Help: Can't tell if my cats stitches are healing normally or if she needs to be taken to the vet.

My little girl [5 1/2 months] got desexed 4 days ago. there has been some swelling, but I had the vet look at it and she said it was due to her being active. 

I've had the E-collar on her but I just found out even with the collar on she can manage to bend in a way she is able to lick it.

In this photo I had just cleaned it with some diluted betadine, hence why it is wet. but is this sight a cause for alarm? or is this normal?

it isn't weeping, but it does look a bit open. the stitches look messy in this photo but the vet left the ends of the stitches quite long, they are still tied up, and in place.

I dont want to rush her in if i'm just over-reacting.

If anyone could please give a second opinion that would be really helpful.

Cheers

Hi Ollie... welcome to TCS

I can't quite get a sense of what is happening here, but if that white under the stitches is underlying (under the skin) fat, I'd be taking her into the vet... the wound doesn't look closed to me.

Mani said:

Hi Ollie... welcome to TCS

I can't quite get a sense of what is happening here, but if that white under the stitches is underlying (under the skin) fat, I'd be taking her into the vet... the wound doesn't look closed to me.

Click to expand...

I agree. And if you yourself can see some opening then yea, take her in. IMO better safe then sorry.

I'll third that.  The incision does not look properly closed right now. 

A vet visit would be a good idea for sure.  

Thanks guys!

Called a house call veterinarian today, she'll be coming around later.

Really appreciate the second opinion!

olli said:

Thanks guys!

Called a house call veterinarian today, she'll be coming around later.

Really appreciate the second opinion!

Click to expand...

Let us know how you go

Mani said:

Let us know how you go

Click to expand...

She said that the stitch [there was only one] was doing nothing so she took it out.

she said that the wound should be fine to heal on its own, and she gave her a intravenous anti-biotic, and she is on a anti-biotic course.

She said it wasn't infected and that she'll be fine. 

I feel uneasy just because its quite an open wound, but I know this woman is good and i've only read good things about her. 

Just being a worried dad haha. She said if there are any more issues she will staple the wound.

Thanks for the report... I'm glad all is well.  It is hard to tell from a photo, but best to be sure.

Like you, I felt a little uneasy.  But then I'm used to longer scars, sewn together thoroughly.

Was it keyhole surgery?

What a gorgeous photo!   Love the look!

I've never seen the scar from keyhole surgery in a cat, so that may be what it actually looks like.   It's a much better way of doing it, it terms of recovery and tissue damage.