Expert: Becky - 2/24/2007

Question
Hi,
I just adopted a young female cat from a pet store. They had her spayed but when i got home I noticed her wound looked deep like her stitches were pulled out, she also licks it alot and it smells bad. It doesnt bother her when I touch it but im worried something is wrong. They never told me anything about her stitched so she may have internal ones but i dont know for sure.

Thanks

Answer
HI Lindsay!
There are several layers of skin that are sutured, so you really don't have to worry if she has chewed the stitches off.  Most cats will do that and they will lick their sutures too, so not to worry about that either.   It does concern me though, that there is an odor.  There should not be an odor, and that may be a sign of infection.  If there is any pus or blood, call where you got her, or your Vet and let them know. There should not be any discharge at all.  She is probably fine, just keep an eye on her incision.

God Bless,
Becky