Spay recovery: How long for dissolvable stitches to dissolve and rest?

Dissolvable sutures under the skin can take 6 months or so to fully dissolve, but will begin to slowly break down within the first few weeks. There are many different suture types, and all break down at different rates. However, the incision itself should heal within 10-14 days of the surgery and the glue should break down around this time frame. This type of surgical closure is quite common and most dogs can return to a normal activity level (including swimming and bathing) about 10-14 days after surgery. I hope this helps and that Hei Hei's recovery goes well!

Usually there three layers of stitches. One layer holds the body wall together, the next closes the subcuticular layer and the third layer closed the skin. The skin stitches can be put into the back of the skin so there are none showing. Sometimes skin stitches are on the outside of the skin and will need to be removed in ten to fourteen days. The buried stitches will dissolve over one to three months depending on the size and type of suture used. There will be some swelling as they dissolve and you often can feel them for a few months if you are feeling closely. Over time the scar will heal and you should no longer feel anything but the spay scar itself. The scar also will become softer and smoother over time so that often it is difficult to find. Since she’s a very small dog the sutures will be thinner and will be less noticeable sooner than on a big dog. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Precious.

Limit or restrict activity to avoid stress on the incision. Avoid excessive running, jumping or rough play. Use an e-collar (cone) to prevent licking or chewing of the sutures. Examine the site daily for redness, swelling, bruising, bleeding or discharge. Monitor for lethargy, loss of appetite, fever or abdominal pain. Look at her gums daily to ensure they are pink. Sutures are kept in for 10-14 days. Do not bathe her until the sutures are removed.

Recovery will take approximately two weeks in most dogs. During this time, it is recommended to prevent or avoid excessive running, jumping or rough play. An e-collar (cone) is typically work until sutures (stitches) are removed 10-14 days after surgery. It should be left on at all times to prevent licking or chewing at the spay site. There is no reason Daisy cannot be left alone as long as she has someone to let her out to use the bathroom.

Your vet should go over instructions for her aftercare based on the surgery. In general we recommend restricting activity untli the sutures are removed, which is normally 7 to 10 days. Unless she has had an upset stomach we can usually give them their normal food, just in small amounts initially to be sure the anesthetic didn't make them nauseous and they aren't going to vomit. As far as how long the surgery will take, that will depend on your vet's office and where the bump being removed is located. You should contact your vet for information on when she will be ready for pick-up from surgery, and at discharge/when she goes home,they should provide you with their specific instructions for aftercare. If they do not, then please ask them for details. Best of luck to you and Precious!

Hello, sorry to hear about Precious. If dissolvable the sutures should go away on their own. Depending on the suture material used, this could take anywhere from 1 month to 3 months. Monitor the area for any bleeding, discharge, pain, swelling, or redness and if you note any then have her veterinarian evaluate the area. Ideally, Precious should not be licking at the area and you should not be cleaning it or touching the area as this can delay healing. Hope this helps and best of luck.

Sophie's spay site looks good but the tissue will not be fully healed until 14 days so still no off leash play time. Also, check with your veterinarian. Most vets want to recheck the spay site at 14 days. I hope this helps and please feel free to post any additional questions.