Spay/gastropexy Healing process

[luckybeemer]

Remi had this surgical procedure done 9/23/20. I followed all the post op rules (rest, no running, jumping, active play, wore the snugly) for the entire 14 days. I kept a check on the incision line. Didn't really like the look of it from day one. Sent pictures/email to vet as its an hour away. Vet said it looked fine, if anything changes notify office. Well, last week upon daily inspection it appeared swollen, along the side of the suture line it felt very "knotty" hard lumps and seemed tender to touch. I call the vet and rush her into the clinic. The vet calls (as I am not allowed inside with her, d**n Covid) and says she is fine. All part of the healing process. As the sutures absorb, it forms pockets. Well, my gut is still in turmoil wondering if its truly normal and will her spay scar always look this bad. She is not a show dog, and I am more worried about her health, but I don't want her to have a narly looking scar either. Any thoughts?
1st pic is most recent
2nd pic is a day or so post op

 

[LifeofRubie]

that is kinda gnarly looking. No exterior stiches, all interior to be absorbed?

Rubie definitely has a very visible scar but her sutures also looked a lot different AND (shame on me) she was able to pull a few out less than a week after surgery.

I'll just keep the pictures thumbnail sized in case that stuff icks people out.

 

[GennyB]

Sorry but I can't remember the healing process in dogs with sutures that absorb. I can say that I recently had a couple major surgeries and my incisions did look lumpy and gross. The first one was just beginning to look like it might turn out okay when I had the second surgery. It's all gnarly looking again because the surgery was just over 2 weeks ago. Based on my experience I would say the Vet could be right.

 

[MyBuddy]

I'm not sure how it should look but what does concern me is the fact that it was done over a month ago and it still seems tender? How is she doing today?

 

[luckybeemer]

She is normal otherwise. Still her picky self eater, peeing, pooping, running, playing as usual. The knots "pockets" seem to be smaller and less of them. She has one area irritated either from scratching or licking....I discourage and redirect constantly. The scratching and licking I thought was food allergy related, but now thinking its more environmental which sucks cause we both enjoy being outside during gorgeous weather. Anway......I am continuing to monitor the sites and hoping it continues to improve without any more problems

 

[jask]

Hi,

QQ for the group- we have done spay and gastropexy surgery for our gal. Today is day 5 and seems she is still in pain. Any idea, how long dog experience pain from the surgery and how we know they are fully recovered from internal stitches. I am following all the guidelines that Vet has provided and it hurts to see her in pain.
Thank you in advance.

 

[LifeofRubie]

Oh, it's so frustrating when they look like they're in pain!

Did you get pain meds, by chance? I know those are often an additional charge and not built into the surgery, for some reason.

Is she eating, drinking, and pottying normally? any sign of infection at the surgery site or just acting a bit tender?

 

[JanS]

Boy it doesn't seem like she would have much pain after 5 days. Have you checked with the vet?

 

[jask]

Oh, it's so frustrating when they look like they're in pain!

Did you get pain meds, by chance? I know those are often an additional charge and not built into the surgery, for some reason.

Is she eating, drinking, and pottying normally? any sign of infection at the surgery site or just acting a bit tender?

We have been giving her pain meds, she is eating normal, not drinking enough. So we add water to her food. She is pooping normal.
I don’t see any infection..
would you know how long the internal stitches take time to heal.

Thank you for your responses

 

[AlexKreitto]

It's understandable to feel concerned about your dog's incision site after surgery, especially if it looks different than you expected or appears to be causing discomfort. While some swelling and lumpiness can be a normal part of the healing process, it's always best to err on the side of caution and seek veterinary advice if you're unsure.