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Infected spay incision?

Species: Dog
Breed: Shih-Tzu
Age: 1-2 years
Puppy got spayed about 12 days ago and her incision was healing really quickly. Now, there is some swealing with a lump at one end of the wound.I put some kid polysporin antibiotc cream but it doesnt look like its doing much. She is not in pain and she let me touch the wound. It feels tighter and I can definitely feel some flesh in there, like a lump, and its kind of opening up..No discharge. The dog is not apathic, acting normally, good energy level and eating fine, so I don't want to panic and pay 200$ in vet fees for nothing as it had happenned a couple times already hahaha. Sharing some before and after pics on your email.. (I'll try) Thanks



Online vet, Dr. Marie

Dr. Marie replied:

Thanks for sending me the photos of your dog's spay incision. These really help me to give you an answer.

Here is the before photo:

spay incision

And here is the after photo:

infected spay incision

This does look like something that you should have the vet look at. It is definitely not normal for the incision to look puffy and swollen like this 12 days after surgery.

My first guess is that there is some suture material that is poking through and causing a local reaction. If that's the case then the vet can probably remove the material quite easily and everything should clear up within a few days.

It is possible that this is a mild infection though. Normally an infection will be itchy and painful for a dog but I have seen some dogs who don't seem to pay attention to an infected area. If this is an infection then antibiotics should be necessary.

If you are able to take Puppy Pooh back to the vet who did the surgery, in many cases they either won't charge to recheck, or may just charge for medications. It really shouldn't be an expensive visit.

I hope everything is ok!

Dr. Marie.


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Disclaimer: Although Dr. Marie is a qualified veterinarian, the information found on this site is not meant to replace the advice of your own veterinarian. AskAVetQuestion.com and Dr. Marie do not accept any responsibility for any loss, damage, injury, death, or disease which may arise from reliance on information contained on this site. Do not use information found on this site for diagnosing or treating your pet. Anything you read here is for information only.

Customer reply:

Thank you so much for your competent answer. I have an apt at the vet in one hour.Hopefully that she won't have to reopen a lot!! :( Of my 2 shih-tzus who got spayed at the same time, she was the one who were healing the fastest (cause the other one had a hernia fixed on the belly so she had a longer incision)I was so happy that all this was behind us...

Thanks again. It's a great idea to have a system like this. Very useful. Two thumbs up!

:)


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Dr. MarieDr. Marie is a veterinarian who practices in a busy animal hospital in Ottawa, Ontario. She created Ask A Vet Question as a resource for good, accurate veterinary advice online. Dr. Marie treats dogs, cats, hamsters, guinea pigs, and rats. She has been a vet since 1999.

Is an online vet visit just as good as a trip to your veterinarian? No! But, many times, asking an online veterinarian a question can help save you money. While Dr. Marie can't officially diagnose your pet or prescribe medications, she can often advise you on whether a vet visit is necessary. You can also ask Dr. Marie for a second opinion on your pet's condition.