When a dog has abdominal surgery, why do they leave the wound uncovered?

[BurningBridges]

My dear friend has just had an op on her dog, brought it home and it has groin to chest wounds which look awful (possible cancerous growth in teats removed) - they are stitched but not covered.

My DDog had to be PTS after abdo surgery that went wrong, last year, and he too had horrible wounds that weren't covered, but these are 10 times worse. I am bit sensitive to this sort of thing and my friend supported me through that at the time but now I can see her dog apparently suffering I am thinking why on earth do they do that? I think its something to do with the wound needing to "granulate" (scab over?) but even so, seems like the antithesis of what should be done - does anyone know why? Is it something you just go with dogs?

"just do with dogs" I mean. And to be honest I think that's a daft question - dogs don't have any unique anatomy!

but they are hairy! so unique, yes

very sorry to hear of your ddog passing, and this sounds very difficult for you to watch another go through, keeping fingers crossed for positive outcome for this poor lovely girl.

I am sorry you list your dog.
The type of coverings for wounds don't stick very well to dogs and no one has developed a specialist wound covering for dogs. A stitched wound with a depressing heals in exactly the same time as a stitched wound without a dressing, so there is no medical benefit for the wound. Actually often the dressings create a warm, damp environment that can slow healing.
I often get patients who have had a similar surgery to your friends dog to wear T-shirts air can circulate around wounds, but dog can't luck or scratch the wounds.

Thank you lonecat that is very helpful I see what you mean. Feel a bit relieved now.

When my little Bichon was spayed, I used wide neck baby vests - she never attempted to get at the scar and our vet was delighted with her healing. Three for £4 in Tesco at the time