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Why is my dog's spay incision red and swollen with stitches?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 10 months and 25 days old | 20 lbs

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 advised to just put betadine until her appointment. But I’m very worried.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

Veterinarian

Published on October 27th, 2021

Hello. I am so sorry for your worries with Eris's surgery incision. While it does look a little red, I think it is just irritated by the stitches. Follow your veterinarians recommendations & most likely, once the stitches come out, the skin will heal very nicely. Thanks for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Dr. Heidi DVM, CVA, CCRT, CVTP, CVSMT, CVCH

    Veterinarian, Certified Veterinary Acupuncturist, Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

    Published on February 16th, 2018

    When we close the surgical incision, there are sutures under the skin that will dissolve on their own. Depending on the type of suture, they will often dissolve after a few weeks. Then they dissolve, the body can have a reaction to the suture. If this is just a small area of swelling along the incision, it should resolve on its own. If your vet did not think the area was infected, they may have just recommended that you monitor the area as it resolves. However, if it is enlarging, oozing or ruptures, I would recommend contacting your veterinarian again. Make sure she does not lick at the area since that will increase the chance of it getting infected. Good luck! I hope that was helpful. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

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    Answered By Ana M, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on May 17th, 2018

    Thank you for submitting your question regarding Eleanor. I would have her seen by her veterinarian just to make sure her incision is still ok. It is much easier to fix small problems early than big problems later. Hopefully they can take a quick peak and let you know it is fine. She has likely been to active so be sure to keep her very quiet. She also could have an infection, a reaction to the suture material or a swelling known as a seroma. Do not let her lick the area either. I hope this information helps!

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    Answered By Sara Farmer, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on September 3rd, 2018

    This could be a suture reaction but I’m concerned about how red the skin seems and it looks like there may be a wound with some discharge. It’s possible that she has developed an infection. I’d recommend making an appointment to see the vet who performed the surgery - she may need to start antibiotics or even have the incision revised. You should put an e-collar on to prevent her from licking until you can see your vet.

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