When to worry about my dog's neuter incision not healing? He is a year old.?

Question

I adopted a second Siberian husky on Friday 1/26. He was neutered on 1/22 and I was told that he should be healed within 10 days and that no follow up was needed to take out the stitches. On 1/29 I took him to my own vet with fear that his wound had opened up and was getting infected. My vet said it was fine. He cleaned it really well and prescribed another weeks worth of antibiotics and painkillers. He also instructed me to clean it 2-3 times a day and apply Neosporin. Last night I noticed that the stitch has begun to come out (hanging out about a cm or so) and the incision it is still slightly bleeding on and off. The wound looks clean and does not appear to be infected -but does appear to be closing. Should I take him back to have it checked/sewn back up or wait it out a few more days? Is it normal for stitches to come out on their own? My dog does not seem to be bothered by any of this. This is my first male so I am concerned & unfamiliar. Thank you for serious answers.

Answer 1

If the area is bleeding then more in likely the dog is messing with the area. Take him to the vet and request a E-Collar to be put on him. Also they may want to staple the area instead of stitching. Its as simple as putting a E-Collar on him which if they didnt do they should have. Make sure he does not lick or nip the area.

Answer 2

That sounds like a long time for it to heal. Yes, the stitches will come out on their own. We had a male dog neutered last year before it was a year old, and since we live on a farm, he runs free. We would see him lying and licking his incision occasionally, but I never checked it. I'm sure he healed just fine. Dog saliva is the best medicine in the world, so let him lick it. I'm not sure about neosporin, but if the vet said so, it must be ok.

Answer 3

It sounds to me you are worrying over nothing. As long as the wound shows no signs of infection it should heal on its own. Just make sure the dog is not licking it. The stitches will probably come out on their own too. Do what the Dr has instructed you to do and the dog will be fine and so will you.

Answer 4

For your piece of mind, you should at least call the vet's office or fax the vet with your concerns. A good vet will be glad to answer your question, although it may take the vet up to a day to respond to a phone message or fax, and he/she may have a vet tech contact you with his/her response.

I've had a good experience with typing up a note and dropping it off at the vet's office. By typing the question, I'm less likely to forget any details. Also, I don't need to pay for any unnecessary office visits.

Answer 5

I would definately have your vet take another look at it the incision, by the sound of it he may be licking the area excessively. I would ask your vet if he would possibley recommend an elizabethan collar to deter licking. Good Luck.

Answer 6

I would complain to the vet, this really is poor treatment, I would also watch for signs of swelling and reddening, if this occurs dont get yet another course of antibiotics use tea tree spray twice daily to wash the affected area, it works very well and is natural, just ensure its a pre diluted spray as it can burn.
www.eurobichons.com

Answer 7

Try giving your vet a call. That way you'll be getting advice from someon who actually saw the wound and has a chart on the dog. It's free to call and it can put your mind at ease. Good luck to you and congrats on rescuing the pup! : )

Answer 8

By what you wrote about the suture (stitch) hanging out. The incision is healing, by the looks of it they sutured him with dissolving thread. Just keep an eye on it until they are all out. He should be fine.