This post is being updated as Abby heals. Check back for progress.
Last updated on May 22, 2026
Abby was spayed on April 10, 2026 via bilateral flank ovariectomy, where two small incisions are made on both sides of the abdomen rather than one cut down the belly: We are documenting her recovery here with photos for anyone going through the same thing and wondering what to expect.
For the full story of her spay experience, read our post here.
Day 1
Fresh out of surgery. The skin around both incisions was shaved and very pink. The stitches were quite red but dry, which we took as a good sign. The left side incision appeared thicker and deeper than the right. Abby was still a little drowsy from the anesthesia but had some appetite and drank water.
Abby wore a recovery suit instead of an e-collar throughout her recovery: You can read our full review here.
Day 2 to 6 – Aftercare routine
We were advised by the vet to disinfect the stitches and give Abby anti-inflammatory medication daily from day 2 – 6.
Day 4
Fur is already starting to grow back and cover the bare skin around the incisions. The left side is still slightly pink while the right side appears to be recovering faster. both sides remain dry with no signs of infection. We have also started walking outside again.
Day 6
The pinkness has diminished quite a lot on both sides. Things are looking much better compared to day!. This was also the last day of the disinfecting and medication routine.
Day 8
The right side is visibly more healed and appears fully sealed. The left side has remained similar to day 6 but is progressing. Scabs on both sides are thinning out.
Day 11
The right side scabs have mostly fallen off and the incision looks sealed. We stopped putting on recovery suit for Abby after this day. Abby has also started resuming off-leash activity slowly.
Day 13
Big progress on the left side, most of the scabs have disappeared. The right side remains in a similar state to day 11. On the right incision, what appears to be the tip of a dissolving stitch is still visible at the top of the wound. Since the stitches are self-dissolving, we are monitoring and expecting it to self-heal over time.
Week 3
The scabs have fully disappeared on both sides. The suture knots are still visible on both sides, which is normal for dissolving stitches.
One side has developed a small pink bump that feels similar to a pimple. Our guess is that it is slightly inflamed as the body works to dissolve the internal knot. Since there was no fluid coming out and abby did not react when we applied pressure, we decided to keep observing for now.
Fur is also slowly making its way back. Abby has fully resumed her normal activity.
1 month
One side is completely healed. The other side perhaps caused some itching, we woke up and found the spot bleeding. For now, she is wearing her suit again.
We will keep updating this post as Abby continues to heal. Next update soon.