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.

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.

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.

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?

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.

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

He is a working cocker spaniel.

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!

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

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