My dog's stitches are bleeding after surgery, what should I do right now?

In some cases, a small amount of serous or serosanguinous (clear or pinkish) discharge can occur a day or two after surgery. However, Elvis should be checked by his vet to make sure the incision has not become infected or developed a seroma, and is healing properly. Keep using his cone of shame to prevent any licking. I hope his recovery goes well!

A little bit of blood/tinged fluid is not uncommon but I would schedule a post surgery recheck with the operating vet as soon as possible just to be sure, especially as one end of the wound has loosened a little. An emergency visit would be recommended if any swelling develops behind the wound, it starts to gape open more than 0.5cm or if it is persistently dropping blood.

I am sorry to hear about Stitch's accident! You can try to slow or stop the bleeding by applying pressure to the wound if you actually can see and reach it. Apply pressure with a clean cloth or towel. Another way to help stop bleeding is to apply an ice pack. Be sure to wrap it with a cloth or towel so it isn't directly touching the skin, and hold over the affected area. It will help the blood vessels constrict and bleeding to slow. If there is a nonstop stream of blood, then he should go to the emergency vet. An occasional drip doesn't require an emergency trip unless he seems to be becoming weak or his gums are pale in color.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It can be normal to see a small amount of blood-tinged/clear fluid (what we term serosanguinous discharge) from an incision within the first 24-48 hours following a surgical procedure. This discharge will typically decrease in amount and should have resolved within 48 hours following surgery. Clinical signs that could indicate a problem with the incision (such as dehiscence or infection) or abdomen would include a swelling that was not previously noted that is painful and may be firm or fluid-filled, discharge that looks purulent (pus) or has a foul odor, extreme reddening of the incision, or if Ashleigh is exhibiting lethargy, fever, inappetance, vomiting, or diarrhea.

If there is just a little bleeding the. foxy should be OK. But if the bandaging material is getting soaked with blood that would suggest excessive bleeding and you should take Foxy back to the vet that performed the surgery or to an ER hospital.

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Chulo. Hemorrhaging is a life threatening surgical complication that typically occurs relatively soon after the surgery. The patient becomes weak, pale and very lethargic. If he has any of these signs, then you need to seek emergency care right away. If he is eating, drinking and acting like himself, then it is more likely that he has some post-surgical swelling and bruising of the scrotum. The incision site itself appears to be healing well. I recommend following up with his veterinarian to ensure he does not require additional treatment. For example, some dogs that are too active will require mild sedatives to keep them quiet and allow their body to heal. I hope this information helps!

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.