Pet staples: How long is too long if my pet's incision won't heal?

The black stitches you see are likely internal stitches, which is normal. Staples can stay in for a long time, since they are metal. However I would take Etta back to the vet for a recheck if the incision has not closed by Monday (at least scabbed over). Do not touch the incision, do not put ointment on it and do not let Etta lick the incision. Should you see pus, or green/yellow discharge, she will need antibiotics.

It looks like the wound is separating a bit, and perhaps one of the staples has pulled through the skin, but it is difficult to tell from a photo. There appears to be a little bit of redness/discharge which can sometimes indicate infection. I don't think this is an emergency but I would recommend having your vet examine the incision when they are next open. If your dog is licking at the area then placing an e-collar on him to stop this, or if you do not have one trying to put a long sleeved shirt on him so that he cannot lick at the area and further cause damage until your vet can see him. Best of luck to you!

Mast cell tumor incision sites often dehisce (come open) because of the nature of this type of tumor. Staples are not likely to hold either. Without seeing it myself it is hard to say what treatment would be best. You may have to let it heal by second intention (let it fill in and heal naturally). I suggest you speak to your vet about starting Skippy on some antihistamines which may help with the dehiscence of the incision.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! The area will still continue to heal without the staple. Monitor daily for redness, swelling, discharge, or heat. If you notice that, return to the vet for further evaluation. Kisses to Lucky!

They are holding the incision together. At the end of the incision there is some tissue swelling and irritation which is causing the redness and mild discharge. This doesn't look infected at this point. Once the staples are removed this will finish healing and the scar with flatten out. As long as she's eating and feeling fine I would not treat this with antibiotics, and I do not recommend cleaning or putting anything on the incision as it may damage the scab and slow down the healing. Use a cone if she's licking since licking will cause additional irritation. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach to help you care for Milo.

it is hard to say if this can heal without putting another stitch in. If you cannot keep your dog still, then this will indeed need another stitch or staple to hold the wound edges together and especially not enlarge. It is also very important to keep an e-collar on her so she cannot lick the incision. Keeping her calm would be essential and you may have to crate her in order to achieve that.

Have her rechecked by your veterinarian. The site should have been fully healed by now unless she has been licking it or overly active. Place an e-collar (cone) on her and restrict activity to just leash walks for elimination until she sees the doctor. A staple, suture or glue may be applied once any infection or trauma has been ruled out by the vet.