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My dog's TPLO incision: yellow discharge & sunken staples. Emergency?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Doberman Pinscher | Female | spayed | 85 lbs

My dog had TPLo surgery 8 days ago and today I noticed yellow discharge and some of the staples have sunk into the incision (6 of 21). Is this an emergency or can I call the vet first thing in the am?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Amy S. Eutsey, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on August 2nd, 2017

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.

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