My dog's spay incision is crusty, lactating. Is this normal healing?

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

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.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This is probably ok for now though it does indicate that there was some discharge and potentially an infection. I would recommend that you keep a very close eye on the incision site. If you notice any active discharge (moist instead of dry), bleeding or pain, have her evaluated as soon as possible to make sure it is not an active infection. Keep the area clean for now. If no more discharge is noted, it is possible that it will heal completely on its own. Good luck and have a nice day!

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! it seems like Nyla has a small scab along her incision though it appears to be healing very well. I recommend that you avoid picking the scab as she will likely bleed if you do that and form another scab. This scab will likely fall off on its own once the entire incision, including the scab, is completely healed. I think she will be fine. Good luck!

Hello, and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It looks like that one focal area at the end of her spay incision is red, inflamed, and getting crusty. I definitely recommend having your vet take another look to make sure it's not getting infected, especially since that one spot looks dramatically different from the rest of the incision line (which appears to be healing nicely). Hope this helps!

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lina. Unfortunately only one picture is attached, and I think it may be the earliest picture given your description in the question. If the incision looks more red and scabby, that suggests infection. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning to get it checked out to be safe. I hope this helps!