Normal Healing for a Spay or Neuter

• Mild swelling and redness around the incision site is normal and should subside within a few days.
• Temporary sleepiness/low energy after procedure; energy levels will return.
• Prevent licking/chewing to avoid infection and slow healing.

Dehiscence of Skin Incision

• The sutures have ruptured so the incision is open
• Surgical repair is usually needed for spays NOT neuters
• On neuters the skin layer is purposeful left open to allow for drainage

Infected Skin Incision

• Oral antibiotics are usually required for 7 days and will be prescribed through the Grant Veterinary Care
• Surgical repair may be needed
• Please contact Grant Veterinary Care

Suture Reaction

• May take weeks to months to resolve
• Looks like a red bump under the skin
• The incision is healed but there is a suture reaction where the incision was
• Can occasionally blister and ooze

Seroma

• Lump usually filled with blood-tinge fluid (it is a pocket of fluid underneath the skin)
• Too much activity can create this pocket of excessive fluid (seroma)
• Will resolve over time
• Usually, we will confirm with a fine needle aspirate to ensure the pocket of fluid is not infected
• Recommend restricted activity until healed

Bruising

• The body’s natural response to injury such as a spay/neuter surgery
• Restrict activity
• Continue pain meds as prescribed

Emergency

• If there is anything hanging of the open incision; please seek medical attention immediately!
• Contact Grant Veterinary Care, if we are closed, please reach out to your regular veterinarian or the emergency hospital.