My dog has stitches under skin. Will they come out or need removal?
Updated On September 23rd, 2025
Pet's info: Dog | Staffordshire Bull Terrier | Male | neutered | 6 years and 2 months old | 55 lbs
My dog had a mast cell tumour removed from his chest and had his stitches removed a week ago. During post-op he had an infection and opened part of the stitches, so had to be re-stitched. We have noticed that he has a couple of stitches still under the skin. Our vet has told us that they will come out on their own, but I don't think they will because at least one is completely healed over. Can you please let me know if you think they will just come out on their own or he needs the vet to remove.
2 Answers
Most Helpful Answer
Published on February 16th, 2023
Hello, thank you for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach. It is difficult for me to comment without knowing what type of suture material was used but, generally, if non-absorbable suture material was used, typically the body will reject the stitches and eventually they will surface and can be removed at that time. If absorbable suture was used the stitches will typically dissolve on their own over time (some suture material takes longer to absorb than others). At this stage the incision seems to be healed well and I would not mess with it if this was my patient. My opinion is that you should just keep monitoring the incision and if the stitches start to come to the surface then take Monty back to your vet so they can be removed. Hope this helps. Best wishes.
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
Related Answers from Veterinarians
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Published on April 29th, 2020
Hello. A little more information is needed to answer that. Where is the incision, did the veterinarian use suture material that will dissolve, are the stitches in the skin only or in the underlying subcutaneous tissue, and how long ago was the surgery. If the suture material is not the kind that dissolves away (absorbable), then they need to be removed. If the suture material is absorbable...,they possibly can be left until they fall out on their own. Please post again with added info and possibly attach a photo of the incision. Thank you
1Pet Parents found this answer helpful
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