Disolveable? Stitches

[Ross/Ali]

Have any of your doggy friends had disolveable (sp?) stitches?

We thought Giles had to get his stitches removed when we took him to vets last sat, but the his record said they used disolveable ones and they would eventually just fall out. He's had them in for about 3 weeks now and they dont seem to worn or look like they are on the way out.

any ideas how long they will be in?
I phoned vets yesterday to get them to double check the record, but they said they should only last 3 weeks or so.
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[Jack]

No dogs with dissolveable stitches but I HAVE had cats who have had them.

It SHOULD take 3 weeks max for the body to break down the stitches - they dissolve internally and theoretically the external bit SHOULD just then fall off. Frequently this doesn't happen however and the new skin grows around the stitches holding the external bit in place.

They need to come out now if not doing so of their own accord. Gently snip with sharp scissors or nail clippers the external stitch and gently wiggle it until it either falls away or drags the undissolved internal stitch through the skin, wash his foot et voila - good as new
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[Ross/Ali]

Thanks Jack.
i'll wait until mid week next week to see if anything happens. Like you say, they might be working away internally.

he's still a little lame on his leg so if hes not better by next week he's going back to vets anyway
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[Lisa/Colin]

Just make sure its healed ross, wouldnt want "oh I swore" footprints over your new car seats!!!

Colin

[Jack]

No probs Ross

It'll be healed up by now - I suspect he's limping because he can feel the stitches so it just feels weird to him - and you'll notice that limp suddenly getting worse when he feels he SHOULD be getting attention
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