Protecting Stitches

Question
Our rat Maggie had a tumor removed from under her left hind leg and she will
NOT leave the sutures alone. We have had to take her back twice to get
"repaired". The tech tried to make her a little cone but that lasted about 15
minutes.  Any suggestions?

Answer
When did she have them put in last?   Did the vet try stitching from the inside first and using glue on the outside?  Thats the best way because there are no visible stitches for the rat to pull on.

When she did succeed to pull them out, what did you see?  Did it bleed alot??  Was there a gaping hole?  Alot of times if stitches are uncomfortable rats will go to the source of discomfort and will do what they can to make themselves comfortable again.  Stitches that are pinching etc...and also if there is pain in the area, the rat wont let up.  Is she on pain medication?  Something tells me no.

Let me know a few of the things I asked about and I will let you know if she can be without them or not.  Sometimes the skin heals within 24 hours and usually mammary tumors are a shallow incision that you need not worry too much if they pull the stitches out too much.  It may take a bit longer to heal though.  She should be on antibiotics for sure if she is going to keep doing this too.

Hope to hear from you soon so we can see whats best for Maggie.