Question for vets or cat owners

[AnOtHeRdIsNeYfReAk]

My cat was spayed a week ago tomorrow. I just went to check her incision and the stitches are out and its open. It looks like its just the top layer, but I know this isn't normal. I called my vet, but they just have an answering machine. I have no idea how this could have happened as she's had the e-collar on and has been confined to a crate or the bathroom all week. I have some steri-strips in my first aid kit. Can I put those on her and bring her in, in the am? I also have some sterile stretch bandages. (Not sure how to keep those on her though) Any advice or other alternatives? Can I use peroxide? Should I not touch it? I'm not really sure what to do. Oh how I wish I had an emergency clinic nearby!

 

[clh2]

Not a cat owner...not even a cat lover here.

When our first dog was spayed, they didn't think she would need one of those collar things...and she didn't have stitches on the surface - they used the "skin-glue" stuff. She managed to "lick the skin glue" and the outside opened up. My DD panicked (she was home with the dog) and called me at work...I panicked...called the vet who told me not to worry, and bring her in when it was convenient and they "reglued" the insicison with the "skin-glue" stuff. With the spay - there are several "layers" of stuff and what "opened" up was joust the outer layer.

I would call your vet in the morning. Our vet wasn't even concerned about infection - because our dog was still on antibiotics.

Even though I am a dog lover...I hope this helps you out!

 

[MickeyMouseGal]

If anything is sticking/hanging out, I would take her to the emergency clinic (or whatever your vet recommends on their answering machine). If not, I would leave the e-collar on her, leave her in her crate, and take her to your vet in the morning. As for the peroxide and steri-strips, avoid these for now but you can try a steri-strip if the incision seems to be widening.

 

[Sleepy]

I too, advise against trying to close the site or using home remedies. Sometimes, depending on the opening, they won't reclose it because doing so could trap bacteria and cause internal infection. My cat had shoulder surgery a few years ago and licked his site open. It was really bad, but they said closing it was not a good idea. My dog also had a bad reaction to the thread used to stitch him up after hernia surgery. The reaction caused some stitches to pop and the opening looked nasty, but again, closing it up was not an option. In that case, we were told to use disinfectant, betadine, peroxide, some antibiotic creams, etc. Most of those items were prescription. He came through ok, but it was several weeks of a cleansing routine.

Sounds like your kitty is not that bad off. As someone else said, if stuff is coming out such as guts or something, then definitely take it to the ER, but otherwise, wait till the vet opens in the morning. She will be fine. Main thing is to get her checked to prevent infection.

 

[RNMOM]

Can you see anything sticking out of the incision? If not, let it go till the vet opens. If she is not bleeding or in pain keep the collar on her and wait for them. The steri strips might not stick without a skin adhesive so that might aggravate her unnecessarily.

If you feel you must do something, gently clean the area with soap and water and leave it alone. Just make sure her bedding is fresh and clean to keep as few bacteria getting in as possible. Get her to the vet in the am.