pulled out her stitches - Page 1

Well, my Gumby dog was able to pull out her stitches even with the bite not collar.  It didn't pull apart because we saw the thread on the floor and got her to the vet right away.  The had to anesthetise (sp) her again and put in two rows of stitches this time. And she is NUKING the whole damn house with this lampshade collar.

Anyway,  she has an appt. to have the stitches checked in 7 days and out in 14.  My question is this:  how long is it till the incision is closed. Not necissarily strong, just sticking together well. 

Man, does she look goofy walking around in this thing carrying her horse sized Jolly Ball.

Dawg

PS- I have a GREAT Vet.  he didn't charge for restitching or anesthesia.  Only antibiotics. I didn't know there were Vets that weren't jerks.

 

Allabout, Usually the incision is well on it's way to being healed in about a week. I would not take the collar off though because licking is going to still be a problem. Licking leads to chewing! And licking can be just as damaging as chewing at the incision! My vet usually takes stitches out at about 10 days if the incision isn't red and inflamed. My advise to you with the lampshade collar is just watch the backs of your legs as she gets more accustomed to wearing it! Vickie

Thanks, Vicky.  I'll keep the lampshade on for sure.  Yeah, it's in the low eighties here but I don't dare put on shorts.  The worst is, she's used to battering doors open with her head. It's a very strange noise.

Thanks for the info.

Dawg

I use either the BiteNot collar or the T-shirt or double T-shirt method to protect stitches from dogs getting at them. T-shirt method very simple, put the T-shirt on the dog and gather up the excess secure with a scrunchie(sp). Double T-shirt method, one shirt on the front with head through neck hole, second t-shirt goes on the hind quarters with the neck hole for the tail. Gather up excess material and secure. Double T-shirt method is a pain at potty time as you have to take the back T-shirt off. The Front one even with most males if you gather it up beind the front legs it stay try, so you don't have to take that one off. The T-shirts also work as a body wrap which is suppose to calm the dog, it works for mine but I am not sure about a high drive dog. VLM

There should be several layers of stitches, the inside ones will dissolve. 10-14 days is average for removing stitches. I am surprised they re-stitched her. May have been ok to just tape her for a few days or use a glue (special glue for this type of stuff). Had a dog pull stitches the day after an emergency spay, showed it to the vet, he decided to leave it despite having opened up a bit, just superficially on the outside layer of the skin, it was ok. The inside stitches kept everything together anyways. I would not worry too much. If you can keep her from licking that is. That is always the culprit. If the licking persists, try applying tea tree oil. Its actually good for wound healing, and it tastes terrible. But do test with a small drop in a different area first to make sure it will not cause a reaction (rare, but possible). Have used it myself, stings a little, but not bad, really helps with healing, dries the wound area very nicely, taste is really bad though, also has a strong odour. A few drops every once in a while will do the trick usually. If she licks it, no harm. Good for her gums :o).