My dog's stitches are swollen and red after surgery. Should I worry?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Cat | American Shorthair | Female | unspayed | 7.4 lbs
Toast’s sutures are enflamed and noticeably swollen at one end, should I be worried?
3 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on November 7th, 2019
Thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach with your question. Yes, I would be worried because this is a sign of infection. You need to have Toast seen by a vet first thing in the morning. I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
-
Published on April 16th, 2017
Oh no, it's not good that Sammy pulled the stitch out! If he had the surgery over a week ago, then it should be closed to fully healed but it is concerning that the area is swollen and a little warm to the touch. I would think as well that the area may be infected based on that description, and that will require a trip to the vet. He will need antibiotics from a vet if the wound is infected, and I'm not sure how much longer you will be on vacation. If you are going back home in the next day or two, you can wait to see your regular vet; however, if you will be on vacation for a bit longer, I would find a local vet where you are to have him seen tomorrow to have the wound looked at and antibiotics prescribed as needed. Good luck, I hope this helps!
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
-
Published on July 4th, 2019
That looks infected which is why the stitches are coming out. He needs to be taking oral antibiotics. You need to keep the area clean. It will heal without the stitches holding as long as it is just the skin that is open and not the underlying tissue. So, call your vet and get them to dispense you some oral antibiotics.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Ilsie had a nephrectomy on Thursday 11/15. Does the redness and swelling toward the bottom of the incision look normal? While there is some bruising around the incision, the surrounding skin does not appear to be red or infected. The red parts are
Wondering about my dogs spay incision. She is 13 days post op and gets her stitches removed in two days. It seems to have gotten very red and swollen over the last two days. It’s not seeping, doesn’t smell and isn’t hot. Called the vet and they advis
Is my dogs spayed incision infected?
My dog had a soft tissue sarcoma removed from his right front leg 9 days ago. He has been healing fine but I had to leave him with my parents today. I think they let him walk too much because his stitches are noticeably red. I have a picture from yes
I cant tell if her insicion is infected
My dog had a lipoma removed and has stitches. The surgery was three days ago. I am concerned it is healing properly. The first photo was the day of the surgery. The second photo is three days later. Does this look ok or is it infected
My dog was spayed on Thursday and her incision looks swollen and red. Is this normal?
My male golden doodle got neutered on Friday, September 15th. He just finished his pain meds yesterday and has been acting like himself and eating normally. He has had diarrhea and thrown up once since surgery, but out vet said his pain meds could ca
My dog Maggie got spayed a week or so ago and her stitches are looking a bit off
My pet did not like the e collar and he licks himself but it doesn’t seem like he has an infection, it’s a bit red but I think his sutures opened should I take him for a check up?
Book an appointment with the pros – our expert vets are here to help.
