(GRAPHIC) Spay Photo. Is this normal???

[jmm]

It is not open at all. It looks just fine. Keep doing what you are doing. The very pinched appearance is because it was closed with staples. Staples can be very irritating, hence the redness.

[Grace'sMom]

I'm shocked they used staples too... and agree it isn't a great job.

Grace had 4 stitches, and the incision got better and better each day, less puffy.

[IvysMom]

Well, I was looking online and found this article. According to their descriptions, what you are seeing is within normal limits.

"Within the first few days after surgery, the edges of the incision will normally swell and become red. The wound may look bruised and may have minor blood tinged fluid seepage. The edges of the wound will not be healed together and a slight gap between the edges is acceptable. Signs of trouble include excessive drainage, such as dripping when your dog is standing, bleeding from the wound or missing sutures. A wide gap, usually over ¼ inch, can indicate trouble. Any tissue that is protruding is a sign to contact your veterinarian right away."

Here's the entire article: Is My Dog's Incision Healing Normally? - Page 1

You might still feel better - I would - to have it looked at by a vet, but I thought you might like to see this article. As I said earlier, I've never seen a spay incision closed with staples rather than sutures or surgical glue, so I had no others to compare it too. But using surgical glue instead of staples sure promotes faster healing. I can't imagine why any vet would use staples when the result looks like your pup's, when sutures or better yet surgical glue, does such a better job.

[italianna82]

Thanks for pulling up that article. That was nice of you.
It has actually started to look a bit better. It's not quite as red...it still has a little bit, but not half as bad as before. The swelling seems to be down too. Now it looks more like bruising and that "crusty" healing look. I will definitely analyze it tomorrow morning and if it isn't better I will take her to the vet just to make sure.
I really do thank everyone for all the advice. This really is a rough few days to have to go through with these babies. I never thought I'd love a doggie so much. I used to think people were nuts when they would cry over their pet passing. NOW I totally understand. I cry when she gets spayed...I can't even imagine the other. Ok, happy thoughts now......

[Zoe's Mom88]

Hugs to you and Gucci! Hope it looks better tomorrow. You were right it was a bit red and inflamed in your pic. Keep us posted.

[IvysMom]

Originally Posted by italianna82

I never thought I'd love a doggie so much. I used to think people were nuts when they would cry over their pet passing. NOW I totally understand. I cry when she gets spayed...I can't even imagine the other. Ok, happy thoughts now......

I know. Non-doggy people can't understand how much we can fall in love with a dog, and how much love a dog has to give in return. It is their loss.

[aksm4]

Becky got staples and she had major surgery her incision was from under her ribcage all the way down and hers did not look like that ....... maybe every dog is different ???

[italianna82]

Originally Posted by aksm4

Becky got staples and she had major surgery her incision was from under her ribcage all the way down and hers did not look like that ....... maybe every dog is different ???

So, does Gucci's look BAD in comparison to Becky??

[aksm4]

To me comparison to Becky yes , but maybe everydog is diferent ????

[italianna82]

I just called the vet and they said I can bring her in today so they can look at it. They'll also clean it up a little.
It does look a little better today, but I'd rather have someone tell me it's fine.