Dog neutered yesterday: incision red with pus. Is this normal?

Hello and thank you for reaching out to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The photo looks like there is a little crusted discharge around the incision, which is OK. As long as the swelling continues to stay down, and you don't see yellow, thick, purulent liquid coming from the incision site, he will likely be OK. Winston should absolutely be wearing an Elizabethan collar (cone collar) AT ALL TIMES until his sutures are removed. It is best to restrict his activity too so that he is not stretching or pulling at his stitches. I hope this is helpful!

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!

I am sorry to hear about Ollie! I would recommend following up with your veterinarian, as if the wound has some discharge they may need to prescribe antibiotics or may want to examine the area again. If the incision is coming open, depending on how the large the incision is they may try to close it with tissue glue, or may leave it open depending on the appearance.

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.

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.

Hello. If the area looks at all moist, red, inflamed or swollen, then please see your veterinarian soo. If the area looks relatively quiet & dry, then I would not be concerned. If you can post a picture, this may be helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your questions about Hunter. In the first picture, his incision looks great. In the second, it looks a bit swollen, but it may be the angle and the way he is laying down. Some redness is normal, yes. As for the pooping, he may be a bit constipated. Feed him canned food and add water to it to see if that helps. He may be scooting because his behind is itchy, which can be due to something like anal sac impaction or intestinal worms. Give his vet a call to let them know you are seeing these signs, and they can let you know if they want to see him. I hope this helps!