Cat's pyometra surgery incision not closing after multiple stitches?

If this is how her incision looked when you took her back in for the recheck, then your vet probably thinks that it will heal on its own - we call this second intention healing. This is a reasonable way to heal a wound that only affects the skin. If the vet thought that the wound extended deeper than just the skin, then Bonnie would need to have the sutures replaced. The down side of healing by second intention is that it takes much longer for the wound to heal - it could be several weeks of having her wear the e-collar. Because of this, often my clients will prefer that we go ahead and sedate and clean up the wound to place new sutures. Healing would then be expected in around 10 days.

Poor Lilly! If she was missing all day, she could have done something to cause the wound to open up more. When a cat has a wound and is on medication, it's best to keep her confined to allow her to heal correctly. I see she has stitches, and cats with stitches need to be kept quiet so the area can heal properly. I would keep her indoors while this wound is healing to prevent her from opening it up more, as well as disappearing and potentially missing times when she needs to take her medications. Set up a litter box inside for her along with food and water. Once the wound is fully healed and her stitches are removed, she can start going back outside. I hope this helps!

That could be quite a common situation, especially with certain kind of tumors (mast cell tumors). Depending on what the wound looks like(a picture would help to define it more specifically), a revision surgery may be needed. Tissue glue or metal staples could be valid options as well. Please do not hesitate to contact us again on the forum or by requesting a consultation if you have any more questions or to discuss it any further.

I agree with your vet that the area will heal with time. However, Gypsy has the potential to get the area infected or open it up more if she continues to lick at it, so you need to use an e-collar or such to prevent her from licking. If the area continues to ooze, becomes red or swollen or the incision opens up more, then I would certainly contact your veterinarian again. Good luck! I hope that was helpful and that Gypsy heals quickly. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! There could be an infection developing or even inflammation that will make healing more difficult. I recommend having them evaluated by your veterinarian for further assessment and treatment which will likely include the use of antibiotics and anti-inflammatory medications. Good luck and have a good day!

Thank you for submitting your question regarding Gita. Six days is quite early to have her sutures removed. However, maybe it was suspected that she was having a reaction to the suture material or that they were contributing to the infection. It is possible for her wound to heal, but it will be more difficult without the sutures. She must be kept from licking the surgical site and her movements need to limited. No running, jumping or playing. I hope this information helps!

That is tough for you and Cookie. I'd speak to his vet to see if there are any other options to help this heal. If the stitches keep failing, you may have to see if it can be healed by what's called second intention. Healing by secondary intention refers to healing of an open wound, from the base upwards, by laying down new tissue