Dog castration / wound.

[Babyroobs]

18 month old dog was castrated on Friday. He seems to be recovering well, eating and drinking fine etc. My only worry is the smell which I assume is coming from his wound. It has smelt bad like this since he came back from the vets. Is this normal? I know a smelly wound can be a sign of infection but as it has smelt like this since he first came back from surgery I don't think it is infected. I do have a very acute sense f smell though so could just be me. I have tried to clean the area gently a bit just now just in case it is just dried blood etc on his fur but he won't let me. we do have a post op check booked for tomorrow. I'm guessing I just want to know if this smell is normal? wound looks fine.

[missmouse101]

What is the smell like? Is it just an odd smell (maybe skin disinfectant still present?) Or a nasty smell? Does the incision site look fine- no swelling or reddening or discharge? He has been prevented from licking it? Definitely don't try to touch or clean the op site.

[Babyroobs]

No it's definitely not a disinfectant smell. I'm finding it quite pungent but like I say it has been there since he first came home. He has an inflatable collar to stop any licking.

[missmouse101]

If the op site looks absolutely fine and he is perfectly perky, I reckon it's nothing to worry about. It may be a slight anal gland smell perhaps (they smell dreadful) At least you are going to the vets tomorrow so they can check there. What breed is he?

[PottyPotterer]

Unlikely to be the wound if it's been there since the day of the op, infection would take time to take hold and start to smell. He probably soiled himself/emptied his anal glands during or after the op, even after a quick cleanup anal gland smell can hang around.

[Babyroobs]

Thanks both, yes anal gland smell would make sense. He is quite chirpy, eating loads and moving about more today.

[Babyroobs]

He is a working cocker spaniel.

[missmouse101]

Ahh, he sounds lovely and glad he's doing well. The anaesthetic of course relaxes everything so I bet it is just the gland/poo thing. If he ever scoots along on his bottom in future then it's because the glands are over full and a bit uncomfortable. Good luck tomorrow!

[tabulahrasa]

My last one always got really smelly after anaesthetic - like really strong ‘dog’ smell, but slightly more unpleasant.

[missmouse101]

Hi OP, what did they say at the vets today? Hope he's doing OK.