I’m feeling really anxious and could use some advice. My dog, Max, had CCL surgery about two weeks ago, and everything seemed to be going well. But over the past couple of days, I’ve noticed the incision area looks a bit odd. It's red and swollen, and there’s some discharge that I definitely don’t remember seeing before. Max is also licking it a lot, which I'm sure isn't helping. I’ve tried to keep him from doing it by using a cone, but he seems really uncomfortable. The vet said to keep an eye on it during his recovery, but I’m worried this might be an infection. Has anyone had a similar experience? What should I be looking for? I’m just so worried about my poor Max, and I want to make sure I’m doing everything right for him. Would appreciate any advice or similar stories you could share.
Thanks for your question! I'm here to help you navigate through your concern about a possible infection following your dog's CCL surgery. It's great that you're being attentive to your pet's recovery.
After CCL surgery, it's normal to see some swelling and bruising. However, signs of an infection could include redness around the incision, discharge, a bad odor, or if your dog seems to be in more pain than you'd expect. If they're licking the wound or have a fever (you can check using a rectal thermometer), these could also be clues something's not right.
For now, ensure the surgery area is clean and dry. Try to prevent your dog from licking it by using an Elizabethan collar or a recovery suit if possible. Keep their activity limited, as too much movement can slow healing and potentially increase infection risk.
Please monitor for any of the warning signs I mentioned, and if your dog's condition doesn't seem to improve or worsens, it’s important to check in with a vet as soon as you can. While I hope it's just a minor issue, it's always best to be cautious with post-surgical care.
Feel free to book a video consult through Dial A Vet so a professional can evaluate your dog's condition more thoroughly. I’m sure it will bring you peace of mind. Take care!
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