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My rabbit's spay incision is red, hard, yellow. Is it infected?

Updated on September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Small Animal | Rabbit | Female | spayed | 8 months and 22 days old | 3.5 lbs

My rabbit got spayed 9 days ago. She has internal sutures and glue on the outside. 6 days ago she went back because she licked off the glue. Now she has a cone. Today, I noticed her incision site is more red, hard, with some yellow. What is this? Do I need to take her to an emergency clinic right away or can she wait for her regular vet on Monday? Thank you

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

Answered By Elva Ma DVM

Veterinarian

Published on March 11th, 2018

Hello, and thank you for your question. It looks like the incision has opened up slightly at the bottom. This does require a re-assessment by a veterinarian, but if she is otherwise eating and acting normally, then I think you can wait until your regular vet opens tomorrow. In the meantime, keep the cone on, and keep her bedding as clean as possible to avoid getting the incision dirty. No need to clean the incision yourself until she gets assessed at the vets.

If she is more lethargic or has a decreased appetite or stool production, then I would recommend taking her to the vet today if possible, as this may be a sign of pain from the surgery or a more serious infection.

I hope this helps, and that Freya gets better soon!

2Pet Parents found this answer helpful

Related Answers from Veterinarians

Answered By Dr. Strydom, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on May 29th, 2019
I still think it looks like it is healing OK. She may be having a mild reaction to the stitches under the skin. This is not a big deal.Y ou can also apply a thin layer of Neosporin to the area twice a day if you would like to.

Is she chewing/licking at the incision? If so, you need to put a collar on her to stop this or she may actually open it. You can either buy a collar or make one yourself.

( https://www.youtube.com/watch?v=pnerHZJ1kS8 )

( https://www.amazon.com/Hamster-Rabbit-Protection-Recovery-Collar/dp/B07B6RSKNB )

As always, if you are worried you should take her back to the vet for a follow-up exam. Most post-surgical exams are no charge. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM
Veterinarian
Published on February 4th, 2019
Hello. Your picture is a little far to see details, but if the skin is just gapped a bit, I would not be too concerned. Is she chewing at the incision? You might do better putting an Elizabethan collar on her ( like one made for cats ). If she is scratching with a hind foot, just keep putting the body suit back on. It will be fine until your vet can look at things tomorrow. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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