Last night my friend and I took her girl to have her stitches removed. She has recently has a small cyst like lump removed from her side. Before we left I thought to myself that I wasnt sure that the wound looked like it had knitted enough for the stitches to come out but when we got to the vets the lady made such a fuss about how it looked like it had healed nicely I thought no more about it - after all, im no expert.

We came home and all had dinner together and while Ellie was active she wasnt going too mad or anything. She stood up and I looked at her side and as I watched the wound came open She was just standing there! Sorry for the image but it looked like one of those sealtight bags being opened. She was such a trooper, the hole was about an inch and a half round and it didnt worry her one bit. She just couldnt understand why I grabbed hold of her to make sure she didnt do anymore damage! She has been restitched - at no extra cost (which is a bonus;) )- and all is well again so  were all happy. I just wish I had said something at the time as I may have saved her a further anesthetic :(

Im sure it can vary from case to case, but does anyone know how long stitches normally stay in before being removed? The reason I ask is that when we called the vet, they asked if it had been 10 days since her op and it hadnt, it had only been 7.

Im sure its just one of those things, I was just interested for future reference.
Thanks :) Oh and well done to Ellie for being so brave!

10 days is the norm. At seven days as you have found out it can seem heeled but is not strong enough to hold on its own.
Give Ellie some gentle hugs from me

10 days is usual, 9 is acceptable if the surgery's closed on day 10. Poor Ellie - and what a worry for you!

Thanks to you both.

I know, the poor sweetie. I am taking care of her tonight as her Mum has had to work. She is fine, if a bit sorry for herself. Im just glad there wasnt oodles of blood!