Latest update after the Vet visit is that she's doing extremely well. My hunch was right about the fluid/bubbles/similar RI symptoms & it was just the Betadine baths annoying her, which is good to know. I skipped a day and she was fine, the Vet confirmed it and mentioned she sees that a lot and it's only a minor annoyance and nothing to be worried about (unless of course it got worse).

The staples are going to be left in for another while, she's healing great and the Vet would like to see them stay in until the incision site has healed more.