Cat has infection after spay

Can anyone please help. The vet told me that my cat has an infection following spay surgery. She also has a red rash near the incision. She's on antibiotics. I'm really worried as she keeps licking herself incl the incision area. I'm keeping a highly vigilant eye on her and try to stop her licking the site. When I tried to put the e collar in her she became v depressed and was contorting herself so much I worried she would strain something. V worried about her as I have to go back to work in just over 24 hours!

You do need to either keep the e-collar on her OR some members here have found that putting a baby onesie on is more effective and less bothersome. Ask your vet if it would be okay to cover it.

She needs a cone.  You can get one at the pet store.

Thanks. That's what the vet said! Ok, I'll put the collar back on her. She also has a rash adjacent to the site, but not on it. Do you know of any home remedies for that? Thanks for your help ill try to get a pic later today.

The rash may just be irritation from her excessive licking. I would leave it alone for now as long as she is prevented from licking there anymore.

When was her surgery done? The rash sounds like she is having an allergic reaction to the sutures (I've had this happen in about 40% of the Spays I have seen.) Things usually resolve on their own once the internal sutures are fully absorbed by the body. They occasionally need Benadryl or steroids in the interim period.

Just continue to keep an eye on her.

The surgery was done 5 days ago. I thought she would like to lay on my persian rug, which had been rolled up for a few months. So although I vaccumed it thoroughly, I noticed that she seemed really physically irritated soon after laying on it and soon after that the red rash appeared! I've since put that rug away! I really think this all stemmed from that rug. The vet said that the actual incision looks pretty good, but it's the wetness around it, indicating infection, that is the problem. I think you might be right Cat Pack that she needs steroids too and yep, the licking is not good. I swear I will never again take on an undesexed cat!

Also wanted to mention that steroids should be used sparingly after any kind of surgery as they can hinder the surgery site from recovering properly. I would try an alternative first and then move to a very low dose steroid if necessary.

Ok. I found an e-collar that's not so big and was much less distressing for her to wear, but she still managed to escape out of it twice. She's asleep now but will put it back on when she wakes. I'm worried she won't get through this or will be left in permanent pain if her stomach area doesn't heal.

With the e collar...make sure she cannot double herself over and lick the area. Remember, cats are VERY flexible. We had a kitten (5 mo old) who went through several collars until we finally found one that prevented her from reaching her stomach...she really did look like she was wearing a funnel! We even had to rig up tall sippy cups to her crate so that she could drink water.

I'm sure your kitty will be fine. Just make sure that incision stays dry. =)

Will do, thanks

You can also try an old men's tube sock.  Cut the foot part off, slip the tube part around her tummy.

My cat was spayed a few months ago. shes called catriona.she wouldnt stop licking the wound. i tried everything to no avail. then i had a brainwave. i cut out the centre of a 6" paper plate making sure it was tight enough but not choking her. bingo worked like magic. she couldnt reach the wound.make sure the plate is soft cardboard not polystyrene. sounds crazy i know.but she looked so cute with a union jack flag plate 4queens jubilee round her neck. hope this helps someone. sorry i mixed up posts .new herexo

Haha that's so cute! Thanks for the suggestion! Your cat didn't seem to mind it. I might just try that

Glad you found this helpful. no she didnt seem to mind at all.with the plate being flexible she could sleep on her side comfortably. i took the plate off under supervision so she could wash. wish i thought of this years ago.B-)

It's good Catriona is all better now [emoji]128522[/emoji]

thank you.let me know how your wee cat gets on.i know what a worry it is. they just find the wound strange,thats why they keep licking it.all the best.

Thanks everyone for helping me get through that and giving me the advice I needed to hear! A couple of days after wearing the collar the rash has virtually disappeared and her wound seems dry and healing nicely. Now the only thing is that she seems to have a lump on the lower left side of the wound! I'll take her back to the vet if it doesn't go away.

glad to hear your cat is on the mend.not sure what the lump could be.nothing to worry about im sure.do no harm to phone the vet and get advice.