Cats can undergo surgery for a variety of reasons. Standard surgeries include spay or neutering as well as declawing. Surgery may also be necessary when the cat has been injured, such as being hit by a car. Cats can also need surgery for cancer, various benign tumors or other diseases that may be having an unwanted affect on the cat's overall health. Unfortunately, after surgery, infection can occur, just as in humans.
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Causes
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Following any surgery, you should keep an eye on your cat's incision. Incisions are closed using sutures and may or may not be comfortable for your cat. It is not uncommon for cats to chew at the sutures in an effort to remove them. Watch for any excessive licking or chewing at the incision site. This is the most common reason for a cat to develop a post surgical infection. If you suspect an infection has occurred, it's important to contact your veterinarian.
Discharge
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In the first few days immediately following any surgery, it is normal for a clear discharge to appear. The discharge may be slightly pink in color due to blood; this is also normal. A small amount of discharge is normal, however, excessive amounts should be reported to your veterinarian. Discharge can also be a sign of an infection and occurs when bacteria enters through the open incision. Over time, the infection occurs and a pus-like discharge can occur. Discharge color can vary based on the bacteria and the type of infection, as well as where the infection has occurred.
Swelling
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Swelling directly following a surgery is relatively normal. Some cats may have normal swelling due to the surgery or as a reaction to the sutures. However, swelling that occurs several days after the surgery can be a sign of an infection or fluid buildup, also known as seroma. Your veterinarian will drain the fluid and may possibly prescribe an antibiotic.
Sutures
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Missing sutures can occur for a variety of reasons. They may simply fall out or they may be ripped out during chewing. If one of your cat's sutures is missing but there is no swelling, discharge or other symptoms of an infection, then it may have simply dissolved. Most often, sutures only need to be replaced if the wound has come open.
Tissues
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It is possible for tissue to come through an incision due to pressure, even if the incision seems to have healed. Tissue may also come through if your cat has been licking or chewing, which causes swelling to occur. In the event that either of these situations occur, it is important to contact your veterinarian before more serious issues arise.
Prevention
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Preventing your cat from excessive chewing or licking can help aid in preventing a post surgical infection from ever occurring. With some surgeries, licking or chewing may be acceptable according to your veterinarian, such as with a neuter surgery. However, this is not true for all types of surgeries or incisions. One common solution is to purchase an Elizabethan collar to keep your cat away from the incision. These are large, cone-shaped collars that go around the cat's head. You may also be able to dress the cat in a small child's t-shirt, which some believe is more comfortable for the cat and will also prevent any licking or chewing.
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