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stitches (dental)

post #1 of 8
2/8/10 at 8:14pm
Thread Starter 
Holland had her tooth (well, teeth) extraction one week ago. Today she seemed to be "pawing" at her mouth like she did when she first started having problems before we got them all pulled out. She's eating normally, using the litterbox, playing (well, as much as she ever play anyway ) - though she does the pawing at her mouth if she tries to bite her toys. She hasn't been drinking as much, but she's also gone from a completely dry to a completely wet diet so it doesn't really concern me.

She has a follow up appointment next week, but I was wondering if anyone has had stitches in their cat's mouth before? The vet told me the stitches would dissolve, and I'm guessing that's what is bothering her. I don't know if I need to call the vet tomorrow or not.
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post #2 of 8
2/8/10 at 8:35pm
I would call just to make sure. My guess is that she is itchy where she is healig.
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post #3 of 8
2/8/10 at 8:44pm
I also agree to call the vet to double check. Dissolvable stitches dissolve from the inside out, so can take a month or more to come out completely. I'm wondering if the exposed ends are bothering her?
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post #4 of 8
2/8/10 at 8:52pm
Isn't pawing at the mouth a sign of pain? I would call just to make sure...
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post #5 of 8
2/8/10 at 8:55pm
I agree, call the vet, get her in to be seen sooner. She shouldn't have to go through that irritation.

When Tolly had his extractions, I had to bring him back in and have one of the stitches removed, it was bothering him so much. They put him under with sevoflourane, snicked it out, and he was back to himself in five minutes.

Let us know how Holland makes out.
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post #6 of 8
2/8/10 at 9:46pm
In humans, the dissolving stitches don't always dissolve, or dissolve all the way. I friend of mine had surgery on her nose for a cancerous type lump. She had stitches underneath the skin and on top. Some of the ones underneath didn't dissolve and had to work their way out of the skin. Her doctor said sometimes they just don't dissolve. I have no idea if that is a possibility in cats or not, and not be alarming, but thought I'd mention it since that was news to me and could be a factor. (They can itch a lot, too, though, and that could be it.)

Pam
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post #7 of 8
2/8/10 at 10:48pm
Thread Starter 
Thanks for the responses, I'll call the vet tomorrow. She is letting me touch her mouth, though, which she would have NONE of when the tooth problem first started so I'm hoping she's not in pain. I have a feeling the stitches are probably just itching, but I will check with the vet.
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post #8 of 8
2/10/10 at 10:50pm
Thread Starter 
Just thought I should update: upon closer observation, I noticed that Holland wasn't really pawing at her mouth, more like biting the air and stretching her jaw.

I spoke with the doctor who did the extraction this morning and he said that the fact that she's eating well is a good sign. He also told me he'd like to see her put on a little weight - she's 6 pounds now, and he said he'd like to see her with another pound on her. So I'm feeding her slightly above what the food instructions advise, and she's gobbling it all up.

I do have to tell you guys... I learned at this forum that cats on wet food will drink less water than when they're on dry food. I told her doctor that she hasn't been drinking as much water as she used to, but I wasn't worried since she's been eating exclusively wet food. He complimented me for noticing her water intake and for knowing that the wet food diet would make a difference! I was very proud of myself...

Anyhow, he reminded me that she has a LOT of stitches and assured me that she's just reacting to them. She has a follow up appointment next Friday. Her teeth were in such bad shape I know she will feel 100% better when she's all healed up!

As always, thanks to you all for your advice and kindness!

ETA - her reaction has decreased yesterday and today. I think she is healing fine.
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