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My dog's spay incision healed, but a stitch is poking out. Normal?

Updated On September 23rd, 2025

Pet's info: Dog | Mixed Breed Small (up to 22lb) | Female | spayed | 1 year and 2 months old | 29 lbs

My dog is day 30 post spay. She had no external stitches as they were all dissolvable. Well there is a stitch sticking out of the skin. The incision is fully healed. I have tried to tug on the stitch but there was to much resistance. Should I just clip the end of the stitch? Is this normal or should i make a vet appointment? Can’t really afford a vet bill right now though.

3 Answers

Most Helpful Answer

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Answered By Lauren Jones VMD

Veterinarian

Published on October 31st, 2020

It takes several months for dissolvable sutures to fully break down. While this happens, it's not uncommon for a suture end to poke through the skin. Since Willow's incision has healed fully a month after surgery, it's perfectly fine to trim the end of suture that's sticking out. Obviously, take care not to accidentally cut Willow!

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Other Answers

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    Answered By Debi Matlack

    Veterinary Technician

    Published on

    It's not unusual for the dissolvable suture to poke through after the rest of the incision is healed. Since it is considered a post operative situation, your vet should not charge you to do a follow up exam. Give them a call and let them know what's going on, they should ask you to bring her in and let them have a look.

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    Answered By Jennifer Summerfield, DVM CPDT-KA

    Veterinarian, Certified Dog Trainer

    Published on August 10th, 2016

    This is not normally any cause for concern - the internal sutures are probably absorbable, but it may take several weeks or even months for them to completely break down and be absorbed. Sometimes you can feel them under the skin or even see the ends poking out a bit, but as long as there is no redness or swelling in the area I wouldn't worry :)

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    12Pet Parents found this answer helpful

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