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Is bruising around my dog's spay incision normal after 3 days?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Is this bruising normal around the spay incision? This 3 days post spay surgery.

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4 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Dr. Paula Simons

Veterinarian

Published on August 20th, 2022

Yes, bruising can be very normal as long as it is not severe or progressive. This amount of bruising is normal and usually caused by little vessels in the skin that bleed during surgery. I would monitor the area closely and the bruising should start to improve over the next few days. Contact your veterinarian if it is progressive or if your dog has any heat, swelling, or discharge from the incision.

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Daniel Fonza, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on March 30th, 2018

    Hi there and thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to address your concern. Based on the photos, the incision does not look concerning. If Bailey has been scratching or licking / chewing the incision, this is probably why it looks the way it does. If she is not doing any of that, it is likely that the bruising you are seeing is from the surgery. It is hard to say if the stitches under the skin are still intact but it appears that way. I would monitor this for now and If the incision is opening up, you may have to have this looked at by the veterinarian to place several staples over the skin and to start her on an antibiotic to help prevent infection. I hope this helps guide you in the right direction! Please let me know if you have any other questions or concerns and I would be more than happy to help you further.

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    Answered By Dr. Melanie, BVSc MS

    Veterinarian

    Published on August 9th, 2017

    Thank you for providing a picture of Bailey's incision! It looks like the incision itself is healing well, but I do see some bruising near her nipple. As long as she is eating and drinking normally, behaving normally, and otherwise acting normally, I wouldn't worry too much but I would have her seen by a vet just to be safe. It's not an emergency as long as she is doing the things I mentioned above, it's fine to wait to take her into the vet in the morning. I hope this helps!

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    Answered By Linda G, MS, DVM

    Veterinarian

    Published on January 22nd, 2018

    Hello. It looks like Remy just has a little bruising going on. As long as the incision remains dry & she seems comfortable, then all will be fine. Just keep an eye on things & report any concerns to your veterinarian. Take care.

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    1Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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