Post-Spay problems – open incision.

[Michele&Millie-Mae]

Hi everyone… Has anyone been through this???? Dying of anxiety.
My Lionhead Millie had her spay surgery on Friday with no complications. The next day I took her back because she wasn’t eating nor drinking still & they gave her fluids, stronger metacam & a gut motility drug. Saturday night I saw she was tooth grinding a lot & decided to peek at the incision…she had chewed her stitches out. My vet has no ER, but I spoke with a doctor & they said to keep a close eye on her behavior & I could wait until Monday to bring her in, that usually they don’t restitch. (This is a rabbit savvy vet who does all spay/neuters of the bunny rescues) ….anyway, saw the vet…they said they won’t close it up, it looks ok & just keep an eye on it….bring her back if she stops eating, is lethargic or signs of infection. This is day 4 with an open wound, she’s been active, eating/pooping normal, chewing her willow ball & begging to get out of her pen (she’s normally free range) checked the incision this morning & it’s so gross how open it is…but seemed to look ok otherwise. Has anyone been through this…when will the hole start to close? How in the world will I keep it from getting infected? I keep getting told I’m over worrying but she is my baby!!
Advice please!!!

[sarahthegemini]

I would take her to a different vet – having an open wound is not okay.

[Mikey]

You neeeeeed to bring her to a new vet. Having an open wound like that is far too dangerous and risky

[Sleepy]

Bring her into someone ASAP. Our bun also chewed open her post-spay stitches and our vet immediately cleaned out her incision, stapled her shut, and gave us antibacterial medication because it’s such a big risk that something could happen, on top of the fact it’s not likely to heal properly if you just leave it open. Just waiting for things to go downhill for her might be too late.

[Michele&Millie-Mae]

Hey thanks for the replies. It’s been a rollercoaster, poor Millie. I contacted a vet in New Orleans, 1.5 hours from me, him and his wife are on the House Rabbit approved vet list. I sent detailed photos & info, he responded immediately:

“Your vet is right. Once a wound is opened, you can not surgically close it again without completely sterilizing it. It’s called healing by second intention. You are welcome to call us and make an appointment to be seen, but we would not go to surgery right away either. We would start antibiotics and topical wound care. Surgery would maybe be considered down the line if it’s clean and not closing but your pictures show it’s healing. She really does need to be in antibiotics though. – Dr. Pence”

So the next day I picked up Trimethoprim/sulfamethoxazole .5 cc for 10 days. Millie has been eating great & almost on the hyper side, especially yesterday UNTIL around 11:30 today. She’s been just sleeping, won’t come for treats, not eating & hardly fought me on the antibiotics. I’ve got critical care on hand. Wondering if she over did it & has some aches & pains. Or belly upset from antibiotics. I don’t hear any gas gurgle. She’s laying in her normal meatloaf position with squinty eyes. I just want her to HEAL. …on a positive note, her open incision is shrinking & is dry, other than a little redness looks normal.

[LittlePuffyTail]

I’m glad to hear her incision is healing but that’s not good that she’s not eating. Is she feeling any better today?

[Bam]

So glad you contacted that New Orleans vet!

Is she on pain meds? Antibiotics do mess with the tummy and some have inappetence as a common side-effect. But she must eat, so you have to syringe her food if she doesn’t. Nutrition is key for recovery.

[Michele&Millie-Mae]

Hi!! Sorry it’s been so long! Millie healed up just fine & is doing great! Since then I’ve adopted 2 more buns & she’s currently completed bonding with Sammy, her Husbun #1! After I get Ollie neutered I will attempt bond him in, creating a trio! Thanks for everyone’s support!!

[sarahthegemini]

Wow, what a great outcome! So glad to hear she is fully healed and now has a boyfriend 

[LittlePuffyTail]

Great news! Congrats on the new buns

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