My dog's spay incision is red and discharging. Is it normal?

Hello and welcome to Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. The incision looks inflammed, but this could be part of the normal healing process. If there is any discharge, OR if the wound looked better than this previously and is now looking MORE red than say Friday or Saturday, I would take her back to the vet right away. If it is steadily looking better, and she is eating, drinking, pooping and peeing normally, then you can continue to monitor it. Best of luck with Lilo.

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!

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Panda's spay incision does appear to be red and a little swollen. Swelling at a spay site can be due to a variety of reasons, including infection, inflammation from a reaction to the suture material, or over-activity after her procedure, among others. I would recommend Panda be seen by her regular veterinarian to have the swelling evaluated, and start any medications (antibiotic, anti-inflammatory) that she may need. In the meantime, I would recommend icing the area as well. Good luck!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Lena needs to have an examination by a veterinarian as soon as you can to ensure the incision remains closed. In the picture, it appears there is some inflammation next to the incision. This is likely due to irritation to the area, and she may be licking at the incision and making the inflammation worst. If she is licking it, it could even cause infection or make an existing infection worse. I would recommend an Elizabethan collar to be fitted on Lena to make sure she is not able to lick the area until fully healed. The lack of appetite is very concerning which makes her case in more urgent need of attention by a veterinarian. It may be nothing serious yet, but it is better to get on top of these things early to keep them from becoming a larger issue. Hope this helps and that Lena gets better!

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!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The only thing I can't tell from the picture is if the skin is together at the red area. If it is then I think it is fine. The red area appears to be a scab or dried blood that will likely heal. Just be sure she isn't licking the incision (use an E-collar or T-shirt) and that you are keeping her exercise restricted (no running, jumping, stairs and leash walks outside only). Good luck!

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!