Cat's surgery wound not healing properly?

Question

My 10 year old cat had surgery at the end of August and I have been informed today that the wound doesn't seem to heal properly. The vet wants to go back, cut the wound open and re-stitch it. We're already almost $2k in the hole and I just want this to be over with for my sake and especially for my poor kitties sake. Is the surgeon just trying to make more money or is it really necessary to go through this again?

The wound has been bandaged since the operation and he hasn't had any access it. It also became infected, but I assume it is no longer.

Answer 1

Did the surgeon botch the job or did your cat maybe chew on the stiches? I think you will need to have the additional surgery. I don't think they would suggest that as a money making strategy, but I would find out more and if it was their error perhaps they will do the corrective for no charge--actually, maybe you should even ask if it is covered under the first surgery because that is when it should have been done--maybe they will waive the fee.

Answer 2

Ask the vet exactly what he means by 'not healing properly'. When you understand exactly what is going on, you're less likely to be suspicious of the vet's motives. If after thorough explanation you're still not happy, it's your prerogative to go to another vet.

You also want to ask the vet why he thinks the wound might not be healing properly. Has he suggested an FIV test at all? Feline AIDS would be a reason for the body to not heal itself properly. Also, what kind of surgery was done?! At $2k I'm thinking it was major - abdominal? Orthopaedic?

If you've got problems with a vet's service, you need to speak to the vet in question and then maybe a different vet - but certainly not people on Yahoo Answers.

Chalice

Answer 3

You need to ask the vet if it was because he stitched it incorrectly the first time or if the cat maybe licked the stitches causing the wound not to heal correctly. If it was the vet's doing, then you shouldn't have to pay for it to be corrected. Either way, it sounds like it needs to be fixed. Ask the vet about a possible drop in the price since it is to redo the first stitches. Also, make sure the cat does not lick the new stitches.

Answer 4

If the vet sayd it needs to be done, then it does need to be done. Talk to the surgeon and ask for a discount since you have just spent a lot of money on the first surgery. It wasn't your fault it helaed bad, so check and see if you can get it for free if the surgeon messed up. But you d oneed to get it done, discount or not, you don't want you kitty hurting later in life do you....?

Answer 5

The vet can see by now that it isn't healing properly. I highly doubt he's lying.

However, ask why the wound isn't healing, and make sure he'll redo it for free or a heavily discounted price. You shouldn't have to pay twice for that.

I bet another vet would give you a second opinion for free, too.

Answer 6

Get a second opinion if you are in doubt. If it's an infection I wouldn't wait. Keep in mind that you will have to pay an additional examination fee for this. No one can foresee if there are going to be complications.
You will have to decide if you trust your vet or not. If not, find a new one, if yes, try talking to him as well as he may only charge you for the anesthesia and any medicine required.

Answer 7

I can't believe all the people that take their pets to vets that they aren't sure they can trust and think that they are just trying to get money out of you.

I completely trust my vet, there are 2 vets in the office and both of them have seen my cats and know they are doing the best interest of of my cats.

Answer 8

Maybe you could go to a different vet to get a second opinion?

Answer 9

i guess to try to do that again ( i dont care put me thumbs down)