We do everything we can to prevent potential complications, but here are a few that can happen. Ask us about any other concerns or potential complications that can occur.
Excessive swelling and bruising
There is usually some degree of swelling and bruising associated with any surgical incision. This usually peaks 2-3 days after surgery before improving. If the bruising continues to worsen or the swelling doesn’t go down, contact your veterinarian to check the incision site.
Opening of the incision (dehiscence)
Skin sutures or staples can be ruptured or lost if the pet is allowed to lick the site or move around too much. If only a few sutures are lost, but the skin edges remain together, then the deeper layers of skin sutures are still intact and there’s no concern. Any continued licking or scratching needs to be stopped, however, before any further damage is done. If the incision begins to gape open or drain fluid, contact your veterinarian.
Seroma formation
This is a benign complication in which a watery accumulation of serum accumulates under the incision. Usually the fluid will be reabsorbed by the body, but seromas can get quite large. To help speed the healing of a seroma, confine your pet to limit their activity, and prevent them from licking at the incision site. Apply warm compresses to the area. If the swelling doesn’t go down, contact your veterinarian to see if the fluid can be drained with a needle.
Infection
Bacterial infection of an incision will cause swelling and pain and pus formation. You may feel warmth and tenderness at the incision. Your pet will feel sick, with a diminished appetite and a reluctance to move around. They may also seem to be in more pain. If any of these signs occurs, contact your veterinarian.