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Is my pet's spay incision healing normally six days after surgery?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed | Female | spayed | 6 years old | 54 lbs

Hello, was just wondering if my pets spay incision has been healing properly? Currently on day 6 post-surgery

4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Destini R. Holloway, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on September 1st, 2019

This looks like a typical post spay incision site. The skin can pucker a bit as the pet reacts to the sutures used, but this is normal. As long as you are not seeing any discharge or open areas, then this looks just fine.

Thanks for visiting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. Take care!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Massimo Orioles, DVM, Cert AVP, MRCVS
Veterinarian
Published on October 23rd, 2020
From the picture it may seem slightly open, but just superficially (skin). This will heal very quickly and it does not seem any vet's intervention is needed at this stage. Please keep in touch with us in the next few days to give us some follow up informations. More pictures would be required to evaluate better this wound.
3Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on July 21st, 2018
Hello. Everything appears to be OK for now, so just keep an eye on the incision. As long as the skin does not gap open ( there should be stitches underneath the skin ), & there is no active drainage, it should be fine. Just try to keep Dory quite for a few more days ( sometimes easier said than done! ). Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 22nd, 2019
Thank you for the photo. I think it looks OK. It appears to be a mild reaction to the stitches under the skin. This happens with some regularity. I would not be overly concerned. You can apply a topical antibiotic ointment to it once a day until it is healed. If you are worried about it you should always have your vet check it out.
2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Is my kitten's spay incision healing normally 6 days after surgery?

It does not appear wide open, is not red and is not bleeding or draining. It looks good for 6 days post op. Monitor for redness,swelling, discharge, bleeding or for dehiscence (opening). Monitor also for lethargy, loss of appetite or fever. These are all symptoms that should be addressed by your veterinarian.

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Is my dog's lumpy, crusty spay incision normal 6 days post-op?

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

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My dog's spay incision looks open after surgical glue. Is this normal?

I received the picture that you forwarded to customer service. I presume the area that you are concerned about is the area outlined in red. When we close the skin with surgical glue, there can be a small amount of tissue that looks like it does in the picture. I don't see anything that is particularly concerning in that picture. Make sure to keep Mia rested and use an e-collar so she cannot lick at the incision. The area that you outlined should not look any larger and should not ooze any discharge. If there are any other concerns, please feel free to post another question with another picture and one of us will be happy to try to help you. I hope that was helpful! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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