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Kitten spay incision: smelly discharge and opening. Is this normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Cat | Domestic Shorthair | Female | spayed | 7 months and 9 days old

I had my kitten spayed on Tuesday and I’m afraid her incision isn’t healing correctly. She has a smelly discharge and her incision looks as if it’s opening. Is this normal? She has licked it a handful of times in the beginning (soft collar kept bending) but she has had a plastic ecollar on constantly since. Since pain meds stopped, she’s been tired, except this morning she was very playful. Looking for any advise. Thanks!

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3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on March 10th, 2019

Thank you for proving a picture. I do not like the look of Cali's incision, I'm concerned about the discharge and opening. There should not be this amount of discharge, and the fact that it's smelly indicates infection. I would take her into a vet immediately. Please take her into an ER vet clinic; if there isn't one in your area, there will be a vet on call for emergencies. The information to reach that vet is found on a clinic's answering machine or website. Best of luck.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Jenny, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 10th, 2017

    I would worry about an infection with a discharge and an odor. I would try to take a warm cloth with mild soap and water and see if she will let you wipe some of that up to clean it up a bit. She does need to have the incision rechecked to make sure she does not have a fever and that is it otherwise healing well. She may need a round of antibiotics and an e collar until it is healed

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    Answered By Lauren Barry, BVSc, MRCVS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 10th, 2017

    Hi there, I agree Myka's surgical wound does not look normal and is possibly infected. I do recommend calling the veterinary office who spayed her, and if they are not open the voicemail message should direct you to a local urgent care veterinary facility who can help. I do recommend she gets examined and treatment asap. For her temperature, it should be between 99.0- 103 fahrenheit when taken rectally. Be aware that most cats HATE having their rectal temperature taken, so it may be best left to the veterinary professionals who can do this quickly and very gently.

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