My dog's spay incision is red, lumpy, and leaking. Is it an emergency?

This doesn't look perfect but definitely does not look too bad either, there is some bulging as you mentioned, probably because the stitches have been put on a little too tight, as long as the stitches hold though i would not be too worried, you need to make sure she does not lick the area (i assume she has an E-collar on) and make sure the incision does not open up, the swelling should start resolving within a couple days from now. as long as it does not look worse than this i would be ok keeping her at home, you can still take her for short walks without any issues and your vet needs to see her at some point but it is not urgent (usually post opps are done 3 days and 10 days after the surgery).

It looks like there could be some inflammation at the site of the incision. That could be due to her body breaking down the sutures, or she caused some sort of trauma to the area. If she is acting normal and you don't feel any swelling around that area I would wait and see if it improves. But if there is swelling, drainage, or pain I would worry about a dehiscence (opening of the incision) which would be an emergency and she should see a vet immediately.

This likely was a little seroma and the body actually evacuated it all by itself. This is not infection, but a natural reaction of the body to the insult (wound). As long as the incision did not open up there should be no problem. Make sure Dave cannot lick the incision (e-collar! at all times) and the incision does not get very swollen, painful , hot, and angry red, all is well. Should it turn like I described you will need to take Dave back to your vet for a recheck.

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.

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 Millie. I see what you mean about the swelling, and while it’s concerning, I don’t think it requires an ER visit. As long as it doesn’t open up, bother her, her incision stays closed, and/or there’s no infection, it can wait until Monday. I hope this helps.

It could be that Dana has a seroma, which is a pocket of fluid that forms in empty space. This can be caused by too much activity after surgery. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning. If it is a seroma, it may need to be sterilely drained.