Stitches

Question
Hi Patti. My pug recently had surgery on her nose and the vet said her stitches would dissolve. After ten days they are still there. He told me to take her back in 2 weeks if they don't come off and he would sedate her and take them off. Is there anything I can do for her so that she doesn't have to be sedated again? Is there such a thing as a stitch softner or some creme to remove them?

Answer
Hi Beliza,

Were it not for the fact the sutures are on your dog's nose, she probably won't have to be sedated for their removal.

I don't know of any "suture softener".  If you're quite sure the area is properly and adequately healed, you can try to remove the sutures yourself.  Your dog might tolerate you picking at her nose better than she would the vet.

You can do it over the course of a few days, if  your dog won't sit still long enough to remove them all at once.

First, soak the area with a clean warm compress to soften any scabbing in the area. Clean the wound site with an antiseptic, such as Phisohex or Betadine.   

Next,  use small scissors (like the kind in a manicure kit.) or nail clippers to clip the sutures close to where the knots have been tied. Use tweezers to remove the loosened suture and pull the thread from the skin (from the knotted side).  If you have a suture that has continuous suture line then clip at all of the knots prior to trying to remove any of them. They should just slide right out. Treat with peroxide and antibiotic ointment .
Sometimes, after removing sutures adhesive strips are often placed over the wound to allow the wound to continue strengthening.

I hope I've been a help.
Best of luck,

Patti