When bringing your pet home from surgery, it’s normal to have worries, questions, and concerns about how to look after them while they recover. One aspect of post-operative care is keeping an eye on their stitches, so it helps to know exactly what you need to be looking out for.
The following is a general guide to the dos and don’ts of post-operative wound management, including the basics of day-to-day care, and when to call your vet.
Stages of Wound Healing
Whether it’s an injury or a surgical cut, the skin goes through the same basic stages of healing. How long that healing takes will be dependent on a number of factors, including:
- The size of the wound
- The shape of the wound
- The depth of the wound
- The location of the wound
- The cleanliness of the wound
- Disruption to wound healing
- The health of the individual
For example:
| Cat Castration Wound | Dog Bite Wound over Knee |
|
|
| Wound heals in 3-7 days | Wound heals in 7-21 days (or more) |
No matter the type of wound we’re dealing with, all full-thickness skin wounds go through the following three stages of healing:
1. Inflammation
Blood vessels initially constrict to control bleeding, but then dilate to allow white blood cells (eg. neutrophils, macrophages) to migrate to the area to deal with any bacteria, damaged tissue, or contamination—this is when wounds become swollen and inflamed. If there is a lot of bacteria or contamination, more white cells are recruited, resulting in pus. In clean, sterile surgical wounds, this phase should be minimal.
2. Proliferation
In a healthy wound, fibroblasts (the cells involved in forming connective tissues) and capillaries (tiny blood vessels) come into the area to form a scaffold for other cells to grow over and fill in any missing or damaged tissues. The proliferation stage can take as little as 48 hours in a surgically closed incision. In wounds that are left open, the scaffold, called granulation tissue, needs to fill the wound before new skin cells (epithelial cells) can grow over the top.
3. Remodeling
Scar formation: new collagen fibers are laid down along lines of tension to provide strength to the newly formed skin. In large wounds, this process can take up to 2 years, and the scar tissue will always be a little weaker than the original skin.
Different Types of Wound Closure
Depending on the type of surgery, wound location, incision size, and the surgeon’s preference, your dog may go home with nylon skin sutures, intradermal skin sutures (dissolvable sutures within the skin layer instead of on the outside of the skin), skin staples, or even tissue glue.
The type of wound closure shouldn’t have a significant impact on how the wound heals, but some dogs will be more sensitive to certain suture materials. The most important thing is to keep a close eye on the wound and contact your vet if you notice anything that doesn’t look right.
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Pros and Cons of Keeping Wounds Covered
You might have assumed that all wounds would be covered after surgery, but that’s not always the case. For starters, it’s not always easy to apply a dressing or bandage to certain parts of your dog’s body, and sometimes, we want to be able to see the wound all the time.
Covering a wound has its advantages and disadvantages.
**Pros:**
– Protection against contamination
– Protection against abrasion
– Added layer of protection from scratching or licking
**Cons:**
– We may not immediately notice bleeding/swelling/redness
– Wound coverings/bandages can lead to pyoderma
– Dogs are often more bothered by a wound dressing than by the wound itself
It is important to weigh these pros and cons when deciding whether to cover a wound.
If your dog has a red, warm, or swollen wound, or if there is a pink, yellow, or creamy discharge, it is important to contact your vet immediately.
Suture Reactions
Advances in suture material have improved wound closure techniques. However, some dogs may have reactions to the suture material, leading to inflammation and lumps forming along the suture line. This can range from mild to severe and often occurs during the healing process. If you notice any swelling on your dog’s wound, it’s best to consult your vet. Small, painless bumps may also appear during the healing of the incision.
Frequently Asked Questions
Should I Clean The Wound?
Unless instructed otherwise by your vet, cleaning your dog’s surgical incision is usually unnecessary. It is normal to see some crusted blood or scabbing, which should be left alone to avoid contaminating the wound or interfering with the healing process.
If the wound gets dirty, you can gently dab the area around the wound with cotton wool dipped in sterile saline or cooled boiled water. Avoid touching the incision itself and approach the wound gently to avoid causing discomfort to your dog.
How Often Do I Need To Go Back For A Check-up?
The frequency of follow-up visits after surgery depends on your dog’s age, health, and the type of surgery performed. For routine procedures like spaying or neutering, vets typically recommend check-ups after 3 and 7 days, with suture removal around day 14. However, it’s essential to contact your vet immediately if you have any concerns about your dog’s wound or recovery.
If your vet is unavailable, there are online veterinary services that can provide assistance.
How Long Does It Take For Dissolvable Sutures To Dissolve?
The time it takes for dissolvable sutures to dissolve varies depending on the type of suture material used and the location of the incision. Sutures used in internal organs may dissolve after a few weeks, while those in deeper muscle layers can last 4-6 weeks. Intradermal sutures typically dissolve within 2-3 weeks. It’s normal to still feel suture material in a spay scar months after surgery.
Should I Cover The Wound With Ointment?
Avoid applying any ointments, gels, or creams to a surgical incision unless directed by your vet. Most human skin preparations are not suitable for dog skin and may cause more harm than good.
Final Thoughts
Monitoring your dog after surgery is crucial for their recovery. It’s essential to prevent them from being too active and to use collars or suits to prevent them from licking or scratching their wound. If you notice any concerning symptoms or have any questions, don’t hesitate to reach out to your vet. Your vet would prefer to address any issues promptly rather than have you worrying about your dog’s well-being.
Remember, your dog’s health is a top priority, so always seek professional advice if you have any concerns.
Featured Image Credit: Jus_Ol, Shutterstock
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