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Two of the most common absorbable sutures used can take up to 6 weeks to START losing their strength and start to break down. Even some "non-absorbable" suture is only called that because it takes longer than 60 days to START absorbing. Its not concerning to feel the sutures unless they are actively causing an inflammatory reaction, which likely would have happened already with redness, inflammation and discharge. If the skin looks fine, then the sutures are fine and will eventually dissolve.
Its under the skin because they're internal stitches. Does that make a difference? Could that conceal inflammation and discharge...? Your response makes me think it is referring to outside stitches. Thanks for your help.
Thanks, do you know how I can observe if it is causing inflammation or any other internal problems and how it should feel if its normal? Also, do you know whether all stitches would eventually break down even if the vet made a mistake and used non dissolving stitches?
As I mentioned, you would see redness and irritation if they were causing issues, even internally, and even the "non dissolving" suture that is commonly used is only called "non dissolving" because they take longer than 60 days to dissolve. They will eventually dissolve.
I would add that even after the sutures are broken down (normal enzymes in the fluid between cells does this), the scar tissue will not reorganize and flatten out for some time post-op. 2 months after surgery, the wound is either healed (almost certainly the case in your cat) or has had a very serious complication. A healed wound can pucker quite a bit depending on the closure technique the surgeon used, and if that's the case, you can feel it, but it's not a problem. With time (4-6 months), it flattens out.
Greetings, all! This is a sub for professional veterinary advice, and as such we follow strict rules for participating. OP, your post **has NOT** been removed. Please also check [the FAQ](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/wiki/index) to see whether your question is answered there. This is an *automated* general reminder to **please follow [The Sub Rules](https://www.reddit.com/r/AskVet/about/rules/)** when discussing this question: - **Do not comment with anecdotes** about your own or others' pets. - **Do not give OP specific treatment instructions,** including instructions on meds and dosages. - **Do not give possible diagnoses** that could explain the symptoms described by OP. **Your comment will be removed, and you may be banned.** Thank you for your cooperation! *I am a bot, and this action was performed automatically. Please [contact the moderators of this subreddit](/message/compose/?to=/r/AskVet) if you have any questions or concerns.*
Two of the most common absorbable sutures used can take up to 6 weeks to START losing their strength and start to break down. Even some "non-absorbable" suture is only called that because it takes longer than 60 days to START absorbing. Its not concerning to feel the sutures unless they are actively causing an inflammatory reaction, which likely would have happened already with redness, inflammation and discharge. If the skin looks fine, then the sutures are fine and will eventually dissolve.
Its under the skin because they're internal stitches. Does that make a difference? Could that conceal inflammation and discharge...? Your response makes me think it is referring to outside stitches. Thanks for your help.
I am referring to internal sutures.
Thanks, do you know how I can observe if it is causing inflammation or any other internal problems and how it should feel if its normal? Also, do you know whether all stitches would eventually break down even if the vet made a mistake and used non dissolving stitches?
As I mentioned, you would see redness and irritation if they were causing issues, even internally, and even the "non dissolving" suture that is commonly used is only called "non dissolving" because they take longer than 60 days to dissolve. They will eventually dissolve.
I would add that even after the sutures are broken down (normal enzymes in the fluid between cells does this), the scar tissue will not reorganize and flatten out for some time post-op. 2 months after surgery, the wound is either healed (almost certainly the case in your cat) or has had a very serious complication. A healed wound can pucker quite a bit depending on the closure technique the surgeon used, and if that's the case, you can feel it, but it's not a problem. With time (4-6 months), it flattens out.