My puppy's spay stitches popped. What should I do until I see a vet?

It appears that this part of the incision did pop open. I would recommend that you have it checked by an emergency vet. It may be able to heal without getting new stitches, but I cannot make that call just by looking at a picture - it should be done by someone that can evaluate the whole body. Make sure that he is not licking - not even once - since that will spread bacteria, decrease healing, and loosen up other stitches.

Hi there. I would try cleaning it with some mild soap and warm water. She may be having a reaction to the suture material. As long as their incision is still holding together, and Aisha is acting normally, just clean and keep a close eye on her. Without seeing a photo I can't offer much more than that, but feel free to send a photo if you'd like more detailed advice. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. You should clean the wound with cotton buds and warm, boiled water 2-3 times a day until you see your vet. Putting a cone back on is an excellent idea too. Your vet will likely prescribe Apollyon an antibiotic cream and maybe will put a stitch or two to close the small opening in the wound.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! It looks like the knot under the skin has worked it’s way out. I would continue to use an ecollar to prevent Tucker from licking the incision and opening it up. If after the 2 weeks of healing time the suture is still present, take him to the vet that did the surgery so they can cut it off. If you notice the incision opening, take him to a vet right away to determine if he needs antibiotics. Good luck and kisses to Tucker!

That looks like it's healing pretty well at this stage. Keep an eye on it for any redness, bleeding, seeping, swelling or her feeling sick or lethargic. Keep her confined, going outside only on a leash and only long enough to go potty for another week or so until she heals completely.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! This warrants a veterinary examination as soon as possible. While this cannot be sutured back in place for now as it is infected and inflamed, the ultimate goal would be to treat this wound aggressively and it can improve. This is not something that can be treated at home. This will require surgical debridement, cleaning and antibiotics. This is also painful and pain control medications need to be considered as well. Best of luck!

Peroxide can hinder healing and there are enough staples out that I would be concerned the skin is going to reopen/tear from movement. I would try to get her into your vet or an ER vet ASAP to have a few extra staples/surgical glue put in to prevent the remainder from pulling apart. In the meantime, you can keep the area clean and debris-free with a clean washcloth and limit ALL activity (leashed walks outside to go potty, kennel rest, etc) to minimize pulling apart the skin as it heals.