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My dog licked her CCL stitches. They're red and inflamed. What now?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | German Shorthaired Pointer | Female | spayed | 7 years and 11 months old | 55 lbs

My dog had CCL surgery a week ago and has healed really nicely so far. The swelling and inflammation was gone..until this morning. I left her E-collar off for 5 min to eat her breakfast and when I came back to check on her, she was licking her stitches. Now the top half of her stitches are red and slightly inflamed. No bleeding/discharge/foul smell. What should I do?? I won't b taking the E-collar off again without watching her!! Here's a couple pictures. Thanks so much!!!

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

Veterinarian

Published on June 13th, 2019

Oh no, that's not good! It doesn't look too red and inflamed in the picture, so keep an eye on the incision for now. If it gets redder, more inflamed, the area gets warm, or you see pus, have Penny seen by a vet immediately. Best of luck!

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