My dog's spay incision looks open 6 days later. What should I do?

The incision is open, and Aries does need to see a vet. The problem with an open incision is that it get worse, and it can get so bad that it opens all the way into the dog's stomach, and their intestines come out. I have seen this, and it's awful. This is why I said you need to take her into a vet asap to get this checked out. Some vaginal discharge may be normal after a spay surgery but have the vet check it out too.

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.

Sometimes skin incisions that were closed with glue will pucker at the very ends and open slightly. However, the middle pucker appears a little swollen. I would recommend that you take Chloe to a vet to check the incision. Usually the vet that performed the surgery will do brief incision checks at no charge. Sometimes another spot of glue is all that is needed to get it to heal properly. Sometimes the puckers are left open to heal on their own. If the vet finds signs of infection, oral antibiotics can be prescribed. Make sure that Chloe is not licking the incision. If you see her lick even once she needs to wear an e-collar or cone to prevent further opening of the incision. Also, she needs to still be on moderate activity restriction - even though this can be difficult in young puppies, encourage her to stay flat and not jump around too much. And no bathing for at least 1 week after surgery.

That looks like it's healing pretty well at this stage. Keep an eye on it for any redness, bleeding, seeping, swelling or her feeling sick or lethargic. Keep her confined, going outside only on a leash and only long enough to go potty for another week or so until she heals completely.

No, unfortunately there is no ointment that will keep the incision closed. Ideally, she should be rechecked by your veterinarian. The most common reasons for sutures to fail are too much activity and licking the incision. If an e-collar (cone) is not in place, put one on her immediately and keep it on until she is healed. Restrict her activity as well. Keep her crated, if necessary, to prevent running, jumping or rough play. Leash walk her when she has to go out.

The wound appears very superficial in the picture and I would leave it open to the air without dressing. Manuka honey and saline washes once daily may help if it becomes crusted. It is possibly due to a reaction to suture material which although rare can occur (surgical repair is a last resort as healing can be slow!)

No as long as it’s not fully opened. The abdomen is closed in layers so even if the skin incision opens a little it will not effect the healing of the inner layers. Do not clean it or put anything on it. If she’s licking please use a cone, and keep her quiet. Being overly active can cause problems with the suture line and result in increased pain and swelling. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Lena.