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My dog's spay incision opened 7 days post-op. Is discharge normal?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Labrador Retriever | Female | spayed | 5 months and 22 days old | 40.2 lbs

In my previous question I was concerned about her Incision. This is 7 days post op for her spaying surgery and day 1 of not wearing her E-collar and she has opened the incision. The picture with the green scabs is before she had her E-collar taken off. She is also having vaginal discharge.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on October 22nd, 2019

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.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Andrea M. Brodie, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on October 29th, 2018
She should not have a discharge a week after the spay, however sometimes thisx can happen. This could also be a sign of an infection, or a sign of a UTI. I would take her to your veterinarian for an exam, just in case.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Dr. Elizabeth
Veterinarian
Published on August 14th, 2019
Dogs can get a vaginitis or a stump pyometra. Generally a dog with a stump pyometra will act sick so this seems less likely at this time. I recommend to keep your veterinarian updated. If the discharge continues beyond another 3 days, antibiotics may be indicated.
probiotics may help to maintain a better bacterial flora in Ella's vagina and keeping the hair trimmed short around the vulva will also help. Wiping her after she uses the bathroom with a pet wipe may also help (make sure not to wipe from the rectal area down). I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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Related Questions

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

Thank you for providing a picture of Honey's incision, it's very helpful. Yes, I agree it does appear to have opened up, and I'm worried it could get infected since it has opened. She needs to see a vet asap to get this closed, and the vet may likely close it with surgical glue after examining it and cleaning it. The vet may also prescribe antibiotics. Please take her into a vet immediately. I hope this helps!

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My dog's spay incision is bleeding 3 days after, should I worry?

The site itself looks good. No swelling, redness or bruising and it appears closed. The slight discharge does not appear to be frank blood. It looks like it may be fluid from a seroma. Seromas can occur after surgery. Continue to monitor the site, If the discharge increases or has a bad odor then see your veterinarian. Monitor Delilah for lethargy, fever, loss of appetite, vomiting or diarrhea. These are symptoms that should also be addressed by your vet. Keep an e-collar (cone) on her to prevent licking or chewing of the site. You can use a diluted betadine or Hibiclens solution around the site to keep the area clean.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's spay incision has dry yellow discharge. Is this normal?

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!

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My dog just got spayed. Is discharge, panting, odd behavior normal?

Poor Abby! Discharge is not common from surgical incisions, but a very small amount of clear discharge can still be within normal limits. However, if the discharge is bloody or pus-like, this could be indicative of an incisional infection or suture reaction. Regardless, since Abby is panting and acting abnormally, I do recommend taking her to the vet for evaluation since this could be a sign of pain. Until you take her to the vet, be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) on Abby to prevent her from licking at her incision, as this would likely make matters worse. I hope this helps and that she feels better soon!

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

My dog's spay incision opened a little. Is this normal or serious?

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.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Is a small amount of discharge from my puppy's spay incision normal after spay?

Great question! Yes, a small amount of serous discharge is normal, and as long as it isn't excessive or bloody, there's not need to take Kimber into the vet. Keep monitor the incision, make sure she doesn't lick at it by keeping the Ecollar on her at all times, and be sure to contact your vet (or ask us!) with any questions or concerns :-)

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My spayed cat's incision is messy with white discharge. Is it normal?

It looks like the wound is completely closed even though the sutures are falling apart, for now i only recommend monitoring it, it doesn't look bad at all, give it a few more days, if it seems to be getting worse take her to your vet to get it treated.

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

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