Dissolvable stitches? How long should they take?

far2812

I am probably being premature here but my little dog was neutered 10 days ago. When I collected him the nurse said that he had dissolvable stitches in.

We had an appointment to see the vet on Friday (1 week after his op) - but when we got there - it was closed due to "an incident".

I was just wondering how long it should take for the stitches to dissolve as they don't appear to be dissolving yet!

I am not sure whether they actually ARE dissolvable stitches!

Thanks

Sagz_2

Around 14 days or so - if you are worried give the Vet a call tomorrow and check, most will be able to tell from the colour of stitch if it's the disposable type that they use.

far2812

It's purple stitching thanks

Waterfalls

What colour are they??

it depends on what they have sutured them with are there is various types, but they will take longer to dissolve outside of the body (well, the only bits that will dissolve are the sections thats are inside the body if that makes sense)

they can still be removed if u want them to be, usually sutures are removed after 10days, but its no drama if they are in a few days longer

Waterfalls

sorry i was a bit delayed there lol

Purple sutures are usually Vicryl, which do dissolve.

far2812

Oh thanks Waterflls - I'm probably just being a paranoid fussy "mum" thanks

KVet

Sounds like Vicryl. Will take up to 90 days to dissolve, sometimes longer depending on how dry the area is where they are dissolving in. 10 days in a mouth for example.

far2812

Near his "bits" - thanks for the advice!

dalsicle

I wouldn't worry I've had them go as soon as 6 days (although it was a pet rat and I think she helped them along a bit ::) ) and the longest was just over three weeks which was next to a dogs eye. With the dog the vet did say that as the wound had healed nicely for me to bathe the stitches once a day and rub the area gently a few times a day to help them along.

far2812

Thanks Dalsicle - he isn't bothered by them at all - I honestly thought he would be at them 24/7 and I was armed with all sorts of deterents.

We took him to Wales for a few days to recouperate (well we were going anyway) - and he spent a lot of time in the sea which has healed the wound brilliantly!