Stitches opened after spaying Cat

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Stitches opened after spaying Cat

I have a serious concern about stitches opened after spaying cat.

The clinic opens after the holiday weekend, what can I do to prevent infection at the incision of a cat spayed 3 days ago? Some of the her insides are protruding between the stitches.

ANSWER:

Keep the area clean with hydrogen peroxide and examine it constantly to make sure the inner stitches aren't coming out also. There should be 2 layers or 3 layers of stitches and if she has only taken out some of the outside layer, everything should be ok. However, if she removes stitches from all layers, her intestines could squeeze through and her abdomen be open to infection. If that is the case, please look for an emergency service that is open during the night.

Thank you,

Dr. Neely

Comments for
Stitches opened after spaying Cat

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Oct 06, 2011

incision coming open and stuck to muscle
by: Rif

it has been 8 days since spay and my cats stitches are gone meaning dissolved and now the incision looks like the skin layer is coming open and oozing fluid, it also appears that the skin was stitched to the muscle because that area will not move freely like the rest of her belly and I'm pretty sure it wasn't like that before, shouldn't that incision area move freely with the rest of her skin, I have an appointment tomorrow and they say that they are going to have to cut her again and re-stitch to close the incision, would I be safe to say this is not right and just take her to a different vet for another opinion?

thanks

There is nothing unusual about some stitches being attached to the underlying muscle. That is often done to prevent fluid-filled pockets from developing at the incision site. It is not essential that the skin move freely in that location.

As far as the skin incision opening and fluid coming from it, I don't know what that fluid is - if it is an infection or just fluid, but obviously if the incision is open, it needs to be re-sutured.

Nothing that you have told me about the veterinarian makes me feel you shouldn't go back to them. What has happened could happen to anyone. Of course, I don't know them and couldn't really say for sure.

Best of Luck and Please let me know how it goes,
Dr. Neely

Jul 16, 2010

After My spaying incident
by: Jacquie

Believe it or not, the vet that I had my cat spayed at offered to do my next cat spaying for free. Of course, I refused to accept their offer, requesting answers and my money back. After a week of them attempting to get me to bring my one remaining female in, they gave up and gave me my money back. However, they refused to disclose who did the surgery, how many layers of sutures were used, and questions revolving my calls prior and such. I wish I was able to afford to have an necropsy, but because of the high cost ($260), I was not. I did however report the issue to the state attorney's office, which has had multiple complaints about this office.

Your story is SO sad. I am so sorry. You have a legal right to a copy of the medical records. They cannot refuse to give those to you. Also, in my opinion, that is a ridiculous price for a necropsy. I am glad you are taking steps to report this horrible incident.

My very best wishes,
Dr. Neely

Jul 14, 2010

cat stitiches came out after spaying
by: Anonymous

Hi i had my cat spayed 6dyas ago she had a collar on but i have noticed she has managed to get the stitches out.The wound still looks quite closed apart from the top layer should she be ok or do i need to take her back to the vets thanks

It's impossible for me to say without seeing it or knowing how many layers of stitches the vet used to close the incision. I use 3 layers always so if it were my patient you were talking about, I would say don't worry, keep an eye on it. However, some vets only use 2 layers and that could make it more risky.

Best,
Dr. Neely

May 14, 2010

butchered spaying
by: Anonymous

During this past winter a stray cat ended up at my home. She was pregnant. I took her in and she gave birth to 5 beautiful kittens. After finding homes for the kittens I realized I would keep her and get her spayed at an area shelter. They do this proc. for free for strays. I brought her in Tues. by wed. her incision was opened. She had bruising under skin. Called the shelter left a message, no one returned my call. Next day called again, was put on hold for a very long time. Thursday the incision was swollen and more bruising was sited. She became very lethargic. I called again and they told me this was not good and would not end good, to prepare myself. I felt like I had killed her. I brought her to an animal hospital and they performed a second surgery. The poor cat had blood clots throughout uterus. They did not stitch the ovarian stump. Also had a hole in abdominal wall!!! I can't believe she lasted for 3 days in this condition. She is still at hospital recovering. She is not out of the woods due to huge infection but was strong enough to make it through surgery. Hope she makes it!

Feb 19, 2010

Horrible
by: Jacquie

5 days after my cat was spayed this last week, I called the vet to ask them if I needed to bring her in because she tore out one of her stitches. They told me no, that it was common and she would be fine. That was 2 days ago. This morning I find vomit all through my house and my cat dying on my bathroom floor. Her intestines were coming out. I tried calling the emergency vet number multiple times, but didn't get an answer. She passed away from blood loss...

I am SO sorry. You have my deepest sympathies.

Sincerely,
Dr. Neely

Jul 07, 2009

Cat's incision opened after stiches removed
by: Tracy

My nephew's cat's incision opened after his cat's stitches had been removed (spay procedure...one testicle had not descended so they needed to open the belly to remove.) He came home to find the cat's intestines on the floor. He immediately took him to vet & vet said "that happens in a small percentage". Well, the cat died this morning & I can't help but think the vet removed stitches too soon & is using that explanation to remove the blame from herself.
Any thoughts?
-T

Sure, I have thoughts, but they're not very nice. Let's just say that it hasn't ever happened to me in close to 20 years of surgery and I have never heard of it happening to any of my colleagues. It should never happen in my opinion. How dreadful for your nephew and horrible for the sweet cat. I am SO sorry.

Deepest Sympathies,
Dr. Neely

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