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My dog's spay incision reopened, bleeding, and painful. Is it normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Female | spayed | 4 years old | 43 lbs

My dog spay incision opened 3 days later and we got her stitched again. Unfortunately another 3days and her wound opened again. The doc got her stitched again. Now it's been two days and her incision is bleeding, and it hasn't stopped. I'm worried. She seems in great pain but the vet says it's normal. What do I do. I don't want to put her down.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Jessica Keay, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 17th, 2017

I am so sorry to hear about your dog. It sounds like a frustrating situation. If she is actively bleeding (like dripping regularly) this is not normal. A few drops of blood might not worry me, but regular dripping a few days out seems unusual. I would consider testing for a clotting disorder/bleeding disorder if it continues. If the wound is opening up again, I would also consider culturing the wound to see if a resistant bacteria is present and to determine the best antibiotic to put her on. I have seen cases with a very resistant bacteria where we couldn't get the wound to close initially and had to manage these guys as an open wound with bandaging until the tissue became healthy/uninfected again. Also, if your dog doesn't already have an e-collar on (cone-shaped collar) she needs one on at all times and she should be confined to a crate/small area right now while she is healing, and only go outside on a leash to use the bathroom. She should be on a pain medication if she is painful, so tell your vet even if it is normal to be in pain after surgery, she needs medication to help stop the pain!!! In the meantime, you can help by applying a cold pack to her belly but be sure to wrap it in a thin cloth so it isn't directly on her skin or getting her skin wet. I would take a bag of frozen vegetables or crushed ice and wrap it in a towel and hold it over the area for 10 or 15 minutes every few hours to help with the pain and inflammation. Good luck!

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    Answered By Juliana, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Oh poor Ginny! This is not something you need to think about putting her down for. But, given that degree of discharge I would want her vet to recheck the incision as soon as possible. She needs the area cleaned and assessed to make sure it is not infected (and she doesn't need antibiotics ) and the sutures are in place. Make sure she is not licking the area by using an e-collar cone or placing a t-shirt that covers the area. Also make sure you are keeping her very quiet- no running, jumping, wrestling with other dogs etc. and make sure you talk to your vet about pain medication also if she isn't already taking that.

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