Hi there, my cat had surgery for a nasty open wound. He had a lot of stitches that popped the very next day, which caused some heavy bleeding. I took him back to the vet and they put staples in this time, but they haven't held either. So now I'm left with a cat whose wound is only half-healed... To be fair, the cut was over 4 inches (10cm) long and in a really awkward place.
The top of the wound is on the mend (about 2 inches or 5cm of it is sorted), but the rest is another story. There is a gaping hole right on the joint behind his leg, so every time he moves, it pulls the wound apart and it just won't heal! Is there any way to get this closed up for good? Especially since I've already shelled out about £270 for all this...
You'll understand my worry better when you see the photo. 😕😕
Translated from French
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@ Lyzza
Regarding the poll, I think we’d all be in for some real surprises. Personally, I’ve lost count of the number of vets I’ve tried and didn’t rate, lol!
I took it really hard with Java. My poor girl wouldn't have hurt a fly; poor thing didn't have a clue what was going on. Even now, thinking back on it—and it was a long time ago—it still makes my blood boil!!!
@Trifouillette I’ve tried both male and female vets and, to be honest, I wasn't impressed. Nothing beats being a dog or cat mum. Obviously, in cases like that, it’s not like I’m going to grab a needle and thread myself, but seriously!!!!!
@Titejava evening, yeah I was wondering the same thing. It’s their job to do stitches and so on, but I think I’ve just had a run of bad luck because none of them have managed it! Alright, the wound is in a tricky spot, I’ll admit that, but surely my cat and his injury isn’t the worst thing they’ve ever seen in their lives... it shouldn't be impossible! To me, it just looks like a botch job 😕
Just because the wound is in an awkward place doesn’t mean a vet worth their salt shouldn't be able to do proper stitches, for goodness sake! And to top it off, the staples aren't even holding!!!!
It’s mental, sometimes it feels like you have to try 150 different practices before you find "the one" who actually does a decent job, pfft!
Maybe try looking at online reviews for vet clinics near you, that might help!
This kind of thing really gets on my nerves; your poor little kitty can’t stay like that! 😞
Hi ladies,
I won’t go on about it, but yes, it’s urgent that you see a proper vet.
Unfortunately for our furry friends, botched stitches are all too common 🤧.
Mind you, just like you @Lyzzza, I used to think women would be more ‘maternal’, but I’ve had to accept that’s not always the case.
That said, my vet is a woman and she is absolutely brilliant. She’s a real gem and incredibly skilled; when necessary, she’ll even see cats on a Sunday so their treatment isn't interrupted. On top of that, she even gives me a ring to see how things are going.
She’s not getting any younger though, and I’m always worried she’s going to tell me she’s retiring 🤧.
Anyway, what a beautiful little sweetheart she is. We certainly have a soft spot for them here.
Make sure you put a cone on her; it’ll save you making constant trips back and forth to the vet.
Thanks so much! 😊 I’m not just saying that because he’s my cat, but it’s true that he is very handsome and so soft 😻. I’m really attached to him, just like I am to my first cat who I also adopted as a kitten; he’s all black and short-haired but I think he’s just as stunning 😁. Both of them are absolute sweethearts, very cuddly and so good with my 3-year-old daughter and me!
Well, at the vet practice I went to, there’s one man and four or five women, but unfortunately, the only man there doesn’t have a very good reputation, even though I think he’s the one with the most experience under his belt!
I’d taken my other cat to the same surgery to be neutered and dealt with a woman who was really gentle and, above all, very competent, but that was two or three years ago now, so there we go...
Fortunately, my cat isn’t in any pain at the moment! Such a relief, honestly 👍. If someone had told me I’d have this much trouble getting my pet treated, I don’t think I would’ve believed them 😅
"Hi @Lyzza, lovely to see you back! 👌 You took the words right out of my mouth lol, I was going to say the same thing about the vet. The same thing happened to me with Java; the vet had given her stitches but they popped. I took my girl back in and he actually had a go at me, even though I told him she hadn't budged at all. He just grabbed Java, flipped her onto the table like a piece of rubbish, grabbed the stapler and—click-click!! The poor little thing didn't know what was happening, she squealed like anything. I had to bite my tongue and wait for the staples to come out, then I switched vets straight away!"
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If we did a poll, I’m sure everyone would have a story about a botched job to tell!
You see more and more women in veterinary medicine these days and I honestly thought they’d be more competent than the men, or at least more 'maternal' with cats ^^ goes to show I’ve got more misconceptions than I thought.
What a gorgeous cat! No wonder you're so attached to him. 🙂
Gingers are our favourites on here, and he’s an Angora to boot. 👍
Your last two vets were women; try finding a bloke with a bit of experience under his belt, rather than a rookie. 😁
When you're on the phone, ask if they have a specialist who knows how to stitch properly to fix a suture that’s already failed twice... that should get a reaction! LOL. The third one will be keen to do a better job than his colleagues. They’ll never criticise each other in front of a client, but they’ll certainly be thinking it.
Have a lovely evening and give that adorable cat a kiss from me.
@Titejava good evening, yes I was wondering the same thing. It’s their job to do stitches and all that, but I think I’ve just had a run of bad luck because none of them have managed it! I admit the wound is in a tricky spot, but I’m sure my cat and his injury aren't the worst thing they’ve ever seen in their lives... so it’s hardly impossible! As far as I’m concerned, it’s just a botched job. 😕
