Is my dog's surgical scar infected? It looks weird and she's licking.

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! From the photo, it looks like Milo has sutures under the skin, which you cannot see. There does seem to be a mild amount of swelling and redness of the incision, and a very slightly opened area. Swelling and redness, especially if accompanied by discharge, are signs of infection. Milo should definitely be wearing his E-collar at all times. Licking and chewing can cause the sutures to loosen and the incision to open. You can apply a warm compress the the area several times a day to reduce swelling and promote healing. If you notice that incision opens more, there is any bleeding or discharge, or the area feels hot to the touch, Milo should be seen by his vet as soon as possible. I hope this helps and that all is well!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Poor Lee! Based on your photo is appears to be either a pyoderma (skin infection) or a hot spot (superficial skin infection). Because it is getting worse quickly, make an appointment tomorrow to get your Vet to look at ti. They will likely prescribe antibiotics, something for the itch, and maybe a topical. Good luck!

It looks like a possible lick granuloma which is from her licking. I would recommend an elizabethan collar and bringing her to a veterinarian so they can give medication to help her feel more comfortable while this heals. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I highly recommend taking Ming to a veterinarian to have this area of her evaluated. It is hard to tell from the picture but it looks like there is a wound or abrasion on her skin. Your veterinarian will be able to fully evaluate her and see if she needs antibiotics to help. They also can provide medication so she isn't so itchy. If she is licking at the area I recommend getting an Elizabethan collar to prevent her from making this worse. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

I would recommend getting a larger ecollar and let your veterinarian know that this has occurred. He probably is trying to get to the sutures and this is the only area he can reach. This will get worse if he keeps licking. Your vet may just extend his antibiotics or just tell you to keep it clean. His incision looks great! Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks a little bruised which can be somewhat expected shortly after surgery. However, this should subside shortly. If you ever notice any discharge or bleeding from the incision site, have her evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. Good luck!

It’s possible Maisy is having a suture reaction but it’s also possible this could be coincidental and she has an infected hair follicle or something else causing the lesion. First you want to keep Maisy from licking the area as this can make it worse. Have her wear an Elizabethan collar at all times. I would also recommend to have her see her veterinarian with in the next day to check for a suture reaction. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.