the dead tissue removed for treatment and placed on a course of oral antibiotics and pain medications to reduce inflammation. If he has been chewing at the area, he must wear a plastic cone at all times to prevent him from getting to the incision. I hope this helps! Please feel free to contact me with any further questions or concerns you may have. I am also available via consultation if needed.

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.