My dog's wound opened. Are dissolvable stitches safe for large dogs?

Dissolvable stitches means that it is very likely you will not see anything and there is no need to remove them. To be able to evaluate the the wound breakdown and possible exposure of underlying layers (and so the potential risk of infection) I would need to at least see a picture of the wound. Please repost your question and attach a pic of it. Hope this answer was helpful, but 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. If this answer was helpful please let us know, this will be used to improve our service!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! I think that area should have had stitches, so I’m assuming Buddy licked them out. It only takes a few seconds for a dog to remove them. He should be wearing an E-collar or a donut at all times. He shouldn’t lick that open area either. Clean it well with soap and water and apply a triple antibiotic ointment. It likely will heal on its own as long as he doesn’t continue to lick. I wish Buddy a speedy recovery!

Hi, thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! No, non-dissolving stitches aren’t used UNDER the skin and always dissolve. What is likely happening is that Rocky is reacting to the suture as it breaks down. It happens somewhat often. It takes several months for the suture to dissolve completely. I would warm compress the area and give it time. Watch for secondary infection and any protruding suture. You can always send us a picture as well in another post. Good luck!

Hello, thank you for your question about Roofus. Depending on the location of the hole in regards to the rest of his stitches I would be concerned that his incision may not heal properly. Since his surgery was so recent and there has been very limited time for any healing so far it is possible that Roofus could develop a build of of fluid (seroma) or blood (hematoma) which could prevent healing of his full incision. It is also possible that he could develop a surgical site infection due to this opening, although this is less likely since he is on antibiotics. I would recommend having Roofus evaluated by a veterinarian so that they can examine the surgical incision and determine the need for additional closure. If this opening is at the bottom of the incision they may elect to allow this to act as a drainage site and perform no further closure. However, if the hole is at the top or middle portion of the incision they may elect to place an additional stitch or staple to close the incision. Hope this helps, good luck!

Hello. If the incision has opened a bit, but is not a gaping wound, then healing naturally, or by second intention, will be just fine. Otherwise, sedation may be needed to reclose the area. Your veterinarian has prescribed a good plan with what you have listed above, so try to curtail Wilma's activity as much as possible so that the incision does not open more. Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Given that she has evidence of wound dehiscence, she should be re-evaluated by a veterinarian for further assessment. This wound is likely going to need to be addressed locally with wound cleaning, debridement and most likely by replacing those stitches that came out. At the same time, she is likely to need antibiotics as well. In the meantime, I recommend that you limit her activity as much as possible and use an e-collar to prevent further self-trauma. At the same time, they may be able to check her for the bloody stool which could be secondary to medications if she is on something like a pain killer or antibiotic after her surgery. Good luck! Hoping for a speedy recovery!

Hello and thank you for contacting Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. - I don't think the wound will need to be re-stitched. It looks on the picture you posted that the opening is very small. This should heal without stitching. - It takes 10-12 days for incision wound to fully heal up. However, if there is wound infection or the wound opens up, the healing process may take a few days longer. - The incision usually opens up as a result of licking the wound. It also can be caused by jumping, running or any excessive exercising. - Please, talk to your vet about the yellow discharge from the wound. Caesar may need an antiseptic cream or ointment on top of antibiotics treatment.