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Is my dog's incision leaking bloody fluid post-surgery normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Large (61lb +) | Female | 14 years and 7 months old | 70 lbs

My dogs sutures/incision started leaking up towards her stomach, the top two inches or so of a 6 or 7 inch incision. Is that normal? It's bloody clearish fluid, it just started last night. It's not too bad right now, I dabbed it with a sterile gauze pad.

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2 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Summer Walker, DVM, MS

Veterinarian

Published on August 3rd, 2017

Thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It can be normal to see a small amount of blood-tinged/clear fluid (what we term serosanguinous discharge) from an incision within the first 24-48 hours following a surgical procedure. This discharge will typically decrease in amount and should have resolved within 48 hours following surgery. Clinical signs that could indicate a problem with the incision (such as dehiscence or infection) or abdomen would include a swelling that was not previously noted that is painful and may be firm or fluid-filled, discharge that looks purulent (pus) or has a foul odor, extreme reddening of the incision, or if Ashleigh is exhibiting lethargy, fever, inappetance, vomiting, or diarrhea.

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    Answered By David Darvishian

    Veterinarian

    Published on

    Hi and thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Sorry to hear that Ashleigh is having this problem. After looking at the picture, I would advise that you take her back to the vet hospital who performed the surgery or have her evaluated by an after hours vet hospital. The incision shows signs of infection- you describe some discharge, the area near the incision is red. These are suspect for a wound infection and this should be addressed immediately or as soon as you can get her seen. Incisions that become infected can become very fragile and deteriorate very quickly. It's best to have it evaluated immediately so treatment can be started to prevent further complications. I hope Ashleigh gets better soon!

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