My name is***** am a veterinarian with over 30 years of experience, and I will do my best to help you. How long ago was your kitten's spay? Can you post a picture of her incision here for me to see?
Customer
She is 5 months old and was spayed on Monday. Her brother was neutered. I also have two adult cats
Customer
I will send a picture
Thanks for the information. If she has a good dry scab on the incision and is eating well, she is probably healing normally. Her internal incision is held together with long lasting sutures that will eventually dissolve.
Customer
Picture
Customer
Picture 2
That looks really good. It is probably safe to let her be as active as she wants to be.
Customer
Really? So she can run & play on cat towers
Customer
Even though it’s only been a few days?
I would keep checking the incision for swelling. Maybe start off with playing but not the cat towers for another day or so.
Customer
Ok no towers but she can run and play with her brother & other cats. I won’t get her internally
Customer
She can jump on the bed & on the couch
That should be safe.
Customer
Omg really I thought it would have to be longer
Customer
Does it look like a dry scab? Her surgery was Monday. I have had her in our bathroom since surgery and giving her sedation
Ideally, it should be but it is hard to keep a kitten confined for long. The younger they are spayed, the faster they usually heal.
Customer
She is 5 months so she is probably pretty much healed?
Probably. It looks really good in the picture.
I would not let her outdoors until next week.
Customer
Ok I have to send one more to be sure
Customer
She stays indoors
That is good.
Customer
Pic
Customer
running ok. Playing ok & jumping on furniture & bed ok
It should be, but keep checking her incision for swelling or redness.
Customer
It should be .. there my doubt creeping in again
Customer
But in your opinions he looks healed?
It looks healed. I would have to be able to feel her internal incision with my hand to tell you more, and I can't do that here! But that incision is usually closed with strong long-lasting sutures.
Customer
We do have this tower but nowhere to put it so she can’t get on it
Customer
The top layer was surgical glue
Yes, I can see that.
Customer
What do I do about that tower
Customer
Is there something I can feel to know that it’s healed
Customer
should I keep her kitty suit on
Customer
By the way you are wonderful
It takes experience to learn to feel an internal incision. You can have it checked by the veterinarian who spayed her. What is her kitty suit?
Customer
Pic
Customer
with kittens it does heal quicker
I don't think she needs that suit. Young cats and slim cats tend to heal faster.
Customer
it won’t take 14 days she’s good now
Customer
That’s what the vet said as far as keeping her quiet
Customer
Is that the normal time for an adult cat not a kitten right
I can only tell you what I would do if she were mine, and I would be allowing her to be loose in the house with my other cats. The internal healing can take 14 days, but I don't usually restrict activity that long.
Customer
What is the average time for a kitten to heal from this type of surgery
Customer
Is there anyway she can get hurt internally from playing with her brother. Or is she safe when the incision is healed
The internal healing can take 14 days or even longer, but those stitches don't dissolve for a few weeks or longer.
Customer
Is there anyway she can get hurt internally from playing with her brother. Or is she safe when the incision is healed
Customer
Sorry I’m just a wreck about all this. It’s my first spay
There is always a way to get hurt if she plays too rough or falls. It is not very likely. I can only tell you what I would do if she were mine and the incision looked this good.
Customer
Ok thank you. How long should I monitor her
Customer
is that tower safe
Next week the tower should be safe.
Customer
I have nowhere to put that big one
Customer
by when next week
I would let her use the tower a week after her surgery.
Customer
I don’t have any place to put it to hide it. What do I do?
It is very hard to keep a kitten from running and playing soon after the spay. They usually feel pretty good, which is a sign of healing. Can you put it in a room behind a door? What are you doing now?
Customer
There’s no door for that room and I don’t have any place to put it.
Customer
I have had her in my bathroom since her surgery
I see. All I can say is that I have spayed thousands of cats, and have not seen many cases, if any, of problems after the first few days if the incision looks this good.
If you feel safer keeping her in the bathroom a few more days, then that is OK too.
Customer
I was going to wait until Saturday
That would be OK.
Customer
Would she be able to go on a tower by then or wait until Monday
Customer
Oh and once she is out fo I need to be here to monitor her play
I can't say for sure since I can't examine her. There is not an exact answer for how many days to wait; it is different in each case. If she were mine I would let her be more active and let her out of the bathroom, but keep her from the tower at first to see how it goes.
Customer
Ok I understand. If her brother should get rough and possibly hit her in the stomach would that injure her internally
Customer
You are just wonderful
As long as the incision looks this good, and she is eating normally, she is healing and her activity is not keeping her from healing normally. I doubt her brother could hit her in that specific way; he can't make a fist and punch her.
Customer
Lol I know but he uses his back legs & kicks her when they play
I see. I would try to discourage that.
I would monitor their play, and keep her in the bathroom when you can't monitor them if he is going to do that.
Customer
I’m over thinking this Right
Customer
For how long
Probably. Most kittens do fine and I know many owners don't confine them at all from the time they come home.
Maybe keep him from kicking her until it has been a week.
Customer
Oh my God I’m so anxious about this
Customer
Ok so Monday
Customer
You are wonderful
You are welcome. I am pretty sure she is going to be just fine.
At the shelter where I work, we spay feral cats and then turn them loose where there were found 2 days later. The caregivers for the feral cat colonies rarely report problems.
Customer
Wow really ?
Please let me know if you have other questions and how she is doing. I will be logged on for a few more hours. After that, you can still post additional questions and updates about this by going to My Questions on the Just Answer website and I will respond the next time I am logged on. I will also be following up with you. Thank you for using Just Answer.
Customer
I think I’ll keep her in the bathroom till Saturday. And then normal activity on Monday right
That sounds like a good plan.
Customer
Thank you!
Customer
I will keep you updated
Please do!
Customer
Thank you again
You are welcome!
Customer
How long before the scab actually falls off the incision
Customer
With the scabbing Does that mean she’s pretty much healed? Or would it be after the scab falls off?
Customer
How long does it take the gabapentin to get out of her system
I am sorry I was not logged on when you got back to me. How is she today? The scab will fall off when it is ready, and when the underlying skin is healed.
How soon gabapentin wears off depends on the dose she got; it can take 8 to 24 hours.
Customer
No problem. :)
Customer
How long does it normally take for the underlying skin to heal
That varies from cat to cat but around a week.
Customer
I think I asked this already but can she play on the tower with her brother? Or should I wait until it is a week
I thought you decided yesterday to wait until Mondy for that, but it is up to you. I probably would let her try it under supervision at first.
Customer
This morning when she went to the litter box I don’t know if it’s anything or not but when she Peed she didn’t squat down all the way. Could that be due to the gabapentin that’s in her system?
Customer
Ok
Customer
When she did P it squirted out on to the floor
I am not sure why she did that. It could be from gabapentin. You can try stopping it; she may not need it 5 days after her surgery.
Customer
I’m not giving it to her anymore. Last night I gave her a small dose and that’s it
Customer
Her surgery was Monday morning do you consider that five full days of healing?
I would probably not be giving gabapentin after this much time if she were mine, unless I wanted to use it to keep her mildly sedated.
Customer
Not giving it to her anymore
That is probably best.
Customer
Her surgery was Monday morning do you consider that five full days of healing?
I guess it is not five full days. If she were mine I would be letting her have run of the house, under supervision at first.
Customer
I’m going to let her out today I just want to make sure the gabapentin is out of her system. I gave it to her at 8 o’clock last night
She should be okay; let me know how she does.
Customer
let her out now?
Customer
Ok
Let me know how she does today.
Customer
Ok I will
Thank you.
Customer
Hi
I hope you have a good day. We are celebrating snow here in the desert at last.
Customer
We are too. Snow in the desert ? Lol
The high desert. We get cold winters and normally we get snow.
Customer
Where do you live
New Mexico. 7000 feet above sea level; higher than Denver.
Customer
Omg. :) that’s high up. Bet it is beautiful there
Customer
I live in Ohio. We lots of snow here but it’s going to be 60 tomorrow
Wierd weather.
Customer
I know and Sunday cold again
Very strange.
Customer
Can I put the towers back tomorrow. They are bored & worried they might get into things
That is up to you. I probably would.
Customer
wait till tomorrow or put them back today
That has to be up to you. You sound more cautious and worried than I personally would be. I probably would let her start normal activity, including the towers, and monitor her if she were my cat.
Customer
My boy Seems to be a little rough
Customer
What shouldn’t I let her do
I would not let her brother kick her in the stomach for at least a few more days.
Customer
That’s what I’m worried about
Customer
What if he did
If he kicked too hard the scab might come off or she could bleed.
Customer
Good lord
Customer
That’s why am worried
Customer
Bleed internally
Customer
Hi
Probably not internal bleeding, just her skin and incision.
Customer
What Do I do if that happens
I would separate them, and clean up the scratched area with soap and water. The bleeding probably won't go on for long if this happens.
Customer
Will that hurt her internally? Do anything to the stitches inside
Customer
it will take longer for her to heal? If it does happen should I put her back in the bathroom
I can't tell you what is best unless it actually happens and can see what her stomach looks like if it does.
It is unlikely he could hurt the internal stitiches.
Customer
Ok
Customer
I’m so Anxious
Customer
I can’t look at her incision she won’t let me
Customer
She is a squirmer
I am sorry you are anxious. I can only say that 95% or more of cats her age that are spayed have no post op complications even when they are not monitored and are left outside and alone. She is probably fine.
Customer
Ok sorry. This is all new to me
If you are worried have the veterinarian who spayed her look at her.
Customer
Ok
Customer
Would it stress her out too much if I brought her back to the vet
Probably not if she is in a carrier.
Sorry for the delays in my answer. This is when I work, so I am answering other questions.
Customer
No problem
Thank you for understanding.
Customer
Is there anyway I can call you
Customer
My vet just said no running or a lot of activity
Customer
I can’t keep her confined for 10 days. That’s what they want me to do
I can't make or take calls for the website, and I really have told you all I can. When I spay young cats, I don't usually confine them that long including my own.
Customer
Why would they tell me that? They’re insistent on keeping her not very active for 10 days
Every veterinarian makes different recommendations. I can only say what I would do. I think you are, in your own words, overthinking this. Most young cats have no problems after being spayed no matter how active they are.
Customer
Ok. I understand. They just kept telling me it’s only been four days and she could still rip stiches open. They told me even though it’s scabbing that doesn’t mean it’s healed after four days and she could get hurt. I guess I just got a let it be
They are her veterinarians. If you are worried, have them look at her.
Customer
I’m not worried about the incision I just wanted him to check it. But she said they still want her not active10 days no matter what he sees
I am sorry they won't look at it.
Customer
They said they would look at it but they’re not going to change their mind about the time they want her in active
Then if it makes you feel safe and less anxious, continue her confinement.
Customer
That’s the problem I don’t want to keep het confined. I feel so bad for her. She is all alone in our bathroom. I go in there all the time to keep her company. I trust you and what you say. I’m anxious because they are making me worry about her playing
This has to be your choice. I have told you I would let her out if she were mine. You have to make the decision what is best for her.
I will be logged off for a few hours soon but back later today.
Customer
Ok
I am sure you will do what is best for both of you.
Customer
I hope I do. This is taking a toll on me
Customer
Thank you
Customer
Just one more question before you log off. Could she still at this point rip her stitches even with the scabbing
That is unlikely but I can't say 100% it couldn't happen.
Customer
Ok. Sorry I’m bothering you with all these questions
I just wish I could put your anxiety at ease. This is not concerning at all in nearly all spays. I really do have to go now but will be back later.
Customer
Ok thank you
You are welcome.
Customer
Pic 1 from this morning
Customer
Pic 2
Customer
Pic 3
Customer
Good morning. Does it look ok to you? Especially pic 2
Yes, I think it looks good.
Customer
Is it almost healed?
I would have to be able to touch and examine her to answer that honestly.
Customer
What would you be looking for if you touch it and examine it?
Customer
She doesn’t care if I touch it and it doesn’t feel warm or anything
I would be palpating beneath the skin, feeling to see if everything feels as it should.
Customer
Palpitating beneath the skin?
That is how I would examine her, by palpating (feeling) the area both the skin and deeper.
It is something that takes practice and experience to do.
Customer
I know :) I was just wondering what it was that you do
It is hard to describe in this chat.
Customer
I understand. :) From just looking at it does look like it’s pretty healed
Customer
You are the expert :)
Customer
I’m the anxious mom
I really think she is going to be OK.
Customer
Ok should I leave the suit in her so she doesn’t lick it.
Customer
is it safe for her to run, Jump & play now?
I personally would not have used the suit at all. It is probably safe to let her run but since I can't see and examine her myself I can't say that for 100% sure.
Customer
Ok I guess I shouldn’t let her then
Customer
I thought would stop her from licking that’s why I used it
Customer
Sorry for all the questions
We are here to answer questions!
Customer
Thank you for saying that :)
It is true! I understand you are worried and anxious about her.
Customer
I just wanna make sure I am doing the right thing for her
Customer
She is my baby girl
I understand.
Customer
Thank you <3
You are welcome.
Customer
Should I wait until Monday to let her run & play
That is up to you. You know what her veterinarian says, and what I have said, but you have to do what feels right for you and for her.
Customer
What if she starts licking it?
Customer
Her vet said 14 days.
Licking is normal and should not hurt the incision.
Customer
Omg really they said it would
Chewing might be harmful but not licking.
Customer
My head is spinning.
Customer
They said 14 days no running,jumping
Customer
I don’t know what to do
I can only tell you what I have said already what I would do. There is no right or wrong.
Customer
My biggest concerns are ripping open or one if the other cats hurting her
Customer
It’s been 5 days. Should I been less worried?
Customer
Should I be
If she were mine I would not be worried about this.
Customer
Ok.I know I’m overthinking. So sorry
Nothing to apologize for.
Customer
I don’t know why I am having such a tough time with this
I am sorry that you are.
Customer
Thank you
Customer
OK from looking at it does she look ok
Her skin incision looks fine.
Customer
Hi
Customer
Thank you
You are welcome.
Customer
The very bottom looks like it is bleeding
Customer
Around where the skin is overlapped
Can you post a picture of this?
Customer
I will try to get one
Thank you.
Customer
Having trouble getting one I’ll keep trying
Take your time. I will be logged on for another hour or so.
Customer
Ok thanks
You are welcome.
Customer
This is a bad idea letting her out she’s going crazy. Still trying to get a picture
Thanks for the update.
Customer
Pic
Customer
It looks bad right?
Not at all! I think it looks good.
Customer
What about at the very bottom where it looks so red
Looks normal to me and I have spayed thousands of cats.
Customer
ok Can you just explain it to me why it looks like it’s so red like that. Is that in danger of opening up
That is normal healing.
Customer
Oh my God I was so worried it was bleeding
Customer
Can you just explain to me why it’s red. It looks like it’s sore. So no danger of it opening up?
Customer
My vet said if it looks red to bring her in. But if you say that’s normal ok
It is red because that is what normal healing looks like. It will fade as healing progresses. I really am an expert on this topic.
Customer
Can I put anything on it like vitamin e
Customer
I know you are. Thank you
If I had spayed her myself I would be thrilled it looks this good now. You can put on vitamin E but I don't know if it will help. It may make her lick at this more than she needs to if you apply ointment.
Customer
Ok I won’t put it on.
Customer
How many days before the redness goes away
That is up to her individual healing process. One to 7 days.
The redness is nothing to worry about. It is normal.
Customer
Ok I just looked at it again it looks like it’s bleeding but I guess it isn’t
It is not bleeding in the picture.
Customer
is that scabbing
Not exactly. Normal skin healing.
It is a little frustrating that you don't seem to take my word that this is normal looking.
You could seek a second opinion here on Just Answer if that would help you.
Customer
I trust you
Customer
Sorry
Customer
I believe you. I just panicked.
Customer
Please don’t stop talking to me
I understand. This really does look good.
Customer
ok. So sorry. You are the only one who’s been honest in the only one I trust. I didn’t mean to offend you if I did
I am not offended but It is a little frustrating to answer the same question multiple times.
Customer
I’m sorry
I know you are worried.
Customer
I am. Sorry if I’m driving you crazy with this
Customer
I never had a kitten spayed before. I really do appreciate all your time that you have given me. I’ll try to limit the questions
You are welcome.
Customer
Have a good day
Thank you! Happy holidays!
Customer
Same to you !
Thank you.
Customer
She tore her stiches at emergency vet. They had to put staples in
Oh, no! I am glad you got her to a vet for staples.
Customer
What do I do now
Customer
I’m so upset
The staples will hold her skin together. The internal stitches are the really important ones and must still be OK. I would follow the directions of the veterinarian who put in the staples.
Customer
They didn’t mention internal stiches
That is because those are OK. They would have told you if they were not. Those are the important stitches. The staples only hold the skin together; the internal stitches hold her body wall together.
Customer
Ok
The skin healing leaves a nicer scar, but the internal stitches are the ones that hold the surgery together. Those won't start to dissolve for weeks or even months.
Customer
CSo as long as the skin is healed that’s the important part
Customer
No activity at all
The important part is the part you can't see, the internal sutures.
Customer
Sorry just really upset right now.
I understand. She will heal.
Customer
Don’t know how I’m going to keep her quiet for another week. Going to have to give her the gabapentin every day
That will help keep her quiet.
Customer
Ok
I will be around all weekend, on and off.
Customer
Thank you
You are welcome. You and she will get through this.
Customer
I hope so. I’m a wreck
I am sorry to hear that.
Customer
Thank u
Customer
What can & can’t she do
I would go by what the emergency vet said.
Customer
They gave me antibiotic.I just gave her gabapentin should I wait to give her antibiotic
I would give it as directed.
Customer
I just mean is it OK to give it to her since I just paid for the gabapentin
I don't understand what paying for gabapentin has to do with taking antibiotics.
Customer
I meant I just gave her gabapentin. Do I have to wait to give her the anabiotic or is it safe to give it to her now.
You can give them together.
Customer
Ok thank you. Sorry a little frazzled
Customer
Can the staples get infected?
Customer
Is that why they gave to me
I don't know why they gave you antibiotics; you would have to ask them.
Customer
Ok
Let me know how she is doing.
Customer
Does gabipenton liquid need to refrigerated. They didn’t tell me
If it needs refrigeration that would be indicated on the label.
Customer
Great I have had it since Monday and haven’t refrigerated it. Is it no good now? Should I not give it to her. I have been
Customer
Is it ok if it was supposed to and I didn’t. I can’t read the label now. It rubbed off
I just "googled' this; it is not supposed to be refrigerated.
Customer
Omg One site said it should another said it shouldn’t
Customer
Thank you for looking it up.
Can you tell me the exact name of the type of gabapentin liquid? I am still searching and finding the same thing; some should be and some should not be refrigerated.
When we dispense anything that needs refrigeration we put a bright sticker on the label saying so.
Customer
Pic
This looks like it may be a compounded prescription. The only way to know for sure if it needs refrigeration would be to ask the veterinarian who dispensed it. SInce no refrigeration sticker is on it, it may not be necessary.
Customer
Ok thanks. I don’t know why the label rubbed off but I can’t see it. I put it in the fridge now. So should I take it out.
Customer
What do you mean compounded prescription
Customer
I honestly don’t remember seeing a sticker but I’m not sure
Coumpounded means made up by a pharmacy special, in a form that is not the standard concentration.
I don't know what to say; some should not be in the frig. You will have to contact the vet who dispensed it.
Customer
Is it safe that I have it to her
Customer
Why do you think it’s compounded
Because it is 50 mg per ml and it is not made in that strength commercially. Veterinarians have to have it compounded by pharmacies for our small patients.
Customer
Thank you.
Customer
How active can she be staples
Not much for the first few days especially.
Customer
Not even walking?
She can walk, but not jump.
Customer
Ok
Have a good Sunday.
Customer
She is scratching at the door in bathroom will that hurt her.
Customer
I do stop her quickly
Scratching should not hurt her.
Don't forget, the internal stitches have been healing for almost a week now and those are the important ones.
Customer
Thank you so much <3
You are welcome.
Customer
When you said keep her quiet for a few days, by when? Tuesday?
Customer
When are internal stitches healed?
Again, it is hard to say specifically without being able to examine her myself. The internal stitches should be pretty well healed by Tuesday.
Customer
Ok. Thank you. How about the outer incision.
Customer
It really upsets me to look at the staples but do I need to check them and what do to look for
You can check them to see if they are all there and that the area is dry and not swollen.
Customer
Ok Do they get swollen if it’s infected?
Or from inflammation.
Customer
What causes the inflammation
Customer
I haven’t checked them since we got home yesterday
Customer
I’m afraid to look
Then don't; just keep taking care of her and loving her.
Customer
I’m doing that. But it’s OK if I don’t look
Customer
Ok thank you again
Customer
Have a good day
Customer
The staples came out
Oh no! How does the incision look? Can you post a picture?
Customer
Pic
Customer
That was just before I took her to emergency vet
Customer
I had someone look at it that owns a rescue and experience with kittens. she said it looks really good. Said it is closed and incision looks good.
Customer
Not sure what the vet saw that she needed staples
I am not sure either. I thought it looked good. I work today so I will not be logged on until tomorrow.
Customer
Ok have good day
Thank you.
Customer
I know you’re off-line but I just wanted to send you a picture of the incision from last night
That looks really good. I would not have put staples in this.
Today is my day at the shelter. I will be back tomorrow.
Customer
Ok thank you.
You are welcome.
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