Post-TPLO incision infection: should I be worried?

Thanks for reaching out with your concern. It's understandable to be worried about your pet's healing after surgery. A TPLO (Tibial Plateau Leveling Osteotomy) involves significant recovery, and it's essential to monitor for infection signs.



Common signs of an incision infection include redness, swelling, warmth around the incision, yellow or green discharge, and a foul odor. Your pet may also exhibit increased pain or sensitivity around the surgical site. A mild fever or lethargy can also indicate an infection.



At home, keep the incision site clean and dry. You can gently clean around the area with a saline solution, but avoid applying any ointments unless directed by your vet. It's also crucial to prevent your pet from licking or chewing at the incision, as this can introduce bacteria and delay healing. Using an Elizabethan collar (cone) can be very helpful.



Watch for any worsening or persistent symptoms. If you see increased redness, swelling, or discharge, or if your pet's behavior changes significantly (e.g., becomes very lethargic or stops eating), these can be signs of a serious infection requiring veterinary attention.



I recommend scheduling a video consult with Dial A Vet just to be safe. We can assess the incision and help you decide on the best next steps in your pet's recovery.