Ellie was spayed yesterday. Her incision is looking a bit dark and strange at the bottom. I have had her wearing a cone but afraid she might have stretched it. Does it look normal?
It's wonderful that you're diligently monitoring Ellie's incision after her spay surgery. From the photos, it appears there might be some discoloration and possibly some scabbing or dried discharge, which can be normal during the initial healing stages. However, there are a few important things to keep an eye on:
Firstly, some swelling and redness are expected, but if you notice that it seems excessive or is worsening, it could be a sign of infection. Secondly, a small amount of clear or slightly bloody discharge can be normal, but if you observe any pus or a foul odor, this could also indicate an infection. Lastly, if Ellie appears to be in significant pain, is excessively licking the area despite wearing the cone, or is unusually lethargic, these could be signs of complications.
Given your observation that the incision looks a bit dark and unusual, it would be wise to monitor it closely. Make sure Ellie continues to wear the cone to prevent her from licking or stretching the incision. Keep the area clean and dry, and try to limit her activity to prevent any strain on the incision.
If you notice any signs of infection, such as increased redness, swelling, pus, or a foul odor, or if the dark area seems to be spreading or worsening, it would be best to consult your veterinarian as soon as possible to ensure everything is healing properly.
Please don't hesitate to reach out if you have any further questions. Thank you for your attention to Ellie's care.