My dog's spay stitches got wet in creek. Is she at risk of infection?

Bathing and cleaning the incision should be sufficient - from now until her sutures are removed or her incision is checked you should monitor very closely for signs of infection including redness, swelling and discharge. Hopefully she will still heal just fine.

That looks like it's healing pretty well at this stage. Keep an eye on it for any redness, bleeding, seeping, swelling or her feeling sick or lethargic. Keep her confined, going outside only on a leash and only long enough to go potty for another week or so until she heals completely.

Limit or restrict activity to avoid stress on the incision. Avoid excessive running, jumping or rough play. Use an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking or chewing of the sutures. Examine the site daily for redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or discharge. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, fever or abdominal pain. Look at her gums daily to ensure they are pink. Sutures are kept in for 10-14 days. Do not bathe her until the sutures are removed.

As long as the draining fluid is clear, and there is no opening or removed stitch I would leave it as it is and not put a wrap around it Make sure Luna wears an e-collar so she cannot lick the incision. If the incision turns red, puffy, painful and/or has a discharge other than clear, you will need to take her back to the vet office for a recheck.

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.

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 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!