My dog's TPLO surgery stitch popped. Should I see an emergency vet?

Since the incision is not open, as long as your pet is feeling okay (no fever, lethargy, etc).. it is okay to wait until the morning. At that time, contact the surgeon and schedule a recheck as they will definitely want to see the incision. It does look like there is some infection starting and that will need to be treated with antibiotics. If you have an Elizabethan collar or "cone" to put on her until you get to the vet, that would be a great idea. The area is probably tender and itchy and she may want to lick it, which may cause more damage.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There is nothing you can do at home other than keeping the area around it as clean as possible. This warrants a veterinary evaluation as soon as possible to try to prevent an infection. Best of luck!

Thank you for the picture of his incision, it's very helpful. After 12 days, the incision should be fully healed, and in the picture, it doesn't look red, swollen, or infected. There is an area in the middle that looks a little open, and that may be from him pulling at the stitches, but it doesn't look fully open. I would put a cone back on him to keep him from pulling at the stitches more, and take him to a regular vet if you can on Monday to get the rest of them removed. There isn't a need for an emergency vet at this point in time. If you cannot get him into another vet on Monday, you can wait until Tuesday to see his normal vet as long his incision doesn't become infected or open up more. Again, keep a cone on him to keep him for getting at the stitches. I hope this helps!

Given that it is so early after the surgery it would be best for your pet to be seen. Sutures or staples may need to be replaced and possibly oral antibiotics started. Chewing on the incision allows mouth bacteria to enter the wound. This can be dangerous if not addressed. If you call your vets office they should have a way for pets to be seen when they are closed, either a doctor on call or a number for a close er. You could also google a veterinary emergency clinic in your area. I hope this helps and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Although a picture of it would help to determine the severity of the problem, your description is compatible with a wound breakdown. Nothing to be worried about right now (so I do not think an emergency consult is needed) but a buster collar would be helpful to avoid any licking (if any) and I would recommend to keep the area clean with water. Tomorrow a vet check up would be needed to confirm this suspicion and treat appropriately. Antibiotics will be required.

I would not touch it. Make sure she has an Elizabethan collar on so she doesn’t bite at it. I would call your vet in the morning to have them evaluate the incision to make sure it is completely closed. They may just have you keep the collar on for another 5 days. The incision is healing well according to the picture. Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think that area should have had stitches, so I’m assuming Buddy licked them out. It only takes a few seconds for a dog to remove them. He should be wearing an E-collar or a donut at all times. He shouldn’t lick that open area either. Clean it well with soap and water and apply a triple antibiotic ointment. It likely will heal on its own as long as he doesn’t continue to lick. I wish Buddy a speedy recovery!