My dog's spay stitches ripped open. Should I see a vet for infection?

The incision looks ok at this point but water can potentially introduce infection into the incision. Miley should be confined and leash walked only for at least 10 days after surgery. No jumping, no swimming, no running off leash. Monitor the incision for redness, swelling or discharge and let her vet know if you notice any of this.

Hello, and thank you for your question. It looks like Sydney's incision is still mostly apposed. I would keep her very quiet for the next week, and keep an e-collar on her at all times. With strict rest, the small gap may start to scab up and start healing on its own. Over the next few days, if you notice any further redness, swelling or discharge, I would take her back to the vet to see if she may need a few stitches or tissue glue to re-appose the edges again. I hope this helps, and that Sydney continues to heal well!

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!

Hi and thanks for getting in touch with us! The incision seems relatively healthy, with a small amount of dry discharge. Antibiotics will prevent any infection. She should be checked only if the discharge is increasing and she seems uncomfortable and lethargic. She should be absolutely kept indoors and rested as much as possible. A cone/buster collar should be kept on at all times.

Hi ! From this side of the wound I don’t see any oozing or have any concerns regarding a possible infection. I would keep the collar on for another 3-4 days and have it reassessed at your vets if you are worried.

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.

It looks a little inflamed but nothing abnormal. Keep an eye on it, making sure it stays clean and dry, don't let your dog lick it and keep her quiet and don't let her run or jump up and down off furniture for about another week. As long s she is still behaving normally and eating, drinking and eliminating as she should, I don't think you have anything to worry about.