Are the instructions for care of different types of surgical incisions the same?
The general instructions for incision care are the same for all surgical incisions.
Under no circumstances should a dog with a fresh surgical incision be allowed to run off leash. Restrict your dogs activity for a period of 7-14 days, to allow the incision to begin healing. When you do take your dog outdoors, keep him on a short leash, and avoid long walks. Do not allow your dog to jump, rough-house with other dogs, or engage in any strenuous activity that could cause excessive stretching of the surgical incision, especially during the first few days after the operation. Excessive activity may cause the stitches to break apart, or may cause the incision to start bleeding.
Your veterinarian may prescribe cage rest or confinement in a small room in certain circumstances.
Do not bathe your dog or allow the incision to get wet. Never apply any cream, ointment, disinfectant, or other substance to the incision unless specifically instructed to do so by your veterinarian. In particular, NEVER clean the incision with hydrogen peroxide or alcohol since these products will damage the cells and delay healing.
Do not allow your dog to lick or scratch at the incision, as there is a danger that the dog may pull out the stitches or may introduce an infection into the incision.
As long as the incision is not bandaged, inspect it at least twice daily. If a surgical drain was placed in the incision, you may be instructed to clean the drain several times per day. Your veterinarian will advise you when to return to your veterinary clinic to have the drain removed.
When do the stitches need removing?
If your dogs skin incision was closed with sutures that were buried beneath the skin surface, they do not require removal. If your dogs incision has non-dissolving skin stitches, staples, or stent sutures, they are usually removed 10-14 days after the operation; the actual time depends on the type of surgery performed. Your veterinarian will tell you when to return to the clinic to have the sutures or staples removed from your dog.
Dog’s PerspectiveIf your dog has just been spayed she may not be feeling too great. Although spaying is a routine procedure, it is major abdominal surgery and your dog may be experiencing discomfort from surgery or feeling under the weather from the anesthetic. If she needs to wear an e-collar to prevent licking the incision, also known as the “cone of shame” because dogs look so forlorn when wearing them, she will not be too happy about that either. When cleaning your recently spayed dog, be sure to read her body language and demeanor for signs that she is becoming stressed, in pain, or upset. Adjust cleaning methods accordingly to reduce stress and upset. Be careful handling your recently spayed dog. Do not put pressure on her abdomen where her incision is located to avoid causing additional discomfort.
Towel Step 1 Brush regularly Brush your dog to distribute body oils and remove debris. Do not brush the abdominal area. Step 2 Use commercial pet wipes Pet wipes, available at pet supply stores, can be used to wipe off soiled areas. Avoid using pet wipes near an incision as cleaning agents can irritate an incision and introduce contaminants. Step 3 Dry shampoo Use a dry shampoo made with baking soda and cornstarch and apply to soiled areas. Rub in gently and brush out. Step 4 Spray and wash Spot spray your dog with warm water where soiled. Wipe soiled areas that have been wet down with a clean cloth or gauze to remove dirt. Step 5 Spot clean Soak a clean cloth or gauze in warm water or saline solution, or use a mild surgical scrub available from your veterinarian, and spot clean soiled areas. Avoid the incision area and abdomen. When necessary to work in this area, wipe away from the incision area.
Towel Step 1 Address discharge Usually, incision care is minimal for a standard spay. However, if discharge needs to be removed you may need to clean the incision and surrounding area. Step 2 Irrigate incision Fill a syringe with saline made with warm water and salt, or saline that is available from a pharmacy, and gently irrigate the incision with low pressure. Step 3 Wipe away solution and discharge Use sterile gauze to wipe away excess saline used for irrigation and any discharge from the incision area. Step 4 Monitor incision Inspect the incision for signs of redness, swelling or inappropriate discharge. Get veterinary attention if signs of compromise or infection are present. Step 5 Pat dry Gently pat dry area around the incision with a clean dry cloth or sterile gauze.
How to properly clean a pet’s surgical incision
Many dogs will have surgery at one time in their life, usually when male dogs are neutered or female dogs are spayed. Dog owners may be asked to perform routine post-operative care of surgical incisions at home. These incisions require careful handling to prevent infection. Most veterinarians will provide care instructions when the dog is discharged. Contact your veterinarian immediately if the wound starts to smell bad or if you see discharge.
âA healthy incision should have clean pink edges that have been drawn together by the sutures.â Although a wound less than 48 hours old may be a darker reddish-pink, it should never appear bright red or irritated. A surgical incision is typically covered with a bandage to keep it clean. Some surgical sites, such as the head, neck, or upper body, are either difficult to bandage or respond poorly if they are bandaged. These sites are typically left uncovered.
If a wound is left unbandaged, it should be inspected frequently to ensure that no dirt, hair, or other debris has entered the incision. Bruising surrounding the incision is normal after the first couple of days. A small amount of blood seepage is normal for the first day after surgery but is cause for concern after that period.