My dog's stomach surgery incision has a scab post-op. Is this normal?

That bit of scabbing is normal and no cause for concern. There is no redness, major swelling, bleeding or discharge. She will still need to be restricted in activity for another 4-6 weeks after suture removal.

Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question about Lina. Unfortunately only one picture is attached, and I think it may be the earliest picture given your description in the question. If the incision looks more red and scabby, that suggests infection. I would have her seen by a vet first thing in the morning to get it checked out to be safe. I hope this helps!

This is similar to a bruise and indicates bleeding under the skin. The fact that it's located around the incision is less concerning than if it was all over the abdomen. However, I am a little concerned by the extent of it. If I had first-hand knowledge of the techniques used during the surgery, then I may be less concerned. The biggest concern with the bleeding is that it may indicate a clotting problem and can lead to anemia. If Sadie has a decrease in activity, the red areas spread further and/or pale gums, then I'd recommend taking her to a vet right away. Otherwise, you are safe to wait until the vet who did the surgery is available to check this. I hope that helps and all is well with Sadie.

Hi there! Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! it seems like Nyla has a small scab along her incision though it appears to be healing very well. I recommend that you avoid picking the scab as she will likely bleed if you do that and form another scab. This scab will likely fall off on its own once the entire incision, including the scab, is completely healed. I think she will be fine. Good luck!

Scab formation as surgical incisions heal is quite normal. As for the yellowish tissue that you are seeing from the middle of the incision, this could be fibrin-rich tissue as a part of normal healing, or could be purulent (pus-like) discharge associated with infection. If an incisional infection is present, I would also expect Ellie's incision to be red and/or inflamed. If you do see signs that could be consistent with infection, try to find a vet to take Ellie to this weekend since antibiotics may be necessary. If there is no redness or inflammation, and Ellie is otherwise eating, drinking, and acting normally, you can continue to monitor this incision closely at home through the weekend. If you are not already doing so, be sure to keep an e-collar (cone) on Ellie at all times until her sutures are removed so that she cannot lick the incision, introducing infection or even inadvertently removing her sutures. I hope this helps and that all goes well!

This appears to be healing just fine. I suspect this is a mild reaction to the stitches under the skin. This is very common. I would only be worried if it opens up and starts draining fluid, gets much larger or becomes very red. Just make sure she cannot lick it until it is completely healed.

Thank you for providing pictures of Blaze's incisions, it helps with my answer to you. From the picture, I do not see any redness or swelling, which is great! I also see the area where the scab came off. At this point in time, as long as there is no sign of infection and he is eating and drinking normally, it's fine to wait until Tuesday to have him seen by the vet. Make sure he doesn't lick at the area, putting an Ecollar on him in case he tries to do that. I would rush him into the vet if the area does become red or swollen, the incision area starts bleeding, or it appears that the incision has opened up. Good luck, I hope this helps!