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Domenica

Cat cut open tail this morning. Did not notice it neither did he show any kind of pain or discomfort. Brought him to vet. He applied three stitches and gave him antibiotic shot for healing. While he was sleeping he opened up one of three stitches about an hour ago. I bandaged it up. What should I do now. Do I have to go back to the vet to get another stitch.

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Oli
Cat, American Shorthair
4 months, Male
Issue details
Main concern
Skin
Others
Open wound
Back paws
Duration
1 day(s)
Ongoing
Other issues
Others
Tail has open cut wound
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Dr. Frank
Dr.Tail Vet

I'm glad you noticed the opened stitch and took the initiative to bandage it. Since one of the stitches has come undone, it's crucial to monitor the wound closely to prevent infection and ensure proper healing.

It's important to prevent Oli from licking or biting the wound. You might need to use an Elizabethan collar, commonly known as a cone, to stop this behavior.

If the bandage becomes dirty or wet, replace it with a clean one. Ensure that the new bandage is not too tight, as this could cut off circulation.

Given that a stitch has come undone, consulting your vet is a wise step. They can determine whether another stitch is necessary or if the wound can heal properly with the remaining stitches and appropriate care.

Since he is already on antibiotics, this will help in preventing infection. However, maintaining cleanliness and protection of the wound is essential. If you have any further questions, please feel free to ask. Thank you.

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Domenica

Thank you for your response. The cut is healing and it is scabbing up. We have put a cone on him. There is no sign of pus or infection right now. How long does it take to heal fully? Will it fully heal even though the stitch has been ripped out. Thank you.

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Dr. Frank

I'm glad to hear that the cut is healing well and that you've taken the precaution of using a cone to prevent further damage. Typically, a wound like this can take about 10 to 14 days to heal completely, although this can vary depending on his overall health and the severity of the injury. The length of time may vary depending on Oli's condition.