I'm really worried about my kitty Luna and could use some advice. She recently had surgery for an intestinal blockage, and everything seemed fine until today when I noticed a red, bruise-like spot on her tummy near the incision site. It's about the size of a nickel and looks pretty alarming. The incision itself has been healing well, so this new development has me anxious. She's still eating, drinking, and behaving normally, though I might be overanalyzing that because I’m so concerned. I’m planning to call the vet first thing in the morning, but I’m sitting here on the couch, unable to sleep, wondering if anyone else has experienced something similar with their pets post-surgery. Any insights or suggestions to help calm my nerves? Thanks in advance for any help!
Hello! I'm glad you reached out about the red, bruise-like spot on your cat's tummy. It’s common to feel concerned after your furry friend has had surgery, so let’s chat about this.
The redness near the incision could be from a few different things. It might be a simple bruise from the surgery itself, which can happen because our pets move around quite a bit—even when they’re supposed to rest. However, it's also important to watch for signs of infection, like increased redness, swelling, heat, or any discharge from the incision site. These symptoms could indicate that your cat's body is not healing as expected.
At home, make sure the area stays clean and dry. Prevent your cat from licking or scratching the incision, as this could introduce bacteria or irritate the area. A cone or a soft recovery collar can help keep those curious paws and tongue away.
Keep a close eye on your cat for any changes in behavior, such as decreased appetite, low energy, or if your cat seems more uncomfortable than usual. If the redness spreads, or you see warmth, pus, or foul odor, it’s best to act promptly.
I'd recommend booking a video consult with one of our vets here at Dial A Vet. We can take a closer look and guide you on the best next steps to ensure your cat is back to feeling great in no time!
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