In a normal, healthy cat, properly healing, non-infected incisions typically heal within 10 – 14 days and a permanent scar forms within about 14 – 21 days. During the healing phase, it is imperative that you do not allow your cat to lick or chew at the incision.
Often, soft-tissue surgeries are predominately healed within two or three weeks, taking about 6 weeks to heal completely. For orthopedic surgeries - those involving bones, ligaments, and other skeletal structures - recovery time can take much longer.
The incision should be clean and the edges should be touching each other. The skin should be a normal or slightly reddish-pink color. It is not unusual for the incision to be slightly redder during the first few days while healing begins. In pale-skinned cats, bruising is often seen around the surgical site.
Licking also causes itchiness that stimulates more licking. For both these reasons, all pets need to be prevented from licking their skin incisions for at least 10-14 days after surgery.
The cone should stay on until the site is fully healed, and/or the sutures are removed. Most sutures and staples are left in for 10-14 days. Other lesions may take less or more time than that to heal completely.
Your cat will likely interfere with the healing process, making it a much longer and harder road of recovery than it has to be. Because of all the risks that are involved with just a few cat licks, it is generally advised to cat owners to prevent the cat from licking the wound.
Cats' mouth bacteria could trigger a skin infection, abscess or even potentially fatal sepsis. That's why vets advise pet owners to prevent their cats from licking their wounds.
An E-collar or bodysuit will be required for your cat after spaying surgery to protect the incision site and prevent her from licking her sutures.
You'll see some changes in your scar. It will go from looking thick, red, and raised to thinner, flatter, and more like your usual skin color.
Your cat should remain indoors. For most procedures, your cat's activity should be restricted for one week after surgery. It is essential to avoid running, jumping, and other strenuous activities that could cause excessive strain on the wound.
Once the tissues have completely healed, which usually takes about two weeks, any remaining sutures will be removed.
Dehiscence is when an incision ruptures and opens. If an internal layer of sutures ruptures, you may notice a new bump under healthy normal skin or tenderness in that area. If the external incision dehisces, the incision will be open.
Wounds need to be covered so that they can heal properly. When a wound is left uncovered, the new surface cells that are being created can easily dry out. When these important cells dry out, it tends to slow down the healing process. A wound should be covered using a clean bandage.
Pain is an essential indicator of poor wound healing and should not be underestimated. Pain can occur from the disease process, surgery, trauma, infection or as a result of dressing changes and poor wound management practices.
A wound is considered chronic if it has not healed significantly in four weeks or completely in eight weeks. If you're suffering from a wound or sore that isn't showing any signs of healing, talk to your doctor. If left untreated, chronic wounds can cause dangerous complications.
The most important things
1. Absolutely no licking of the incision area is allowed! If your pet is going to lick or begins to lick their incision, they need to wear an E-Collar (plastic cone) for 7-10 days after surgery. A pet can pull out stitches easily which can lead much more damage.
What can I do? Solid deodorant sometimes will work to stop licking—same thing, apply it around the incision. Too much of this can be bad for your pet, though, so if he or she continues licking, you will need to find another solution. T shirts and onsies can also work to help block licking.
Very few surgeries require significant crate or cage rest to help your cat recover, and most outdoor cats will be able to cope well with staying indoors for a few days as they recover.
Typically, you will need to clean the wound two or three times daily with a mild antiseptic solution or warm water to remove any crusted discharge and to keep the wound edges clean.
Apply an antimicrobial hydrogel – After the cleaning, it's time to jumpstart the healing process and help prevent a potential bacterial infection. You can do this by applying a wound and infection antimicrobial treatment product that's made for cats, such as the Vetericyn Plus® Feline Antimicrobial Hydrogel.
When a cat is injured, its immune system immediately begins working to heal itself and fight off any infections; however, this is insufficient. You must act quickly to prevent the wound from worsening and infection from spreading.