Hi everyone, we went to have Zeke's staples removed on Monday, but they actually left them in and had to re-stitch and clean up the area where the 2 incisions meet and form a "V" shape.  Most of the incision looks good, except for this spot.  They said they think some of the tissue is dying and may "fall off" and they purposely left a hole about the size of a nickel and we have to "flush" the area twice a day.  We will take him back in a week for them to look at it and remove staples.  Did anyone have this issue with their dog's incision?  It doesn't seem to be bothering him at all, but it smells (dying tissue or infection?), but we just wonder why this spot isn't healing properly.  Our vet doesn't seem to be concerned and they said they left it open to help prevent infection and they want it to heal from the inside out.  We just don't like the way it looks.

Ditto that!  Ruthie had staples but no problems.  I think it's good that the vet isn't too concerned, but I'd sure keep a careful eye on it and follow their instructions.  And if you suspect any problems I'd call the vet immediately.

Spirit Ruthie's Mom

Hi Dhiannon,

Titus' stitches came off partially within 7 days of the surgery, and the vet had to snip off two large white flaps of skin (there was no blood supply and the skin was dying), revealing unsightly weeping and angry looking tissue with yellowish discharge. The opening was the size of my fist.

Titus had to stay for 7 days at the vet on a different antibiotic administered through shots. He came home with a wound the size of a jumbo egg, but everything else looked pink and ready to heal from inside out. He was off antibiotics and didn't need pain meds either at that point.

He was flushed 4 times a day and I applied Solcoseryl on the inside to help with the fluid discharge. I was afraid of how it looked at first too but Titus managed wonderfully and i gained confidence through that.  The wound closed up within the week beautifully with no further complications.

It's not nice to look at but seems like your vet is on the right track and keeping it clean is key. Hang in there, Zeke will heal up in no time. Let us know how it goes.

Hugs,

Carol and Angel Titus

You've gotten some great advice here (which doesn't surprise me). We've got our paws crossed for you, and hope Zeke is feeling better soon!

Cathy/Jane/Spirit Skyler/Chloe

Wow, you all are so PAWESOME!!!  (I love the new language I'm learning…)…  I think the incision is okay, still looks kind of gross, but probably worse for us to look at.  We have been putting the t-shirt on him when we can't watch him and he is still on the antibiotics.  There is a piece of skin that looks dead and may fall off, but the smell has almost gone away completely.  I also have noticed that the "hole" doesn't appear to be as deep, is pink and perhaps healing on the inside?  Still flushing twice a day and hot packing 3-4 times.  Thanks for all your advice and sharing your experiences, it's so great to have people that have gone through this to reach out to. 

Thanks for the update…glad to hear he is doing better.  Keep up the good work Zeke!