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My dog's neuter incision looks yellow. Is this normal or an infection?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Medium (23 - 60lb) | Male | neutered | 1 year and 3 months old | 50 lbs

My male dog, 1 years old, got neutered 6 days ago. I am worried because his incision looks yellow. They used dissolvable stitches.

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5 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Emily, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on May 30th, 2017

Hello I recommend having this looked at by your veterinarian. It could be a reaction to the sutures dissolving but this could also be an infection. I recommend Rocky Road be prevented from licking/scratching at the site until your vet can take a look at it.

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    Answered By Rebecca, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Make sure that Rocky is not licking at the incision. He may need an e-collar to prevent him from licking. When your vet is open I would schedule an appointment to have them check the incision. It appears inflamed but there is no way to know if there is any infection without an exam. Do not give him any medications at home without consulting your vet.

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on April 15th, 2019

    I agree - I think it looks like this incision is open and potentially infected. I would recommend seeing your vet right away. He may need to start antibiotics or have the incision revised. I would also recommend using an e-collar at all times until you can see your vet since self trauma is the most common cause of infection in dogs after a neuter surgery.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on November 30th, 2019

    Thank you for the picture of Nubs' incision! This yellow discharge can be normal, but I am worried about a stitch coming out early. It should not be out this early, and the incision can open up. He needs to see a vet to have this stitch replaced, please take him into one this weekend. Best of luck.

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    Answered By Sarah Derksen, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 30th, 2019

    Hi. Poor Bones. It does appear infected unfortunately. It looks as though he has been licking it. If he had, make sure you get an ecollar to keep him from licking. And I would reach out to your veterinarian for an exam to have it looked at and get antibiotics prescribed. Good luck

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