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My dog's spay stitches have clear discharge. Is it normal? What to do?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | spayed | 2 years and 10 months old | 73 lbs

My dog got fixed two days ago (1/11/18). I check the stiches every few hours. As I took the weekend off to watch her. She doesn’t go for her stiches. She tried to itch them while standing. I told her no, however it looks like they have some clearish discharge around some of the stiches. I lightly felt them and they didn’t feel went. She had the cone on. Is this normal? Also any tips for when I go back to work? She will be in her crate with her cone. But it still makes me nervous

1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

Published on January 13th, 2018

Thumps is certainly lucky to have an owner that is so attentive to her. It sounds like you are doing everything right. The most important things after surgery are to make sure that the area stays clean and dry. If the area does not feel wet, then Thumps may have just has a small amount of oozing around the stitches that has dried. If the incision appears red, swollen or painful, I would certainly have it examined. The only other idea I have for when you go back to work would be to put a T-shirt on Thumps to prevent her from scratching the stitches with her back legs if that becomes a problem. Otherwise, I think having her in the cone in a kennel should be perfect.
Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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