How to remove stitches from a cat: step-by-step instructions and safety rules

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Castration (sterilization) of a domestic cat is a simple operation. It lasts 10-20 minutes, but requires certain postoperative care for the animal. Very little time passes after surgical manipulations, and the moment comes when it is necessary to remove the suture material. If possible, it is best to entrust this procedure to a professional veterinarian.

But there are reasons why some furry pet owners cannot go to the doctor. In this case, you can remove the threads yourself, having first studied the detailed instructions for carrying out such manipulations. This article will tell you when to remove stitches after sterilizing a cat, and whether this procedure can be carried out at home.

How to remove stitches from a cat: step-by-step instructions and safety rules

Surgery is often the only effective method aimed at curing many diseases. Surgical sterilization of cats, castration of cats and other important interventions are of great importance. Imagine - the operation was successful, the animal feels good and runs around, but... you need to remove the stitches. How to do this without harming the animal along the way?

Removing stitches from a sterilized cat at home

So, in order to remove stitches at home after sterilization, the pet owner needs to adhere to the following recommendations.

Only the outer suture material that is visible to the naked eye should be removed.
You cannot go under the skin to remove the internal suture material. Only a specialist from a veterinary clinic can perform such work.
The main difficulty in removing suture material is fixing the sterilized cat. The essence of furry beauties is such that all of them categorically do not accept lying on their backs. If the owner touches the painful area, the cat begins to growl or hiss. But you should not trust the cat’s emotions, because by the time the threads are removed, the painful sensations have already completely passed.
It is worth remembering that pets have a slightly lower pain threshold compared to humans. And if the removal of stitches from a cat after sterilization is accompanied by dissatisfied growling and attempts to escape, then this is most likely due to the fact that the pet is willful and freedom-loving.
Before removing a cat's stitches after sterilization, the owner needs to make sure that the wound underneath has completely healed. In the area where the surgical threads are located, the skin should be dry, without bloody crusts. The edges of the wound should also not be visible. That is, the cat owner must make sure that after removing the remaining suture material, nothing will come apart.
If crusts of dried blood are noticeable on the scars, it is not recommended to remove them yourself. You should tell your veterinarian about the problem. If everything is normal, the specialist will be able to immediately remove the suture material.
Before removal, the healed parts of the wound with threads must be carefully examined. They consist of 2 parts. The one located outside looks like a nodule and two antennae. The inside cannot be seen because it is hidden under the skin.
If the owner decides to remove the cat’s stitches after sterilization without resorting to the help of a veterinarian, then he should think about good lighting. Only in this case will it be possible to see the area where the stitches are placed.
You also need to prepare a sharp cutting tool. It would be good if these were surgical scissors, but if they are not available, you can also use manicure scissors. You will also need tweezers, with which it is much easier to remove the threads.
All working tools are first disinfected with warm water and soap, and then boiled for several minutes.
Suture sites require treatment with a disinfectant composition.
You should grab 2 antennae with your hands (or a knot, there is no fundamental difference), and gently, without overdoing it, pull them up.
Two threads go from the nodule under the skin. One of them is cut with scissors without damaging the delicate skin of the cat. Next you need to remove the seams by pulling the thread up. The suture material (knot, two tendrils and inner knot) will remain in the hands.
According to the above scheme, the remaining suture material is removed. The main condition is not to inadvertently cut 2 threads at once, because in this case part of them will remain under the skin and can cause suppuration.
The areas of removed sutures remaining after sterilization are once again treated with an antiseptic.
If, after sterilization, cosmetic sutures that are continuous are used to stitch up a cat’s wound, they are removed by a specialist from a veterinary hospital.

You need to carefully remove threads from a cat’s scars after sterilization, having previously assessed the psychological state of the animal. In fact, this work is not difficult. If your pet is too nervous and is even capable of attacking, biting or scratching its owner, then it may be better to visit a veterinarian.

In a clinical setting, the specialist who performed the sterilization will be able to use sedatives before removing the suture material.

If the cat’s mental state is unstable after sterilization, the help of a specialist from a veterinary clinic is the best option. Due to the fact that some animal treatment facilities now work around the clock, it is possible to remove stitches from a cat after sterilization at any time of the day.

Important Notes

Let’s immediately voice a simple truth: “If possible, it is better to take your pet to the nearest experienced veterinarian.” This will be much more reliable. If not, then here are the simplest rules:

It is advisable to use some kind of sedatives and sedatives for those animals that are characterized by increased aggressiveness and/or nervousness in life. In general, it is extremely difficult to remove stitches at home for such animals.

If the cat is calm “like a boa constrictor,” then you should remove the stitches at home, since a trip to the veterinarian is extra stress.

If you decide to rid your pet of stitches yourself, please take care of the basic rules of antiseptics and asepsis: boil the scissors, stock up on antiseptic solutions.

By the way, when should the stitches be removed? This should be decided by the veterinarian after examining the animal. Wounds heal differently in different cats, the time of this process can vary significantly, and the veterinarian also decides on what day to schedule the procedure. As a rule, no earlier than 10-12 days after surgery.

What to do if the seam comes apart after sterilization?

If you suspect suture dehiscence, you need to soak the stuck bandage with hydrogen peroxide and carefully remove it.

To remove a stuck bandage, soak it in hydrogen peroxide.

It is recommended to treat the damaged area with an antiseptic solution or powder . This will reduce infection and inflammation.
Treatment with brilliant green, fucorcin, iodinol, and ethyl alcohol is acceptable.
After cleaning the wound, it is recommended to apply a bandage soaked in a solution of dimexide mixed with saline. If there is pus in the wound, your veterinarian may apply drainage.
When the inflammation goes away, it is permissible to tighten the edges with an adhesive plaster.
As a wound healing agent, it is recommended to prescribe levomekol ointment , as well as ointments containing sea buckthorn oil and panthenol. Milk thistle oil has good recommendations as an anti-inflammatory agent that resolves scars and promotes healing.
To improve healing, it is recommended to keep the inflamed section open for some time after treatment with antiseptics.

When NOT to remove stitches yourself

In case of extensive surgery (complex abdominal operations). The fact is that today only the suture material that is absorbed in the animal’s body is used. As you understand, there is no need to “remove” such seams. In addition, there are several other cases when you should refrain from “amateur activities”:

Your veterinarian will want to recheck the stitched area. If he gives the go-ahead, then you can play master tailor.

The area is swollen, hot, and/or painful to the touch. If you see these signs, urgently (!) take your pet to the veterinarian.

There are at least some traces of bleeding. Of course, a couple of drops of blood is a completely normal phenomenon when pulling out the threads, but if blood is oozing out even before that... This can happen in two situations: the wound has not yet completely healed / something is very wrong. In any case, you should again visit a veterinarian.

DO NOT use hydrogen peroxide or rubbing alcohol (especially after a C-section). Their use is quite painful, these substances can greatly irritate the postoperative wound. As a rule, there is no need to smear the surgical site with iodine or brilliant green if the stitches can already be removed. Disinfectants are needed only for cleaning instruments. In any case, you should use something more gentle: chlorhexidine or something similar. It wouldn't hurt to consult your veterinarian about this.

After sterilization, when are the sutures removed?

The stitches are removed after 10-14 days. Vitamins are needed if you feed natural food, then multivitamin complexes in spring and autumn in a course, if with good food, then only if there is a problem.

The stitches are removed after a week. And vitamins need to be given for the coat and general strengthening. Since after anesthesia, microelements are washed out of the body and fur may fall off.

Kefir cottage cheese up to 5% fat. Boiled sea fish 1-2 times a week as a delicacy to prevent urolithiasis, and porridge with meat. A third of meat, 2/3 of porridge.

Check with your veterinarian pharmacy. Noo good vitamins from 60-70 UAH per jar. And it’s better in the form of a paste, they hamster it into a sweet soul. I take my Malt Soft Multivitamin, there are also American ones in blue packaging, I can’t remember the name. Maternity leave for him)))

Kefir cottage cheese up to 5% fat. Boiled sea fish 1-2 times a week as a delicacy to prevent urolithiasis, and porridge with meat. A third of meat, 2/3 of porridge.

We removed the cat on the 12th day, the certificate said on the 10-14th day. All this time, once a day we smeared the seam with Lugol, the cat walked around in a blanket, the seam on its side. It doesn’t hurt to remove it, believe me. If your cat eats food from the table, then it is advisable to give vitamins. We were advised by the Royal ones, they took a large jar, about 120 or 250 tablets, I don’t remember, half were given in the fall, half in the spring. Ours now eats food from the table, we don’t give vitamins, but the Gimpetovsky delicacy, she loves hearts very much and gets sick her. After sterilization for almost a year, she weighs 3,800. And our Persian cat weighed 12 kg before castration, after which he began to weigh 9-8, for all 14 years he was at this weight. He ate food and also ate up from the table. Regarding gaining weight after such an operation, very individually. Simple

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Sterilization of a cat. Before and after.

12-14 hours before the operation, do not give the cat food, and about an hour before the operation, remove the water, since the stomach, intestines and bladder should be empty. Purchase 2 postoperative blankets in advance, make sure that there are no threads sticking out of them, since the cat can pull them out and swallow them.

Work progress

First, assess your pet's mental state. If he only accepts you, then taking him to the vet to have his stitches removed is definitely not worth it (which is what we talked about). In the case when a cat “in a frenzy” can even tear the owner’s hand, then only a veterinarian should do it. And not because you don’t feel sorry for the guy in the robe, but only for the reason that in the clinic your animal will be able to be restrained and, if necessary, administered sedatives. So, what do you need if you decide to remove the cat’s stitches yourself:

Good lighting.

A cutting tool, at least slightly different in sharpness from an old felt boot. Ideally, you should use surgical scissors or a manicure option. Naturally, they must first be cleaned of pieces of your nails and boiled properly.

A couple of tweezers wouldn't hurt. Better is the surgical option (with teeth on the jaws). They will allow you to firmly grasp the suture material and quickly remove the sutures from a sterilized cat.

Damp rag or paper towel.

A tasty treat that you will reward your pet for the torment he has endured.

First, wash all scissors and tweezers with warm soapy water. The level of cleanliness should be the same as if you were washing the feeding dishes of a small child. After this, the instruments are boiled. Boiling time is at least an hour.

Secondly, if necessary, the surgical area is carefully washed with warm water and the same soap. This is necessary to carefully remove dried crusts and scabs that complicate access directly to the seam. Don't start cutting threads right away! Wait at least 10-15 minutes: the cat will calm down and the scabs will soften. This is very important if after surgery your pet has been producing bloody exudate for a long time, which has dried out on the surgical area.

Count the seams. It seems stupid, but... If a couple of stitches remain, this can lead to quite unpleasant consequences. To keep everything “according to science”, not only count, but also call the veterinarian who applied them. The number of stitches must be indicated in his documents. This is especially important if you want to remove the cat's stitches after sterilization.

Video on how to handle stitches after sterilizing a cat

Sometimes it becomes necessary to remove the stitches of a dog (cat) yourself after surgery (castration, sterilization, etc.) The reasons may be different: it is impossible to contact a professional veterinarian or you want to protect an overly nervous animal from an additional trip to the clinic.

Try it yourself. Just read the instructions carefully, prepare yourself thoroughly and prepare your assistant. You must be confident in yourself and your actions and have GOOD VISION.

1. Soak the seam area with chlorhexidine or saline solution so that all crusts dissolve. Beforehand, apply any greasy or oily ointment to the seam area several times a day (so that the threads become smooth and slide easily)

Soaking all the crusts and making the threads soft is the main condition . Only if you are convinced that there are no crusts, proceed to the next step.

2. Select scissors - preferably with flat ends. Manicure ones will do, but the tips should not be very thin, i.e. dangerous.

4. Find long threads and take them with the fingers of your left hand, stretch them a little perpendicular to the skin. We look at where it is more convenient to cut the thread between the knot and the skin and cut one thread. The scissors need to be wound OUTSIDE the knot. Do not insert the sharp tip of the scissors between the threads - this is dangerous. THE THREAD SHOULD BE CUT NOT FROM THE INSIDE, but OUTSIDE the loop.

5. If the thread is correctly and completely cut, lightly press the finger of your right hand on the skin next to the seam, and with your left hand, carefully and calmly pull the thread out of the seam using the long threads.

If you accidentally cut both threads, do not scare yourself and do not scare the dog (cat). Take tweezers, grab the end of the thread and gently pull it out of the seam.

ALL! If you did everything correctly, your pet will not even

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After the operation, the doctor said that the stitches would need to be removed on April 26th. It was assumed that I would carry out this procedure (this is not the first time for me, so there is nothing strange in such a situation).

My mother called the veterinarian from time to time after the operation to monitor the cat's condition. On April 24th, my mother called me and said that the veterinarian advised her to remove the stitches not on April 26th, but on April 28th (with the wording “the later the better”). Then, to my surprise, my mother announced that she and my dad would go to the dacha and remove the stitches themselves (why was that surprising? My parents faint when they see a fresh scratch. Even on TV. Even if they talk about a fresh scratch in a book).

Today they call. “We couldn’t.” remove sutures. Who would doubt that. Okay, they are afraid of medical manipulations, but they also need normal vision, and in general.

Go there tomorrow yourself and certainly solve the problem (oh, okay time, I also have social phobia, the metro + minibus will knock out my brain for several days :-( )?

Promise the parents to return the money for the visit to the veterinarian and let dad take the cat there on a bicycle and remove the stitches due to illness?

(I found this cat and told my parents. That’s why the serious questions are on me. Here I’m like a “hostess”. For those who don’t know, we have an East European Shepherd - that’s one thing, my mother needs a pet - that’s two) .

meeeee. the thread left in our dog’s belly after sterilization for two days beyond the planned amount resulted in the need to urgently call a doctor when the stitch became swollen.

veterinarian! May 10th is very late. Recently I had the same operation, they said 10 days. 7-10 days passed - the threads began to cut through the skin, they were removed, but the transverse scars will now remain.

The threads will grow in. It is necessary to shoot when it is said, i.e. 10 days after sterilization. My mother-in-law's dog started crying two days later

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And finally...

There are many types and sutures, differing both in the methods of their application and in the suture material used. Simply put, if the suture material is hard, purple or bluish, translucent, and its texture resembles a fishing line, then it will dissolve in the tissues of the animal. If the thread used is hard and the cross-section is more like a tape, then the stitches will have to be removed in any case, since they themselves will definitely not dissolve.

If you left some part of the seam in the skin, then there is no need to panic and tear out your hair. We have already said that today almost all veterinarians use materials that will be absorbed into tissues over time, so there is no tragedy in such a situation. Be sure (!) to monitor the condition of the surgical area for at least three to four days since the sutures were removed: are there any signs of inflammation and/or bleeding, is the cat worried, are there any symptoms of pain that arise when palpating the place where they were stitches.

What to do if the seams come apart

It is extremely rare, but it also happens that the seam comes apart after sterilization. What to do in this case? Be sure to go to the vet immediately. After all, the places where the seam has come apart are open to infection. And this threatens the pet with repeated surgery and possibly complications. At the appointment, the doctor will clean the wound, treat it and possibly prescribe antibiotics. It is very important to follow all the doctor’s instructions after surgery to avoid such sad consequences. If it is possible to leave the cat in a veterinary clinic under the supervision of specialists, this option should be considered.

Sterilization involves removing sutures after surgery on a cat, unless it is laparoscopy. Sutures are usually placed using two methods - internal and external. The internal connects the cut tissues inside (muscles, subcutaneous fat, etc.), and the vessels are also ligated. It is performed with special self-absorbing threads that do not require removal. An experienced veterinarian pays the greatest attention to the quality of internal sutures, since the condition of the animal after surgery directly depends on this. External sutures are usually performed with surgical sutures, in which case it will be necessary to remove the sutures after a certain time. In addition to removing stitches immediately after surgery, the cat will also need rehabilitation.

How many days after surgery should stitches be removed?

It all depends on the specific case. The condition of the postoperative wound plays a huge role.

By the time the suture material is removed, it must meet the following requirements:

The cut line may be rough, the stitches of the sutures are clearly visible, but the presence of bloody discharge, blood crusts or exudate is unacceptable.
You need to feel the seam. If everything is in order and the suture material can be removed, then the local temperature will be normal.
Swelling and redness of the postoperative wound are also unacceptable.

As a rule, the suture reaches this state by the tenth day after surgery, in some cases you have to wait two or three weeks (this does not happen often).

How many days after endoscopic surgery can the suture be removed? The suture is rarely longer than five millimeters; there is no need to rush to remove it. Haste can leave the animal's abdominal cavity open to bacterial contamination.

Types of sutures depending on the method of operation. After how many days to shoot?

In modern veterinary medicine, there are two types of sterilization - ovariohysterectomy and oophorectomy.

The most accurate method is ovariohysterectomy, since it involves the complete removal of the reproductive organs, while oophorectomy involves the removal of only the ovaries.

If only the ovaries were removed from a cat, and the uterus was left in the abdominal cavity, then there is a chance that over time it may become inflamed and require repeated surgery.

Regardless of the type of sterilization, several methods of performing the operation are used:

Classic scheme. A fairly old and widespread method, which absolutely all veterinarians are fluent in. The technique is quite traumatic for the animal and consists of making an incision along the linea alba of the abdomen, completely or partially removing the reproductive organs and applying a surgical suture.
Using a side cut. It is a less painful method of sterilization, since the skin incision occurs on the side and is smaller compared to the classical scheme. However, with this method, it is not always possible to completely remove the uterus.
Laparoscopic method. The most expensive and painless method of sterilization. The operation is performed using a laparoscope, which is inserted through a small puncture in the abdominal cavity and, using the image displayed on the screen by a camera located on the laparoscope, the veterinarian removes the uterus and ovaries. The main advantage of this method is the absence of a seam and the need for postoperative care for the animal.

Surgical interventions in the body are accompanied by the subsequent application of suture materials. A pet owner must know that postoperative sutures can be either internal or external.

Important!

Internal sutures are a continuous suture of long absorbable suture that can dissolve over a long period of time. Such sutures are placed on the ovaries, uterine body, subcutaneous tissue and abdominal muscles.

The main advantage of internal sutures is that there is no need to return to the veterinarian because they do not need to be removed.

External sutures are made of non-absorbable thread, which is highly durable and can also remain in the body for a long time. Veterinarians recommend removing external sutures 10 to 12 days after surgery. The cosmetic effect is provided by external sutures, which are applied using a special technology using absorbable thread.

Reference!

All responsibility for the quality of the suture lies with the veterinarian of the hospital. If the technology for carrying out this procedure has been violated, then the cat may experience various types of complications over time.

Do I need to remove stitches at all?

Here everything depends on the characteristics of the suture material used during the operation. Today, veterinarians all over the world are trying to use varieties that dissolve on their own. But this doesn't always happen.

In addition, even material that is “digested” by the animal’s body is not immediately absorbed. The stitches left on the animal's skin are disturbing and irritating. Therefore, the cat will constantly itch and chew its belly. All this may well lead to the development of an inflammatory reaction.

Many veterinary specialists clearly answer that sutures should be removed regardless of the suture material used.

This will save you from many problems in the future. Please note that this only applies to external seams. Sutures placed on the peritoneum dissolve perfectly.

Reasons for the popularity of cat sterilization

Today this is one of the most popular operations. It will protect against unwanted pregnancy, and therefore relieve its owners from many unwanted problems and troubles.

Its second advantage is that it is quite easily tolerated by animals, after which there are usually no serious complications or consequences.

Therefore, the collar should be worn until the wound has completely healed for about 10 days. If you have any questions about your pet's health, we encourage you to contact a veterinarian you trust rather than starting, changing, or stopping treatment yourself. Castration is an issue and is not a major intervention. However, the same questions continue to be raised on this topic.

First, let's clarify the question that is always at the beginning. Regularly experienced in the spring and autumn, in particular, there is a real boom in animal shelters, which are then flooded with kittens. No animal deserves this, simply because people are not informed enough. This is not very convenient for people and cats. Rolling cats then moan very annoyingly under the constant need to be covered. Aside from the fact that hopeless hangovers set their scents everywhere, they don't like being constantly chatty, but aren't allowed to cover up. Danger to fight such deadly diseases. This type of bite transmits dangerous viruses.

Without castration, unwanted offspring arise.
Cats may give up four to six kittens up to twice a year.
Unoiled animals become rude or mischievous.

So there are more than enough reasons for a slingshot or a cat.
The next plus is the minimum cost of care after sterilization. No special financial costs are expected, and no special skills are needed. Let's figure out how to care for a cat after sterilization.

Is it possible to remove stitches at home?

Yes, this is quite possible. Moreover, it is at home that sutures are usually removed. As a rule, there is no need to take the cat to the clinic for this procedure, since all the necessary manipulations can be performed independently without any problems.

Moreover, if your pet has a choleric type of character (i.e., is overly nervous), then you shouldn’t bother her with a trip to the clinic.

For everything to go well, you need to prepare the following things:

A stable and fairly stable table with a flat surface.
Oilcloth and several diapers.
Sharp nail scissors and tweezers.
Alcohol tincture of iodine or brilliant green.

Most likely, everything you need can be found in any home without any problems; no special devices are required for removing sutures.

How to remove stitches for a dog?

There can be many reasons for this. For example, the animal is too nervous when going to the doctor or visiting a veterinarian is currently impossible. Therefore, the owner of the animal should learn to do it with his own hands. In fairly standard operations, the sutures are removed approximately on the twelfth day after the operation.

It often happens that the wound has already healed well, but the suture threads themselves cause anxiety to the animal - it itches and tries to get rid of them with its teeth. This should not be allowed because it may lead to a repeat operation.

We remove the dog's stitches ourselves

Approximately a day before the scheduled operation, smear the suture site several times with any greasy ointment. This is necessary so that the threads become especially smooth and slide easily.

Immediately before removing the sutures, their locations should be treated with iodine. Now you need to choose scissors with flat ends, but not too thin.

The dog must be securely restrained so that it cannot move. Someone at home can help with this. If the animal is small, it can be swaddled. It is better to place the dog on its side in a relaxed, natural position.

Next, we find long threads, pinch them with the fingers of our left hand and slightly pull them so that they are perpendicular to the skin.

After this, cut the thread between the skin and the knot. The scissors are wound only from the outside of the knot, and the thread is also cut only from the outside of the loop, but not from the inside. If the thread is cut completely, you need to lightly press the skin next to the seam with the finger of your right hand, and calmly pull the long threads out of the seam with your left hand. If both threads are accidentally cut, calmly take tweezers and, holding the thread by the tip, gently pull it out of the seam.

Make a “Ko” especially for her

Now all that remains is to treat the seams with iodine. This is where the procedure ends and the dog won’t even notice how you removed

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Preparing to remove sutures

First you need to assess the “mental state” of your pet. If for some reason the cat shows nervousness or aggression, then it is better to wait until the stitches are removed or consult a veterinarian.

Perhaps a specialist will be able to recommend some mild sedatives that have a calming effect. With their help, it will be much easier to remove stitches even in an easily excitable and aggressive cat.

Preparation is carried out as follows:

First you need to take care of good lighting. Working in semi-darkness is not a good idea. It is advisable that the lighting be from above: in this case there will be fewer shadows and the task of removing seams will be easier.

If the cat is a representative of long-haired breeds, it is necessary to trim off the excess fur covering the seam line. The less hair there is, the less likely it is that hairs will get into the wrong place.

At the same time, boil the scissors and tweezers that will be used to remove the suture material thoroughly (for at least half an hour). If it is impossible to boil the instruments for some reason, you should at least wash them with warm water and soap (or wipe them thoroughly with medical alcohol).

After this, wipe the seam line with warm soapy water. This is necessary to remove dirt and pieces of fur from the animal’s skin. In addition, after treatment the seams will soften somewhat, making them much easier to remove.

Sterilization of cats: behavior after surgery

Please note that your pet may refuse food for 1-3 days. This is an absolutely normal reaction; the animal recovers from anesthesia. Try to constantly monitor your pet’s behavior, as animals recover from anesthesia on average from 2 to 24 hours.

Sterilization of cats, behavior after surgery:

During the next 24 hours, there may be a lack of coordination of movement, and the cat may behave inappropriately. Therefore, try to close the furniture so that the pet does not jump, this may result in seams coming apart or breaking limbs.
Protect and limit all his movements. Some experts advise wrapping the cat in a blanket and not allowing it to move. If an animal refuses to eat, then it needs water. Therefore, force the animal to drink, or feed it with a spoon or syringe.
There is no need to pour liquid in large portions; this must be done in small doses in order to prevent vomiting. Indeed, very often during the process of recovery from anesthesia, an animal may experience nausea and vomiting.

Cat

Step-by-step instructions for removing sutures

Here are step-by-step instructions that must be strictly followed when removing suture material:

Before starting work, you need to wait about ten minutes so that the soapy water, which we already talked about above, has time to soften the suture material.

After this, you must definitely count how many stitches were placed. If possible, you should also call the veterinarian who performed the spay and ask how many stitches he used. This is necessary so as not to accidentally leave a couple of stitches. This, by the way, does not happen so rarely.

You can start withdrawing. First, you need to thoroughly wipe the tweezers with alcohol, and then carefully grab the seam loop. It should be pulled upward as much as possible.

As soon as the seam has stretched sufficiently, you need to insert the lower jaw of the scissors under it and cut the thread.

To remove the remainder of the latter, you need to pull it out of the skin. This is done carefully and without unnecessary haste. If the thread is “stuck” to the skin, it is necessary to carefully turn it around its axis and pull the rest of the seam towards you. If you pull too hard, you can injure your cat, tearing the thin layer of newly healed skin.

If the seam does not give way, and a piece of thread comes out of the skin with great difficulty, there is no need to rush and tear it out “forcibly”. You can wipe the grout line again with warm soapy water and wait about an hour. After this period, the skin will soften, after which everything can be done without much effort.

Sterilization of a cat - cat rehabilitation, care after surgery: description

Do not allow the animal to remove the blanket or protective collar for 7-10 days, until the stitches are removed. Do not worry if there is swelling, redness or inflammation around the suture for 2-3 days after surgery.
This is a normal variant that is associated with incision and tissue healing. If an animal refuses food for more than 3 days, this is a reason to call a veterinarian or take it to a clinic.
Special care and wound care are necessary until the stitches are removed. This usually happens on days 7-14. The time required for suture removal depends on the threads used to perform the operation and suturing the wound.

Carrying out the operation

Safety rules when removing sutures

In order not to endanger the life and health of the cat, the owner who decides to remove the stitches himself must strictly follow the safety rules below:

It is not recommended to remove stitches unless they have been examined by a veterinarian first . Only an experienced specialist will be able to tell how well the postoperative wound has healed and how safe it will be to remove the suture material.

It is forbidden to remove sutures if the suture line is “inflated” , inflamed, numerous areas of redness are observed, and the local temperature in these places is significantly increased. These signs indicate a strong inflammatory response. In such cases, you should call your veterinarian immediately.

In cases where there is bleeding (even a drop), or the release of exudate (regardless of the volume of the latter), the sutures are also prohibited from being removed.

Remember! Even if none of the above is observed, but the cat is behaving strangely and nervously, it is better to have it examined by a veterinarian first.

Sterilization of cats - at what age is it carried out?

There are several options for sterilization. The operations differ in the technique used and the organs removed.

Types of cat sterilization:

Most often, the ovaries and also the uterus are removed.
But there are also operations that were popular a few years ago, during which the fallopian tubes were tied. However, there have been a large number of cases in which the fallopian tubes regrow and the adhesions dissolve, leading to pregnancy in the cat.
It is worth noting that removal or ligation of the fallopian tubes will save the animal from pregnancy, but will not protect the owner from many troubles associated with the animal's estrus. During this period, the pet becomes very restless, it can meow, rub against everything, some cats become very aggressive.
In addition, sometimes the behavior of a mustachioed friend becomes simply unbearable, since he can purr and meow even at night, which causes a lot of inconvenience to the owner.
Therefore, recently the most popular are operations during which the ovaries and also the uterus are removed. But sometimes it is recommended to remove only the ovaries, leaving the organ for bearing kittens.

Sterilization of cats, at what age is it carried out? Usually carried out before puberty, on average this period is 6-8 months. It is necessary to be in time before the first heat, because the level of sex hormones increases, which can affect the future health of the cat. Well, it is not recommended to carry out the operation earlier, because this can lead to a delay in the development of the cat.

After sterilization

Safety precautions for the pet owner

During the procedure, the owner should worry not only about the safety of his pet. The health of the person undergoing the suture removal procedure may also be at risk. This is due to the fact that cats are rarely delighted with the fact that someone is “poking” their skin with tongs.

As a rule, removing stitches is not the most pleasant procedure; severe discomfort is possible. To minimize the likelihood that your pet will tear your hands until they bleed, you need to take the following steps:

If possible, call your veterinarian. The specialist may recommend some mild sedatives. Under their influence, the animal will become calmer, and therefore it will be easier for the owner to cope with it.

Please note that cat sterilization itself can be carried out using the same medications. If you reintroduce them a few days after the operation, the animal’s body will have a very hard time (the so-called cumulative effect will play a role). Thus, in this case it is necessary to select other sedatives. This will avoid unpleasant consequences.

However, you can cope without “chemistry”, but this will require an assistant. Just remember that you will have to hold the animal quite firmly.

How long after sterilization are sutures removed from a cat?

The sterilization (castration) operation is only half the battle (see types of cat sterilization, pros and cons). The most important period is the postoperative period, which falls on the shoulders of the cat owner. The veterinarian who performed the operation must provide instructions on all the intricacies of caring for the animal after anesthesia, tell and show how to handle sutures and what to pay attention to when emergency situations arise.

General recommendations

Caring for a cat after sterilization is a procedure of paramount importance, since the further condition of the pet directly depends on it. Most often, young animals easily tolerate such a procedure, but failure to comply with postoperative care often leads to complications. The cat's stitches may bleed, and their general health may deteriorate during recovery from anesthesia.

It is recommended to consult with your doctor in advance about the rules of rehabilitation after surgery, create a balanced diet and become familiar with the priority actions in case of complications.

Particular attention should be paid to the pet for several hours after surgery. At home, without the supervision of a doctor, it is strictly forbidden to leave the cat alone until it has completely recovered from the effects of anesthesia and the ability to move without assistance has returned.

We can highlight the main aspects in caring for an animal after sterilization:

Discharge from the hospital. In some medical institutions, the cat is taken out of anesthesia before being returned to the owner; in others, on the contrary, the pet is discharged in a state of narcotic sleep. It is important to check with your doctor about the rules for caring for your cat at home.
Using a heating pad. In a state of anesthesia, a pet’s body temperature decreases, and the weakened body becomes susceptible to sudden temperature changes and drafts. When transporting the cat home, it is necessary to place a heating pad with warm water on the back side and carefully ensure that it does not move towards the suture site, as this can lead to bleeding.
Transportation process. First of all, you need to make sure you have a bag with a hard bottom in which the animal will be taken home after surgery. The animal must be placed on a cotton cloth on its right side and covered with a warm blanket on top.
Homecoming. The cat should be placed on the floor, previously covered with a warm cloth, away from drafts. It is forbidden to place the cat on a hill - while recovering from anesthesia, it may fall and get injured.
Coming to your senses. Basically, the animal awakens after anesthesia in a period of two to eight hours. All this time you need to stay close to your pet.

The blanket is put on immediately after the operation.

During anesthesia, the cat's eyes remain open, so it is important to ensure that the cornea does not dry out. To do this, it is recommended to carefully close your pet’s eyelids every half hour, massage them and instill specialized drops into the eyes.

In case of prolonged recovery from anesthesia, experts advise massaging the animal’s paws - this will improve blood circulation in the cat’s body and prevent numbness in the limbs.

Advice! Doctors do not recommend immediately taking the operated animal home. To minimize the risk of negative consequences, you should leave your pet under the supervision of qualified doctors for several days.

After the cat recovers from general anesthesia, the owner should adhere to several rules:

do not leave the animal unattended;
provide the most comfortable conditions;
Regularly monitor changes in your pet’s behavior and the condition of the stitches.

The most problematic are the first days after surgery. The pet must be provided with maximum rest; it should not be moved unless absolutely necessary. It is necessary to ensure that the animal lies on its right side - thus reducing the load on the heart. The room should be warm. After waking up from anesthesia, you need to give your pet a small amount of liquid using a pipette.

After anesthesia, the cat must be covered, as the body temperature drops.

It is recommended to lay a specialized absorbent napkin on the surface where the pet will lie. In case of involuntary urination, it is necessary to ensure that the animal does not lick itself.

A number of symptoms can be identified that indicate that the animal did not tolerate the effects of the drugs used for anesthesia very well:

noticeable swelling of the muzzle;
excessive salivation;
limping - indicates that the injection has entered the muscle;
itching and skin rashes.

If the above symptoms do not disappear for a long time, it is necessary to undergo an examination by a qualified specialist.

Experts recommend, in the absence of individual doctor's instructions, to give the operated pet half of its usual diet 12 hours after returning from the hospital. Food should be liquid and as easily digestible as possible. It is necessary to provide the cat with round-the-clock access to clean water, and you should not force it to eat.

Cat food should be high in calories and easy to digest.

If the pet is accustomed to eating food, you should give a product intended for sterilized individuals. Animals that prefer regular food need to increase the volume of low-fat dairy products, chicken broth and boiled vegetables to replenish the necessary minerals and vitamins in the body.

Attention! Often, after the first meal, the animal may vomit - this reaction is a consequence of anesthesia and is completely eliminated within a few days.

In case of complete refusal to eat for three or more days, you should take your pet for examination to a doctor.

Throughout the postoperative period, it is necessary to ensure that the suture is constantly dry and clean. The edges should not diverge by more than 1mm. The presence of suppuration, the development of an inflammatory process and bloody discharge is an important signal to consult a doctor.

In the absence of complications, complete normalization of the pet’s body occurs within two weeks. The duration of healing of the suture directly depends on the individual characteristics of the cat’s body, the qualifications of the doctor and proper postoperative care - on average it takes no more than ten days.

Stitches can be removed at home.

When using threads for suturing, which dissolve independently and without harm to the pet’s body, there is no need to remove them. If ordinary materials are used, they must be removed by the attending physician. Most often, sutures are removed a week after sterilization.

If necessary, the veterinarian will prescribe agents for treating the suture. This procedure should be carried out a few days after sterilization.

Experts recommend using the following drugs:

Chlorhexidine and Dioxidine. It is necessary to apply this solution to the seam using a pipette.
Levomekol. It is necessary to treat around the wound daily. After treatment, it is recommended to apply a bandage.
Sprays – Aluminum, Chemi, Veteritsin. Use once a day until complete healing.

The treatment product should not contain alcohol - this can cause a burn to the skin.

We suggest you read: At what age does a cat need a cat?

Important! The main responsibility of the owner during the recovery period is to prevent the pet from removing the protective layer, damaging the stitches and scratching its stomach until it bleeds. This can cause infection and deterioration in the pet’s well-being.

The cat must remain in a blanket until the stitches are removed.

To normalize your cat’s condition as quickly as possible, you must adhere to a number of rules for caring for your pet after surgery in the first week:

First day. Without the advice of a doctor, it is prohibited to give drugs to help you recover from anesthesia more quickly. Do not leave your pet alone, give water from a pipette, and do not force feed it. If pain occurs, you should give an injection of an anesthetic and sedative, having agreed on the drug with your veterinarian.
Second day. Feed your pet in small portions. The toilet should be nearby - the cat is still very weak, you should not force it to overwork. Monitor appetite, restoration of motor functions and urination. If your pet refuses to walk and lies in one place for a long time, it is recommended to invite a veterinarian for an examination.
The third day. In the absence of complications, the pet’s condition returns to normal. You can return to your normal diet. Don't forget to reduce portion sizes. It is recommended to measure body temperature rectally. If you notice an increase or a strong decrease during the day, you should contact your veterinarian. If necessary, begin taking a course of antibiotics prescribed by a specialist.
Fourth day. Appetite is completely stabilized, activity increases, and the functioning of the genitourinary system and intestines is normalized. Otherwise, you need to take your pet to a veterinary hospital.
Fifth day. The swelling and redness around the suture subsides, and signs of scarring become visible. The cat can be let out for a walk around the apartment.
Sixth and seventh days. The pet’s condition is completely normalized, there are no problems with appetite, going to the toilet or sleeping, and there is no pain. You can go to the doctor to remove the stitches.

In the first week after surgery, active games are prohibited - this significantly increases the risk of sutures coming apart or leading to infection of the area of the body affected by the operation.

If the cat looks depressed and the stitches are inflamed, then you should urgently go to the clinic.

It is important to carefully study the changes after surgery during the first few days. The prolonged presence of the following symptoms may indicate the occurrence of complications:

depressive behavior and condition and pronounced weakness;
severe redness around the suture, severe swelling;
bleeding from the external genitalia;
lack of appetite and refusal of water;
unsteady gait, constant trembling;
increased or decreased body temperature for a long time;
severe redness of the mucous membranes or, conversely, excessive pallor;
vomiting and diarrhea.

What to do if the cat removed the stitches on its own?

The situation when the cat removed the stitches itself is not uncommon in veterinary practice. Unfortunately, nothing good should be expected from such initiative, but there is still a chance for a successful outcome. They increase if the animal has its stitches removed closer to the date of their “official” removal.

If this happened in the first days after the operation, then the owner does not have much choice: he needs to urgently call the veterinarian.

The following signs indicate a high probability of severe complications:

Heavy bleeding.
Torn, torn edges of a postoperative wound.
Easily visible internal organs visible through the disturbed wound channel.

Let us repeat once again - in such cases you need to immediately call a veterinarian. If the bleeding is severe, it is necessary to take the cat to the nearest clinic, but we would recommend waiting for a specialist at home. Transporting a cat with such injuries is very dangerous, and the pet may simply not survive until medical attention is provided.

Measuring a cat's temperature after surgery

After surgery, your cat's temperature will need to be measured every 3-6 hours. Normally, a cat's temperature is 38-39.5 degrees. After anesthesia it may be slightly reduced. An electronic thermometer is suitable for measuring temperature. Lubricate its tip with baby cream or Vaseline oil and measure the temperature rectally.

If the temperature drops below 37.5 degrees or rises above 39.9, contact your veterinarian immediately!

A warm blanket that you put in a bed prepared in advance for her will help keep your cat warm.

Transportation after surgery

Immediately after sterilization, the cat can be taken home. At this moment, she is still under anesthesia, as a result of which the body experiences hypothermia. Therefore, using public transport for transportation is not recommended. It is best to call a taxi or use your own car.

You should not carry your cat in your arms. On the way home, she may begin to recover from the anesthesia. Her condition at this moment will be very inadequate, and perhaps even aggressive. When you try to break out, its outer and inner seams may simply separate.

Transporting a sterilized cat with a stitch must be carried out in a carrier. Before doing this, it is recommended to wrap it in a blanket or a warm blanket. This will help prevent hypothermia in a weakened cat's body. The use of additional heat sources is not recommended. Overheating can cause internal bleeding. The animal in the carrier should lie on its side. In case of vomiting in this position, the vomit will come out freely.

Changes in cat behavior after surgery

Owners often notice noticeable changes in their cats' behavior after anesthesia. For example, on the first day after surgery, the cat may be more aggressive than usual; biting herself, the owner, being afraid of extraneous noises to which she had not previously paid attention.

For the first 12 hours after anesthesia, the cat may be lethargic and sleep all day. Cats also sometimes react very unusually to a protective collar or blanket. They can:

move backwards;
shake your head in different directions, trying to throw off your collar;
walk sideways;
jump on walls;
go to the toilet in places not intended for this purpose.

There is no need to be afraid of this. We must try to calm the cat and provide care. If she tries to bite you, then at the moment she is more comfortable alone.

If your cat has undergone castration, then her behavior will be calmer over time - she will lie down more than move, and will have a greater appetite than before the operation. To prevent such an animal from gaining excess weight, it is necessary to feed it according to the norm and play with it regularly.

Often cat owners ask the question: “When will he stop marking?” If you have a young cat that is not yet accustomed to leaving marks, then weaning it off does not take long. If this is an adult cat, then the weaning process takes several months (sometimes up to six months or more). Therefore, it is more advisable to castrate cats at a young age.

Khomutinnik Ekaterina Igorevna Chief veterinarian. Candidate of Veterinary Sciences. Specialization: soft tissue surgery, abdominal and thoracic surgery, endosurgery.

Caring for a cat after sterilization

During the postoperative period, the cat requires special care. Immediately after sterilization, a special blanket is put on her. It prevents bacterial contamination of the wound surface and eliminates licking.

On average, sutures take 5 to 10 days to heal. During this period, the operated animal must be provided with rest. Active games and contact with other pets are now contraindicated.

Sutures must be processed after sterilization. On the first day after surgery, small droplets of blood may appear on their surface. The seam itself at this moment looks swollen and reddened. This is absolutely normal and there is no need to worry about it.

The cat's sutures need to be treated on the second day after surgery. To do this, use a solution of chlorhexidine or mirastamine. It is applied to a cotton swab, which is then used to wipe the seam and the area around it. When processing, you need to ensure that no hair gets into the cut area. If the healing process occurs without complications, the seam should appear pink with a dry surface. Seam treatment should be completed within 7-10 days.

The doctor who performed the operation should tell you when to remove the sutures and whether it is necessary at all. It all depends on the type of suture material used. Sutures are removed only if regular surgical thread was used. This procedure is very simple and painless. Some owners simply call a doctor to their home. He will check how well the seam is healing and remove any remaining threads.

Suture removal is not required if they were placed using absorbable suture material. These threads dissolve on their own within 2 weeks. If desired, their remains can be removed earlier. At the moment, self-absorbable sutures are used by almost all veterinarians.

Attention! After sterilization, a cat does not need suture treatment only if the operation was performed using laparoscopy. During laparoscopic sterilization, the doctor treats the resulting wound surface with a special spray, which is effective for a week.

Treatment of a cat's seam after sterilization. Blanket and collar

A collar is necessary for animals that do not hesitate to bite the owner. Keep the protective equipment clean, clear it of food residues, the blanket should always be clean and dry. It is recommended to wear protective equipment for 7-10 days, depending on the quality of the seam fusion.

After sterilization, a cat's temperature may rise - this is the body's natural reaction to tissue damage. If the temperature is up to 39.5 degrees, it’s too early to worry. You should consult a doctor if it lasts more than 5 days or rises above the specified norm, but in the meantime, give the prescribed medications and analgesics.

The postoperative suture requires special care: a small amount of blood or ichor may leak through it. If your cat's incision bleeds heavily after sterilization, you should call your veterinarian. After surgery, the suture may be red, swollen, with slight bruising - this is the result of surgical trauma. The quality of the seam can be assessed on the 5th day after sterilization: it should be dry; if the edges are wet, they should be treated with antibacterial ointment. Is the seam perfectly straight? – this doesn’t really matter, the skin will heal after the suture threads are removed.

From the second day, the seam should be wiped with an aqueous solution of miramistin or chlorhexidine, and cleaned of adhering hair. You can lubricate the seam and the skin near it with Levomekol ointment, and treat all folds - this is where harmful microorganisms often accumulate. It is most convenient if the cat is placed on its hind legs: one person holds it, the other quickly rolls up the blanket and processes the seam. The cat can lie as it is comfortable; it is not at all necessary to put it on its back. It takes 7-10 days to process the seam.

Complications after cat sterilization

In very rare cases, a cat may experience complications after sterilization. The most common of them are discussed below.

Bleeding

Bleeding after a sterilization procedure is very rare. The main reason for its occurrence is improperly applied sutures or disturbances in blood clotting processes. Depending on the location, bleeding can be either internal or external. The first is the most dangerous. Its main symptoms are pain in the peritoneum, refusal to eat and drink, and pale mucous membranes. Even several days after the operation, the cat still cannot lie on its stomach. Bleeding should not be confused with how a wound bleeds immediately after surgery.

Festering

When pathogenic bacteria enter the wound surface, the suture does not heal and festers. It becomes convex and painful to the touch, and pus begins to accumulate on its surface. As the process progresses, the cat may even develop sepsis. If the suture is swollen and swelling spreads through nearby tissues, you should contact a veterinarian as soon as possible. He will assess the animal’s condition and, if necessary, prescribe additional surgery. If the suture has festered severely enough, the affected areas of tissue will have to be removed, and the resulting wound will have to be sutured with a new one.

Lump formation

Many owners, after sterilization, very often complain about bulges on the cat in the peritoneal area. Small swelling and compaction in the wound area are not pathology. This is a normal reaction of the body to tissue damage. In this case, the cat may even develop a lump in the area of the suture. It does not indicate that the animal has anything inflamed. This is simple tissue proliferation. The lump will resolve on its own within a month without any medical help.

With tumors in a cat, a similar compaction may also form. Only a qualified specialist can distinguish it. Therefore, if there is even the slightest suspicion, you should immediately contact a veterinary clinic.

Sources:

https://vashipitomcy.ru/publ/zdorove/lechenie_i_profilaktika/kak_snjat_shvy_u_koshki/16-1-0-1233 https://zveridoma.ru/kak-samostoyatelno-snyat-shvy-u-koshki-posle-sterilizacii-poshagovaya-instrukciya / https://zen.yandex.ru/media/id/5afddb734bf161d72c824b60/5d060df27870cc07763df9b9

Suture complications and their treatment

With any surgical intervention in the body, there are a number of possible complications in the suture area, which every owner of a sterilized cat should be aware of.

Lump formation. A lump forms under the suture due to the proliferation of granulation tissue. A fairly common occurrence that does not pose a danger to the animal and does not require special treatment. The lump will disappear a month after the operation.
Tumor. It may look like a lump on the abdomen, which can only be identified by a qualified specialist. At the first suspicion of a tumor, you should contact your veterinarian.
Redness of the seam. Redness is a symptom that the seam may come apart over time. The wound may also fester or become swollen. These symptoms indicate a severe inflammatory process; it is necessary to urgently seek help from a veterinarian.
Supuration of the suture after sterilization. Occurs if contamination gets into the wound or the suture is not treated in a timely manner. It is recommended to treat the seam daily and keep the animal clean.
The seam has come apart and is licking. There are many reasons for a cat's suture to come apart: the presence of an infection, force applied to the operated area, tight suture stitches, or the cat itself licked the wound. It is necessary to give the animal complete rest and not remove the blanket.
Bleeding. Occurs due to insufficient efficiency of coagulation of the vessels of the uterus and incorrectly applied sutures, as a result of which blood clots and fibrin adhesions form in the suture area. In this case, the cat feels pain in the abdomen, which may be accompanied by a refusal to eat, concern about the condition of the animal, and the release of blood clots around the wound. It is necessary to contact the clinic for a repeat operation.
Hernia. It is one of the most severe complications. Occurs if the applied sutures dissolve prematurely and the internal organs fall out of the abdominal cavity. If a complication is detected, consultation with a specialist is necessary.

Important!

The most severe complications can occur during sterilization of pregnant cats. Such complications may include severe bleeding and possible cancer.

Photo of the seam after sterilization

The wound should be treated, paying attention to the appearance of the suture. Remember that the seam after sterilization should be dry, the size should not change over time, the threads should stick out. If you notice an unpleasant odor, there is swelling around the stitch, or there is discharge around the wound, you should sound the alarm and contact a veterinarian immediately. Healed suture after sterilization Photo of a suture after sterilization of a cat. Of course, this is just an example, and the seam will not necessarily look exactly like this.