Instead of kibble, you can try offering canned food or freshly boiled chicken meat to encourage her to eat.However, if your cat still refuses to eat the next day, you should call your vet for further instructions. Absolutely loved your Avatar reference! Even if you follow post-operative instructions, some dogs may react differently after getting spayed. If your cat has a special marking on her abdomen area, dont worry itll grow back at the exact same spot, too! Elkhound dogs are hardworking working dogs that served alongside their Viking masters. If your dog is suffering from post-spay incontinence, talk to your veterinarian. Are Dog Dental Wipes an Effective Way to Improve Your Dogs Oral Health. If your dogs spay incision is unusually hot after 24 hours of surgery, reach out to your veterinarian to know what to do next. Note: We joke that Gracy has Wolverine genes. A spay incision contains different layers, such as the abdominal muscles, subcutaneous tissue, and skin. If your cat has external sutures, count them when she is discharged from the hospital so youll know if any are missing. An infected spay incision will likely be quite red and swollen. Seromas are usually filled with fluid that could be watery in texture and red in color. Other types like sand litter may stick to (and contaminate) the incision site, affecting the healing process. store-bought alternatives and DIY recovery suits, Cat Spay Recovery Guide (with Incision Healing Photo Timeline), Cat Parvo Treatment at Home (How My Cats Survived Parvo), Best Cat Litter for Cats with Respiratory Problems (Chronic Cases, Asthma, Allergies). Similar to human wounds, you can spot an infected spay incision when the following signs are observed: As the spay incision goes through its healing period, you may notice a lump near the incision site. If your pet shows signs of pain upon touching the area, then this could be a sign of infection or inadequate pain control. Dogs MUST wear their cones to prevent licking and chewing. After several days, you should observe that the skin is beginning to lighten. Your pets incision should feel warm, but not warmer than the rest of her body. Thanks for the reassurance. If you have multiple cats, its best to separate the spayed cat from the group during her recovery. If bleeding continues, your pet may have an infected spay incision or other complication. If you are thinking about spaying your cat, you likely have many questions, including what the recovery process may entail. Products for Cats with Cerebellar Hypoplasia, Indoor vs Outdoor cats: Pros and Cons of an Indoor Cat. The size of the lump is about 1.5 inches bulging down when she is standing. Their individual quirks are 100% the same. After three days, your dog will be more lively than usual. Given that there is no discharge, pain, excessive swelling, or any signs of an infected incision, your pup should be ready for suture removal. Your dog may be able to open her sutures by licking or gnawing on the incision site. After your female dog undergoes the spay procedure, the spay incision must be observed for several days. Your cat should slowly go back to her normal, cheeky self over the next few days. Fevers may be an indicator of systemic illness secondary to an infection. What Happens If a Dog Jumps After Being Spayed? During this time she may experience some discomfort. What a difference, Im not alone! Before panicking (and jumping right into PetMds doomsday prediction), make a quick call to your vet for direct confirmation. Ive been in such doubt and questioning of all these details, and all you did was share. It Depends on the Breed & Type of Dog, 40 Big White Dog Breeds That Will Amaze You (Large & X-Large), 9 Tips from Our Veterinarians to Help Your Old Dog Eat More, What Can I Give My Dog To Make Him Sleep All Night? A Complete Guide To Owning A Dog For Beginners. Cats can reach most areas of their body with ease, as you can see when they groom themselves. You may see stitches or staples on a healthy incision site. If you notice your cat is scratching at the spay incision, there is a good chance it is infected. You should keep it indoors, limit its movement, and use the cat collar. They also had difficulty drinking and eating food, even if it was on our palms. Generally, oozing puss indicates an abscess. In most cases, seroma may only lead to mild or moderate swelling and should not cause pain to your dog. Keep the area clean and dry: Dogs should not be bathed for 14 days after surgery and only with the blessing of their veterinarian. Your veterinarian will also give you instructions for giving pain medication and managing incision care. If your veterinarian placed a bandage over your pets incision, follow their instructions on bandage care. Spaying a dog is an important procedure all pups should go through, learn how to identify if an incision is healing well here. Immediately following the procedure, note the length of the scar, the number of stitches, and the appearance of the skin. *. Also, make sure to observe your dogs activity levels. The skin should be a normal or slightly reddish-pink color. After spaying, a thin layer of fur will start to grow within 1 to 2 weeks. Most spay incisions will heal properly in about 10-14 days. It is necessary to monitor your cats incision for warning signs. If you move down from the belly button towards their tail then you should be able to find it. In this article, we will review pictures of healthy incisions and pictures of incisions that have become infected. It's okay if the redness increases a bit over the first several days. Theres no need to let her walk around and explore because actions like running and jumping risk opening up the incision.As long as there is ample room in the cage for your cat to do her feline stretches and use her litter box, its perfectly fine.Your spayed cat should have cage rest for 7 days. Water may not only disrupt surgical glue at the incision site, but it may also attract moisture-loving bacteria. Before we delve into what unhealthy incisions look like in dogs, lets explore what a normal incision should look like. Usually, a dog with a seroma will manifest the following signs and symptoms: Swelling of the incision area Local irritation and reddening of the skin Increased temperature around the site Clear fluid leaking from the site We also share helpful aftercare tips that we. It is important to note that surgery suits are not a replacement for a cone. Otherwise, veterinary attention is required. Dogs may instinctively want to lick the incision as the wound heals and fur starts to grow back. There you go! Using an Elizabethan collar or E collar to prevent licking and chewing on the incision site is also recommended. It is a dogs nature to want to lick or chew these areas. While we veterinarians are responsible for doing a good job in surgery, it is then left to the pet owner to ensure recovery is going smoothly. While some cats will adjust quickly, others may try to remove it. There is a chance your vet gives you a cone to put on your cat after the spay. Photos are extremely helpful, and your veterinarian may request you email pictures to their clinic for review. Especially about the lump. Due to the risk of resistant infections in surgical wounds, culture and susceptibility testing should always be performed. In comparison, the discharge of an infection will look either dark red, yellow, or green. Its big enough to stop your cat from licking the incision, but small and flexible enough to be pressed against bowls so she can reach her food easier. It is quite normal for your spay incisions to feel warm. Talk to your vet before starting surgery if you're worried about an adverse reaction or if you know your dog has reacted to anaesthesia previously. If this is the case, you may still need to put an Elizabethan collar on your dog for several weeks. The soft cone feels plush-like. When you check your pets incision daily, you shouldnt smell a foul odor coming from the incision site. Here are a few tips to avoid an infected incision: With proper post-operative care, spay incision infections are quite rare and the benefits of spaying your cat heavily outweigh these risks. I googled lump after cat spay and this is exactly what I needed. If an incisional infection is suspected, your veterinarian will want to take a few steps. It is not unusual for the incision to become slightly redder during the first few days, as healing begins to take place. Youre welcome, Suzanne! Personally, my cats wolfed down all their food portions happily. Make sure to keep the incision site clean and dry at all times. A lump following spay surgery may or may not be normal for your cat. I have a 6 month old female who just got spayed a week ago, day 7 she developed a lump too! As it happens, my Grace was spayed on the exact same day as your kitty and I can confirm that her incision looks nearly identical to your pic. As the wound heals further, the skin stitches or staples will require removal two weeks after the surgery. Detecting an infection early and alerting your veterinarian can prevent delayed healing, discomfort, and most importantly, a more complicated issue. Well, cats are flexible creatures. The pictures of the recovery, the lump explanationwhy do vets not explain these things? If you believe your cat has a seroma, see a veterinarian to determine the next step. Combined with the swelling, an infected wound will also radiate heat, which you can feel when you gently hover your hand above the wound. Your email address will not be published. Video. In this article, we take a look at what a normal dog spay incision looks like, and what pet owners can do to prevent infections. It would be beneficial to put them in temporary confinement. But despite their attraction, some of these indoor plants may not be the Did you know that socialization is key to your dogs growth and development? Right after your dogs surgery, you might notice a small amount of discharge coming out of the incision site. In most cases, the lump forming after a cat spay is a harmless event. A sensitivity and culture usually cost around $200-300. If you notice swelling around the surgical incision, together with some of the other symptoms, check with your vet. Youre very welcome. Here are some of the main signs of infection. that may present are minimal compared to the possibility of puppies and the increased risk of diseases. Some vets use external sutures to close the wound, while others seal the incision with internal stitches. Often, seromas are painless and will clear up on their own. Is she eating and drinking again? One complication we always educate owners on is recognizing incisional infections. If your dog recently had a surgical incision, you will find this article helpful. With this in mind, you should have no problems dealing with your spayed dog. The thing Be amazed at Norways national dog, the Norwegian Elkhound! Back. Its okay if your cat heals a little slower whats most important is progress. Keeping the incision site clean and dry will help minimize the risk of these serious problems. However, it is not a good sign if the bleeding continues for several days. Or roll around the floor, low-crawling with their tails to the side *ahem*. Your veterinarian will discuss monitoring for infection. It is important that your cat takes it easy for a couple days following surgery. However, the skin should not be considerably red or otherwise discolored. You should check your female pup for infection or infected stitches no less than twice each day. Such preventive measures should be taken to avoid infections and other medical complications. Rather, use clean, warm water or a disinfectant solution prescribed by your veterinarian to clean around the wound. Dog post-spay surgery recovery day by day healing progress with photos of our dog's spay surgery incision site/stitches for the first 14 days. of incisions develop an infection/inflammation in the days following the surgery. Its best not to bathe your dog before theyve had time to heal completely. At least your kitty doesn't look as ridiculous as Grace with the shaved tummy! Fretting over our cats health is all part of being a committed cat parent. My goodness this was SO helpful!! Im really glad you enjoyed the article. Additionally, untreated infections could lead to a life-threatening condition known as. Follow your veterinarians post-operative instructions: I know your dogs post-operative instructions may seem exhaustive, but they are crucial for your dog to heal normally. There are many reasons why your dog could get an infection. . Now that you understand what's normal and what's not, it's important to check your dog's incision regularly post-surgery - we recommend 2 times per day. The Dog's Incision Healing Process Within the first few days after surgery, the edges of the surgical incision will normally swell and become red. Stand the dog up or lay them on their back if they let you. Many veterinarians recommend pursuing this procedure in cats at around. By this time, it is already at the late stages of the spay incision healing process. The incision is much less wrinkly and fragile-looking. DIY and store-bought alternatives, if the plastic pet cone doesnt work for your cat. A Vet Explains, Senior Dog Panting A LOT: Our Vet Shares How to Help. This comes from bacteria building in and around the wound. In the picture below, you can see the difference between inflamed skin and normal healing areas. As the incision heals, the wound should appear smaller with minimal swelling and redness. Furthermore, studies have shown that you canincrease her life expectancyby spaying and decreasing her chance of future diseases, including breast cancer and uterine infections. An easy way to tell if a dog is female is to look for a spay scar. A balloon-like bump that's filled with fluid. At Penny Paws Animal Clinic, we are dedicated to the well-being of your caton and off the surgery table. In laymans terms, she explains: Its simply the reaction of your cats body after those layers of skin (tissue and fat) were stitched together. Spay incontinence happens because of the drop in your dog's estrogen hormone levels. However, its not always easy for pet owners to know what their dog will look like after this procedure. In the second picture, the incision is beginning to open up. If your pet is diagnosed with septicemia, she will require intensive care and hospitalization. Orthopedic surgeries are sometimes at a greater risk. (when bacteria enter the bloodstream). Analysis of Proven Benefits, 4 Worst and Most Dangerous Ingredients to Avoid Used in Dog Foods. When left untreated, an infected spay incision may lead to, (when a wound or incision splits open), potentially allowing abdominal organs to protrude from the wound. If your pet surgery was performed at Pets In Stitches, please contact us if your pet's incision looks like any of these pictures. Most importantly, do not bathe your dog or let the incision site get wet. A culture is a swab taken of the incision that is sent to a laboratory to assess for bacterial growth that can indicate an infection is brewing. A seroma is a lump or blister at, near, or under the incision site. If the incision does become wet or dirty, lightly dab it clean with a moist, clean paper towel. The signs of possible infection of a spay surgery fall into a few categories: Change in color of the incision Swelling and heat Smell and discharge Your dog's discomfort Change in color of the incision As the incision heals, it will go from "angry" red to light red, to pink, to skin-colored. Any pain or discharge from the surgical site should not be present, and the incision should remain visibly closed as the incision heals. Ask a Vet: Is Grain Free Food Bad for Dogs? The sutures were also chewed out, which could put this dog at risk for dehiscence or breakdown of the surgical site. So dont worry, your cat will be the same feline you know even after her spay. As with any other infection, contact your veterinarian if you notice signs of an infected incision in your cat. A condition will make the incision site red and hot to the touch. Redness slowly darkens as scabs start to form. This will discuss what your pets incision should look like and help you provide post-operative care to your dog. You should avoid swimming or bathing your dog for a minimum of one month. By inviting moisture to an incision via bathing or allowing your cat to play in the sink or water bowl, you may put her at risk for infection. There could be many reasons for this, but one of the main causes is too much activity after surgery. My family wants to get a new kitten soon and we know that we have to spay her eventually. If they have regained their vitality after the third day, this is a sign that your dog isnt experiencing any feelings of discomfort. By using this form you agree with the storage and handling of your data by this website. What is the typical post-operative care for a dog? 6: Do not touch the incision: Touching the incision with your fingers can also introduce bacteria, so try to limit contact as much as possible. It makes so much sense to share a timeline of photos for the home caregiver to check on progress, but NOBODY shared this, including the experts. Redness and swelling should be completely gone. . Surgery-related seromas occur when the surgeon leaves too much dead space when closing the incision. You will know if it is healing normally if signs of redness, slight swelling, and bruising improve after the first few days. Pictures of Normal Spay Incisions When To Be Concerned About Your Dog's Spay Incision You should check your dog's spay incision a few times a day until it is fully healed. The key to a healing cat spay is that there shouldnt be any swelling or inflammation in or around the incision. This indicates that your pet is still in the early stages of healing. Heres what you need to prepare. Additionally, if your dog has a large incision, it will take a longer period for it to be fully healed. Your dog should also not feel any pain and may walk and move normally. An infected incision is not only painful for your cat, but it can also delay healing, taking affected cats longer than the standard 10 to 14 days to recover fully from surgery. Related post: Spay Incision Infections: our vet explains. Instead of just clasping the cone around the neck, they may also use ribbons to secure it around your cats shoulder, backpack-style. Average incision healing is 10-14 days. Licking at the wound may cause irritation and damage to the tissue surrounding the incision. Its important to remember that every dog is different, and therefore each dogs wound will heal differently. Our pets will typically undergo a surgical procedure at some point during their lives. If there is an unpleasant smell, this could indicate unusual drainage that may signal infection. It was the same with Gracy. Once bacteria enter the wound, your pet becomes at risk of developing serious medical complications without prompt treatment. Making your dog wear an E collar or a neck brace is a great barrier option. Medony Properties LLC is a participant in the Amazon Services LLC Program, an affiliate advertising program designed to provide a means for sites to earn advertising fees by advertising & linking to amazon.com This site also receives a small commission from all affiliate links and third-party advertising. This evening there was a light red watery drainage out of the blue while she was laying down. In the first 12 hours, your cat will likely be woozy, slow and quiet due to anesthetic effects. Avoid changing your cats food abruptly during this period. This promotes growth of skin tissue around the wound, which helps prevent infection and soothes the wound so your cat wont scratch at it. Our new Fort Worth Clinic location is 3748 Basswood Boulevard, Fort Worth, Texas, 76137. Copyright 2023 | MH Magazine WordPress Theme by MH Themes. American Bully XL: Breed Info, Pictures, Size & Care Guide, Can Dogs Eat Crackers? What To Expect After Your Dogs Spaying Surgery. It is truly my dream job, and I see hundreds of dogs every month being united with new owners to give them a loving forever home. What do you think? However, bathing your dog too soon could cause the wound to get infected. Here are some pictures of cat spay incision healing pictures. A small amount of blood may ooze from the incision during the first 24 hours of surgery. Day 4 to Day 5 The skin regains a little firmness as it recovers. Mild swelling and bruising around the incision site can also be observed. My Aussue pup was spayed 4 days ago. Since the initial 7-day period has passed, what I did was restrict my cat to one room, where there were no cat trees, sofas or anything tall for her to leap from one point to the next. In this case, its best to rush your dog to the vet clinic. When left untreated, an infected spay incision may lead to dehiscence (when a wound or incision splits open), potentially allowing abdominal organs to protrude from the wound. Another great cream for a healing cat spay incision is the Skin and Wound gel. She may also open the incision by tearing or breaking the sutures if she plays hard or exercises too much. . Incision infections are one of the most common spay complications, especially in the first week following surgery. The heat should disappear after around two days after surgery. Here are some pictures of what you cat spay incision should look like: Cat Spay Healing Photos. However, if your dog jumps a week after the surgery, there should be no cause for concern as the incision has already begun healing. You should be concerned if the incision appears to have excessive swelling, is bright red, leaks fluid, has red bumps around it, or if the incision opens back up. If the area feels hot, contact your veterinarian to determine the next course of action. Day 7 Any remaining redness is dry and scab-like. Learn how your comment data is processed. The pictures for this article were provided by petsinstitches. A female dog should be spayed once it reaches 6 to 9 months old, given that you have a toy or small dog breed. Finally, we will also share 6 tips for dog owners to successfully avoid incision infections. Additionally, your veterinarian may suggest that you avoid certain grains, which could upset your dog's urinary tract. Secondary to that, dogs develop infections due to the following causes: Existing skin disease: Dogs that have an existing skin infection or chronic skin disease have unhealthy skin that is more likely to become infected or for infection to spread to a new surgical site. Honestly, I have no idea how anyone keeps the plastic cone on their cat for 7 whole days. Skin disease should always be treated first before elective surgery is performed, as these dogs are at increased risk of incisional infections.