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My pet's incision is opening. Is it infected? Does it need vet care?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Is this going to heal? It's opening more and more. Does this need glueing/stapling/stitching. We're 7 days post op. The only part that scabs over is the top and as soon as she stands up again the whole thing is open. Does this need seeing by the vet as it's getting worse?

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1 Answer

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on November 13th, 2019

It’s hard to know without being able to feel and touch the incision in person but I think it looks infected. I can see the underlying layer of suture but the deeper layer looks intact. I probably would not stitch this up if there was infection and the underlying layer is still holding together, but if the incision is truly infected it won’t heal without antibiotics. An e-collar would be very important as well since any licking could cause further damage. If things seem to be getting worse I would definitely recommend seeing your vet.

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