Canine Suture Infection

All surgeries require an incision. Following the surgery, the veterinarian will suture the dog's wound. The incision usually takes about 7 to 10 days to begin to heal if an infection does not occur. Some dogs will obsessively lick, chew and scratch the sutured area; this may cause redness, swelling, discharge and infection to develop around the sutures.

  1. Swelling and Discharge

    • As the dog's body begins to heal itself, a moderate amount of swelling will appear around the incision's sutures. The swelling, caused from an accumulation of fluid and cells, may appear pink or reddish. The incision may seep clear or bloody tinged discharge for two or three days after the surgery. If the swelling becomes severe or the discharge becomes foul smelling, promptly take the dog to a veterinarian. The veterinarian will determine if an infection has occurred, or if the dog is suffering an allergic reaction to the sutures.

    Excessive Fluid

    • A veterinarian will determine if the swelling and fluid occurs from an infection. If no infection is detected, the veterinarian may drain the fluid away from the incision to reduce swelling. The veterinarian may also opt to place a drain in the incision to help remove the fluid before an infection sets in.

    Infection Treatment

    • A veterinarian will clean and bandage the infected incision. The dog will usually have to take antibiotics too. If the infection extends past the surface incision and deep into the dog's flesh, the veterinarian may have to perform surgery. A veterinarian will remove the sutures and reopen the incision to remove the infection. Once the infected tissue has been surgically treated, the veterinarian will re-close the wound with fresh sutures.

    Infection Prevention

    • Prevent the dog from licking or scratching the wound. The veterinarian may prescribe a flexible cone-shaped collar, known as an Elizabethan collar, to keep the dog from licking the incision. Keep the wound clean and watch it daily for any signs of infection. Prompt treatment of an infection before it reaches the deep underlying tissue will help prevent the dog from needing another surgery. If the tissue begins to protrude from the sutures, take the dog promptly to the veterinarian to re-close the wound. A missing suture will also require immediate replacement.