6 month old kitten spade 8 days ago. This is what the incision site looks like. Should we be concerned?

I’m feeling a bit worried... My 6-month-old kitten was spayed 8 days ago, and tonight when I checked her incision, it just didn’t seem right. It’s a little redder than I remember and maybe a tiny bit swollen? I don’t know if that’s normal or if I’m just overthinking it. She’s been a bit more tired than usual, napping a lot more during the day, but I thought that might just be her recuperating. She’s still eating and using the litter box fine, but she did have a small lick at the site when I wasn’t looking. We’re doing our best to keep her from messing with it. Has anyone else gone through this? Should I call the vet just to be safe? Thanks so much for any advice.

Answer

Thanks for reaching out. It’s definitely wise to keep an eye on your kitten’s incision, especially after surgery. At 8 days post-spay, we typically want to see the incision looking clean, with minimal redness, and no swelling or discharge. It should be mostly dry and closed.



If you notice slight redness or mild swelling, this can be normal, as your kitten's body is still healing. However, there are a few signs you should watch out for that may indicate an infection or problems with healing. Check for any pus or thick discharge, an unpleasant odor, or if the area is hot to the touch. Also, monitor your kitten for any signs of discomfort, like excessive licking of the incision site, lethargy, or a decreased appetite — these could be indications of a more serious issue.



For now, ensure your kitten avoids licking the incision by using an E-collar if you see her trying to do so. Keep her relatively calm and avoid rough play that might stress the healing site. Maintain good hygiene around the incision to prevent infection.



If you're seeing concerning signs or if the incision looks more irritated, it would be prudent to book a video consult with one of our vets at Dial A Vet. We can take a closer look and guide you on the best course of action to ensure your kitten heals completely and comfortably.

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