About stitches

**Presley** · 06-13-2002, 05:14 PM

I need some opinions, Presley was just spayed on June 6th. She has been Very hyper and i'm having a very hard time keeping her under control and calm. She runs around and does the famous lab butt tucking around my livingroom and dinningroom and up and down the stairs. I really need to know if the stitches look normale or if they are too sticking out or what...

**Presley** · 06-13-2002, 05:16 PM

another....

**Logan** · 06-13-2002, 05:17 PM

They look very normal to me, but I am NOT an expert. I've been through this with two females now, and it was hard to keep them calm. If they get angry red, or the area starts swelling, be concerned, and do your best to keep her quiet (easier said than done

).

Good luck to you and Presley.

**Presley** · 06-13-2002, 05:19 PM

thank you logan.. here is the last one...

**tatsxxx11** · 06-13-2002, 05:25 PM

A little difficult to tell from the pics.

Normally, the suture line will show a little "puckering" and appear reddend the first several days. Is there any red or pink tinged drainage? Do you see any obvious opened areas in the suture line? In a few days you should start to see the suture line look more dry and, well, scabby. If you have any concerns, do take her to the visit for a quick check. My Lab Star was very hard to keep quiet after her spaying too! I blocked off the stairs (actually took her up and down on a leash) and was told to walk her outside only a leash for one full week. Being so high energy, it's hard I know to keep a Lab still!

If you are at all uncertain, give the vet a call!

**Pam** · 06-13-2002, 06:43 PM

The suture line looks almost exactly as Bella's did, and yes I agree it is VERY hard to keep them quiet! When Bella goes out back she has to go down a couple of steps off the deck to the yard. It was impossible for me to get her to take them slowly, especially if there was a squirrel nearby. My heart was in my mouth until they were healed!

**lizbud** · 06-13-2002, 06:59 PM

In the side view, the area looks a little puffy, but I really
can't say for sure. Does the incision site look any different
to you now then say one week ago (more red or open) ?
I would like to help more but I've never had female dogs.
Neutering a male is a lot less invasive. I know I had to
actually put Buddy on a leash & hook it to furniture to keep
him from walking around or using stairs after his knee surgery.
I really would check with your vet if you think Presley's
pulled something lose, or if the incision looks inflamed. Best
of Luck with Presley.Don't be afraid to call your vet if you
think it would make you feel better about things.They expect
call backs after surgery. Let everyone know. O.K. ? Liz & Buddy.

**Sara luvs her Tinky** · 06-13-2002, 07:35 PM

That is how Tinky's looked too when she was spayed... I know I called my vet at least 4 times worrying about her... they told me as long as it was not leaking anything they were fine....

**Cincy'sMom** · 06-13-2002, 07:35 PM

we had Cincy spayed on April 8 and I think her stitches looked fairly similar. Presley may be a little more puffy, but only slightly. Two months later, Cincy still has one small spot that is alittle red, but overall everything looks great and is back to normal. Hope the recovery continues to go weel with Presley!

**Presley** · 06-13-2002, 10:11 PM

Hi all.
There was a scab on it just a very tiny one. But last night she was outside playing around at the barn with me and she was running through the feild and i think she scraped it on something so i cleaned it off with some betidine. It was a bit oozy this morning but it looks good now, Nice and dry. Needless to say she is once again grounded to the house except for walks on the leash. I am going to a horse riding clinic and camping down there on Saturday night and leaving her here at home and having a friend come in to watch her so i pray she will be good for her. I pray this works out because this friend and her boyfriend will be staying here this July when i go away for my other clinic!!!

**anna_66** · 06-14-2002, 06:29 AM

Melissa, her sutures look exactely as Roxey's did, they got red like that too. But the vet says unless she acts like they are bothering (excessive licking) no need to worry. So personally, I think she'll be just fine!
Hope this makes you feel a little better, along with everyone else's reply.
Anna~

**lizbud** · 06-14-2002, 01:56 PM

It's good to hear that the area is drying up & healing
well.

Have fun on your getaway on Saturday. I wish
Presley had a login like Cinder & Smokey, so she could
log on a "paw" us all a message while you're away.LOL.

Seriously though, I think you're right, this will be a good
test of how Presley might be on your other trip. Hope all
goes well.