Stitches

Removing Stitches from my cat....?

Ok, so, we asked the vet if it was ok, and, they said it is ok for us to do it, since the wound isn't red or swollen, and theres no signs of infection.... and, it seemed of of healed right up. So, I removed one stitch myself [the cat has/had 4 originally] here is what I done (oh, and I appeared to have chosen the easiest one to do...) What I done: -cut right below the knot with those little, sharp, skinny scissors that u use to I guess, groom urself, lol -the first go around, I didn't have my forcepts, so, I used my fingers to pull the stitch out, however: - it appeared that I left a piece, so, I got my forcepts and removed it. -Then, since a little spurt of blood/water came out (just a drop) I poured a dab of peroxide on it. Oh, before & after I removed that stich, I poured alcohol on the scissors and forcepts. & whiped the area with a tissue w/ peroxide. Did I go about that correctly? Oh, and, the remaining three stiches look kinda wierd...who knows, thats probably the way the one I took out looked, which would explain why I had a piece left...... Is each individual stich suppose to be in a triangle type form? (entering one side of wound twice, other side once)? If so, would this be the reason that I had a small piece left in? Well, if someone could just double check with my steps, and make sure I'm doing stuff correctly, and, if I'm not, might someone tell me what to do different? Please and thanks!

Public Comments

1. Well, I guess it is sort of weird. Cause when a pet gets surgery the stitches they get are usually to dissolve after it completely heels. Like my dog. I would bring my dog to the vet but mine dissolved. But yeah, it sounds right and I guess it would be what you would do.
2. Clean scissors- check Clean forceps- check Cut the suture 'below' the knot- check Pull all parts of the suture out- check The only thing I can reassure you about is that yes, you will probably get a small dot of blood from the suture hole. This is normal. You are probably going a little overboard on the peroxide but since you are placing it on what would be considered a surface 'wound' that is fine. I am guessing you are dealing with a matress type stitch. It is hard to explain but if you are really curious, see if google has a diagram. Just try to remove all of the suture. If you can't quite get to some of it, don't overly worry- as long as the knot is cut you're way ahead of the game. Your cat's washing will probably coax it out in time- just keep an eye on it. If it does start to swell or get inflamed you may need to head back to the vet. Good luck.
3. They way you are doing it is fine and any small pieces you can't get will eventually work their way out of the skin.