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Discussion on Taking out stitches?
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Monday, Aug 29, 2005 - 10:53 am:
Would taking out stitches be something I should attempt? My 4 yr old gelding had to have 9 stitches in his forehead a week ago. When the vet left he said "if you don't want to do it, I will come back out in 2 weeks to remove them." So I just assumed it would be something I could do but my farrier was here this weekend and said I wouldn't be able to do it without a twitch or tranquilizer. The horse is as agreeable to work around as you would want any horse to be but now I am thinking I should just call the vet and not attempt it. Any advice will be appreciated. I did not see this subject when I ran a search here.
P.S. Also, cuticle scissors, tweezers and/or needlenose pliers would be my only "tools" so wondered if they would work.
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Member:
Mrose
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Posted on Monday, Aug 29, 2005 - 11:57 am:
imo -If the wound has healed o.k. and the vet doesn't need to check it again, I would think you could remove the stitches yourself. It shouldn't hurt the horse at all. Since the injury is on his face though, I'd want to be sure it was healed good as you wouldn't want the wound to pop open and leave scaring.
btw - most human doctors, esp. at hospitals, no longer autoclave instruments and often will be happy to give you suture scissors and other used instruments.
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Monday, Aug 29, 2005 - 5:18 pm:
Thanks Sara for the encouragement. The cut has healed nicely and did not have any swelling or drainage. I think I will attempt with my husband's help. It won't need to be done until this weekend so if I really can't get it done, I can call the vet out on Tuesday. I guess 3 days late would not hurt anything.
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Member:
Morg1
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Posted on Monday, Aug 29, 2005 - 5:21 pm:
Unless the horse is difficult around his head you shouldn't have too much trouble. I removed stitches from a yearling's forehead last year and he wasn't overly fond of having his head messed with, but I took is slow and had no trouble. I would use scissors made especially for stitches, because those won't pull on the stitches as much while your trying to cut them. Good luck!
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Moderator:
DrO
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Posted on Tuesday, Aug 30, 2005 - 7:11 am:
Probably the hardest thing to do Ann is to isolate just one thread so you don't leave behind thread in the skin witn no end to pull. Nail clippers can make an ideal yet safe tool for cutting sutures. Grab the loose ends of the suture, lift it lightly, snip just one thread at the base of the knot. I suggest you snip them all, then pull them out. Some horses will resent the feel of the pull so if you already have done the hard work the rest is easier.
DrO
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Member:
Annes
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Posted on Wednesday, Sep 7, 2005 - 2:08 pm:
Update: We took the stitches out on Sat without any problem. I held the halter and my husband used the nail clippers (thanks DrO for that tip) and it was over in a couple minutes. He behaved so well and didn't even act like he felt anything. I was so pleased and proud of him for behaving.
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