Alfie was neutered in May and his stitches where removed on 21st May - all appears to have been fine until today.  I have just noticed a small red swelling the size of a pea at the side of his scar and at the other side of the scar two spikey peices of suture thread poking through. I immediatley rang the vet and have an appointment first thing in the morning - I explained to the receptionist and she said it sounds like a stitch has been left in and he will need anti biotics. My question is, do you think that I should pay for this treatment? It appears to me that this is the vets error and I think that they should it - what do you think?

Sounds more like an internal stitch has worked it's way to the surface.

I have had this when a bitch was spayed. I was able to feel a hard lump under the surface at the side of the wound.  My Vet thought it more than likely was a reaction to the internal stitches. Everything settled down again.

I agree with Isabel - this sounds like an internal stitch which for some reason hasn't dissolved - they're not meant to be removed. Nobody's fault, just one of those things that happens. So yes, you'd need to pay.

I agree here as well and have had this happen -it improves after a while.

Hi,

Been to vets this morning - you were right, it is an internal stitch thats poking through and the oozy bit is much better this morning. Vet said it can take up to six months for them to dissolve. She took Alfies temp which was fine and has put him on rimadyl for 5 days and we have to go back on Monday - the charge?? £1.70 I was really surprised - I was expecting about £30.

Our Holly I think has the same thing. She has a red swelling and about 1/4" stitch poking through her caesar scar. The others are at the Vet tomorrow so will get the Vet to look at it