When it comes to veterinary surgery, one of the most frequent post-operative questions is: “How long do sutures stay in?”. The answer depends on multiple factors including the animal species, wound location, suture material and healing rate. Surgical sutures are far more than threads used to close a wound. They are biomedical devices designed to hold tissues together, accelerate healing, and minimize complications like wound splitting or infection. In the case of absorbable or non-absorbable, each suture type has a specific role in ensuring a successful surgical outcome.
In veterinary medicine, the choice of sutures and the timing of removal directly affect healing quality, infection rates, and patient comfort. This guide breaks down how long sutures should stay in for various animal procedures, what influences this timeline, and how these sutures support veterinary professionals in achieving optimal results.In veterinary medicine, the choice of sutures and the timing of removal directly affect healing quality, infection rates, and patient comfort. This guide breaks down how long sutures should stay in for various animal procedures, what influences this timeline, and how these sutures support veterinary professionals in achieving optimal results. Understanding Sutures and Healing Dynamics Before determining how long sutures stay in, it’s essential to understand what sutures actually do. Sutures (or stitches) hold tissue edges together until the body produces enough collagen to keep the wound closed naturally. In animals, as in humans, proper suture selection ensures the wound heals with minimal scarring, reduced risk of infection, and optimal tissue strength. Veterinary sutures come in two broad categories: Absorbable Sutures (Dissolvable Stitches) – These break down naturally inside the body through enzymatic action or hydrolysis. They are ideal for internal tissues that don’t require later removal. Examples include Polydioxanone (PDO), PGA (Polymer of Glycolic Acid), PGCL (Poli(Glicolide-co-ε-caprolactone)), and Chromic Catgut made from natural materials. Non-Absorbable Sutures (Regular Stitches) – These remain intact until manually removed or left permanently in place for long-term support. They are usually made from synthetic materials like nylon (Polyamide 6/6,6) or silk and are used for external closures or long-healing tissues. Each of these has a distinct absorption or removal timeline and understanding that timeline is key to preventing complications. Absorbable Sutures: How Long They Last Absorbable sutures are engineered to degrade within the animal’s body, eliminating the need for removal. The rate of absorption depends on the polymer composition, tissue environment, and blood supply. Let’s explore the most common absorbable suture materials and their general absorption timelines used in veterinary practice: Suture Material Type Absorption Time Ideal Use Cases Polydioxanone (PDO) Synthetic Monofilament 180–210 days Orthopedic, tendon, and fascia repairs needing prolonged support Polymer of Glycolic Acid (PGA) Braided/Coated Multifilament 60–90 days Soft tissue surgeries, gastrointestinal, urogenital procedures PGCL (Poli(Glicolide-co-ε-caprolactone)) Synthetic Monofilament 90–120 days Internal soft tissue, minimal tissue reaction Chromic Catgut Natural Twisted Multifilament 90–120 days
(with tensile strength loss in 15-20 days from implantation) Short-term tissue approximation, ligations, mucosa closures
Non-Absorbable Sutures: When and How Long They Stay In Non-absorbable sutures, also known as regular stitches, are made from materials that do not degrade naturally. These must be manually removed by a veterinarian or, in some cases, remain in place permanently. Common non-absorbable materials include: Nylon (Polyamide 6 / 6,6) – synthetic monofilament offering excellent strength and minimal tissue reactivity. Polyester or Polypropylene – synthetic alternatives known for strength and flexibility.