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  Discussion on Removal of stitches and staples
Author Message
Member:
Joann

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 19, 2006 - 8:29 pm:

Hi, anyone ever take stitches or staples out without using the vet? Vet wants to come out and remove the staples and put my donkey totally under again - why not just a local? A tumor was removed from between hind legs and can we not just hobble him -he's very old. Just thought I'd ask and I probably know the outcome here. I've taken stitches out on dogs, cats, and me. J
Member:
Liliana5

Posted on Wednesday, Apr 19, 2006 - 8:41 pm:

Did the Vet explain why he wants to put him under, it seems silly to me too usually the stitches are taken out without putting them totally under, may be just sedate him so that he is calm. But I guess Dr. O will know better
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Thursday, Apr 20, 2006 - 7:30 am:

The location is the problem. The vet is worried about personal safety and perhaps even good access to the area. You should discuss this with him and if you want to attempt removal there is a tool that makes the job much easier.
DrO
Member:
Annes

Posted on Thursday, Apr 20, 2006 - 3:34 pm:

Joann, I removed stitches from my geldings forehead with fingernail clippers and it was really fast and easy. He is very calm and I would not hesitate removing from his hind legs either. If you think your donkey will stand still (no danger to you), I would try to do it without putting him under. Just my thoughts. Good luck.
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Friday, Apr 21, 2006 - 12:27 am:

Joann,

I agree with Dr. O....using the staple removing tool makes it easy and pretty painless. They are disposable one time use tools and the vet can give you one if he recommends that you remove them but if you try to remove them without it beware that they may pinch a bit so be careful.

Good Luck!

Corinne
Member:
Joann

Posted on Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 - 4:56 pm:

Hi and thank you to all that responded to my post. I truly don't know where my vet is we called in twice. So, Dr. O I went to the medical supply house and bought the staple removal tool, took the staples out and then removed the sutures with the nail clip. I'm afraid it was a couple days late because it was hard to fine knots so if I in fact left any piece of suture material, what should I be aware of? I scrubbed, wore disposal gloves, sprayed a Lanacane product on him first, then sprayed furazone to finish up. I then had to use a bare hand to go over the suture line as one spot (end) felt like a knot was still there. The area is about 4 in. long, with a ridge on top, no heat no swelling. I will however be a worry wort. Give me some advice please on what I should be looking for. Right now it is cool with breeze so flies not a problem. Riley didn't move, flinch, or anything,(TG) and the one thing I feared most (staples) was very easy with the tool. Thanks to all concerned - still no call from my vet. p.s. a big magnifying glass was a huge help. Joann
Member:
Corinne

Posted on Saturday, Apr 22, 2006 - 7:19 pm:

Joann,

Wow....you definately covered all your bases! You even scrubbed up? Great job. I think you are fine and don't really have to worry that you touched the suture line as the wound is closed up.

From my experience typically if a suture is left it it works itself out on it's own. As for infection symptoms in horses if it is the same for as it is for humans look for redness, streaking, purulent draining, heat and maybe fever.

I think you should be good to go....now you can just apply for vet tech or nursing school because you seem to have an inclination for it!

Have a great weekend. I hope the surgery continues to be a success for your boy.

Corinne
Moderator:
DrO

Posted on Sunday, Apr 23, 2006 - 10:04 am:

There are several possible results of left behind suture material and partly it depends on the material. As Corrine states often it works itself out but sometimes you do get a small abscess around the material warranting surgical removal.
DrO
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