Licking his stitches - emergency???

[Raja's Mom]

(I'm not sure if this is an emergency so forgive me if this is in the wrong place.)

I just picked up my little boy from the vet this morning. He had his neuter surgery Thursday morning and recovered there while we were gone for the weekend. They sent him home without an e-collar (that cone that keeps him from licking or biting the stitches) because he didn't bother with them while being monitored. Now every 20 minutes or so I catch him licking there and it really has me worried. Should I go back and ask for an e-collar? Or is this normal and not a problem since it's been 4 days since the surgery?

Thanks in advance!

[bornnygurl]

From my understanding they are not allowed to lick while the stitches are still in. You may want to get an e-collar or a onesie to prevent him from licking the area. Hope that helps .

[livingdustmops]

No, you don't want your little one licking. Run to your corner drugstore and look at baby ones (like a t-shirt with snaps on the bottoms or little boy underpants -based on the size of your dog) and cut a hole out for their tail. This is more comfortable for your dog than an e-collar and I am sure cheaper. Good Luck.

[sondra2004]

He isnt allowed to lick the stitches.Get a e-collar .You can take him back for a recheck-no charge-.Peanut did the same thing.Back to the Vet for a e-collar-stayed on for 4days or more.

[marcerella02]

i second the onesies... they are SO much more comfy than the e collar.. he can sleep in them... Layla weighed 3 lbs when she was spayed and fit in premie onesies... but at 5 lbs now she can wear 0-3 months.

[Gracie2006]

I saw e-collars at Petsmart or Petco. I'm not so sure that licking is going to do any harm. My male cats never had stitches at all with their neuters, nor did they have collars. One of my females was spayed and pulled out her superficial stitches within 24 hours. I freaked and rushed her to the vet. All of the internal sutures were intact. The outside skin had already closed up so nothing needed to be done. I would give the vet a call and see what they say before getting too worked up. These little ones heal so darn fast!

[Raja's Mom]

I did go back and get an e-collar today. I thought about a onesie but I'm too worried about it rubbing the stitches, him licking through the fabric, etc..

Poor thing hates it of course but at least he can eat & drink with it on. Every time I take it off to give him a break he starts licking again! Ah, he makes me so nervous I can't wait until these stitches dissolve and the whole ordeal is over!

Thanks for all the advice

[Erin]

Just keep him from licking for a few days. I caught Sammy licking a few times and stopped her, and she was OK. Once the skin starts to heal it will be OK. The onesies are better than the e-collar, although they do make soft e-collars now.

[SophieRose]

The collar is only a temporary fix, but should be warn until the incision is healed. They are able to walk, eat and sleep with the Buster collar. Charlie just had surgery on his side, wore a soft collar but didn't keep him from scratching. So, I put a tee shirt on him which is working. I notice though that he scratches during the night, so watch for that to happen.

Don't worry, your pup will recover and the collar is really useful to help them heal. PS Of course he didn't bother with licking when he was at the vets because he was probably still drugged up.