How to Check Your Pet’s Stitches After Surgery
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By Dr Duncan Houston
Checking an incision is about noticing change, not testing whether the stitches are strong. Your pet’s discharge instructions should guide care because a small skin procedure and major abdominal or orthopaedic surgery have different recovery needs.
Ask the team what the wound should look like before you leave, and take a baseline photograph if practical.
Quick Answer
Inspect the incision gently at least daily, or as directed, without pulling the skin or touching the stitches. Prevent licking, keep the area dry and follow activity restrictions. Contact the surgical team for increasing redness, swelling, discharge, pain or missing stitches; an opening wound, substantial bleeding or a very unwell pet needs urgent care.
What are you looking at?
The skin may be closed with visible stitches, staples, buried absorbable material or glue. There may also be deeper layers you cannot see. A neat skin surface does not mean the tissues underneath have finished healing.
A surgical drain or bandage changes the care plan. Follow its specific instructions rather than applying general advice about a dry, closed incision.
A simple inspection routine
- Choose good lighting and a quiet moment when your pet is comfortable.
- Look without stretching, squeezing or lifting the wound edges.
- Compare colour, swelling, edge alignment and any discharge with the previous check.
- Take a photograph from the same angle if useful.
- Record appetite, comfort, energy and medication administration too.
Stop if handling causes pain or defensive behaviour. Ask the clinic how to assess the site safely rather than restraining harder.
How concerning is the change?
| Finding | Response |
|---|---|
| Closed edges with mild stable pinkness or bruising described by the team | Continue monitoring according to instructions. |
| Increasing redness, swelling, discomfort or persistent seepage | Contact the surgical team promptly. |
| Pus-like discharge, bad smell or removed stitches | Arrange assessment; do not treat with a home cream. |
| Gaping wound, exposed tissue, significant bleeding or collapse | Seek urgent veterinary care. |
VCA’s incision-care information describes the importance of closed edges and monitoring for worsening changes. Swelling may reflect fluid, bruising, infection or another problem; appearance alone cannot reliably distinguish them.
Prevent licking effectively
A few seconds of chewing can damage a closure. Use the protective device recommended for the wound location and check that your pet genuinely cannot reach it. Some inflatable collars or recovery suits do not protect every site.
Keep the device on as directed, including overnight. If your pet cannot eat, drink or rest comfortably, ask for a fit check or suitable alternative. Do not abandon protection without a plan.
Keep care simple
Avoid bathing, swimming and wet ground where possible. Do not apply peroxide, alcohol, powders, ointments or antiseptics unless specifically prescribed. Do not pick scabs, remove glue or trim protruding suture material yourself.
The ACVS postoperative-care guide emphasises protecting the site and following the individual recovery plan. Contact the team if the wound becomes dirty or a dressing gets wet, slips or smells.
Activity restrictions are procedure-specific
Running, jumping and rough play can stress healing tissue even when the pet feels energetic. Use the recommended room, pen or lead arrangements and ask for help if rest is difficult.
Many skin sutures are removed around ten to fourteen days, but this is not a universal clearance for normal exercise. Bone, tendon and internal tissues may need much longer protection.
When is this an emergency?
Substantial bleeding, a widely open wound, protruding tissue, pale gums, collapse or breathing difficulty needs immediate care. Prevent licking, keep the pet quiet and call the emergency clinic for transport instructions. Do not push tissue back inside or attempt to close the wound.
Repeated vomiting, inability to settle, marked weakness or worsening appetite after surgery also needs prompt advice, even when the incision looks tidy.
Common mistakes
- Stopping medication because the skin looks healed.
- Using a day-by-day online chart as a guarantee of normal progress.
- Removing stitches at home.
- Waiting for a scheduled recheck despite deterioration.
Frequently Asked Questions
Are all stitches removed?
No. Buried absorbable sutures usually stay in place; ask which closure your pet has.
Can I clean a closed incision daily?
Usually leave it alone unless the team gives specific cleaning instructions.
Can a photo replace an examination?
A photo may help triage, but it cannot assess deeper healing or every complication.
Consistent observation and early contact with the surgical team are more useful than repeated handling of the wound.
Explore ASK A VET™ for general recovery information alongside your pet’s discharge instructions.
