The sterilization of the dog is a topic that worries many caregivers. We know about the advantages of this surgery, but we still find caregivers very concerned about the effect it can have on the dog, psychologically but also physically.
In this article on our site we will explain if it is normal for a dog to bleed after sterilization. We will see in what circumstances bleeding can occur and when we should consult our veterinarian.
What is dog sterilization?
Before explaining if it is normal for a dog to bleed after sterilization, we must know what happens in these interventions. To do this, we will distinguish between dog and bitch surgery.
Although there are several techniques, we will refer to the most common:
- Dog sterilization: it is a simpler procedure than in the female as the genitals are outside. The vet will make an incision at the base of the penis through which he will remove the testicles. This is usually closed with a couple of stitches in the skin, although these may not be visible.
- The sterilization of the bitch: in this case an incision must be made in the abdomen. Every time it tries to make it smaller. The vet will remove the ovaries and uterus, arranged in a Y shape. The different layers are sutured internally and the skin externally, and these points may not be visible. The incision may also be closed with staples.
In both cases we must control the wound and prevent the dog from scratching, biting or licking it. To avoid this, our vet can give us a Elizabethan collar In addition, we will have to keep the wound clean while it heals and give our dog the medication prescribed by the vet. Generally, he will be able to remove the stitches in a week.
Bleeding during sterilization
It is normal for the removal of the uterus, ovaries or testicles and the incision made for this to cause a small bleeding during the intervention, which the vet will control. During the postoperative period, due to the incision itself and the manipulation that has occurred, it is normal for us to see the area surrounding the wound colored in red and purple tones, which corresponds to a hematoma, that is, blood that remains under the skin.
The wound may also appear inflamed and it would be normal for the dog to bleed after sterilization from one of the points, especially if this has fallen before being healed. In any case, the bleeding should be minimal and subside in seconds.
When is bleeding a concern after sterilization?
Although it may be normal for our dog to bleed a small amount after sterilization from the wound, we will see below situations in which the presence of blood may indicate a problem that will require intervention from the vet:
- When the bleeding comes from some stitches or staples or all of them because they have come off In this case, the veterinarian will have to re-sew the entire incision. It is an emergency since the intestines could leak out, in addition to the risk of infection.
- The bleeding may be internal. If this is abundant we can notice symptoms such as pale mucous membranes, apathy or drop in temperature. It is also a veterinary emergency that can cause shock.
Sometimes the hematomas that we have described as normal are cause for consultation if they are extensive, do not go away or are painful for the dog. In addition, that our dog urinates blood after castrating him should make us be aware of his evacuations. If the bleeding is profuse and recurs we should contact our veterinarian.
Bleeding in a spayed dog
A different case to those explained is when, some time after the operation, our dog shows a bleeding as if she were in heat When Operate her and remove her ovaries and uterus, the bitch does not stain or attract males or be fertile again, therefore, it is not normal for our bitch to bleed after sterilization.
This can happen when there is some ovarian remnant in her body with the capacity to trigger the cycle. We must Notify the vet Any other bleeding from the vulva or penis can indicate pathologies such as urine infection, which are also a reason for veterinary consultation.
