Procedure for Suturing:
14.3.1 Procedure for Suturing:
1. Control bleeding by applying pressure or clamping any visible blood vessels that are bleeding. If a bleeding vessel is large, consider tying a suture tightly around it to stop the bleeding.
2. Choose an appropriate needle (cutting or taper and correct size). A cutting needle is easier for thick skin.
3. Choose the appropriate type and size of suture material. In some places, local fiber (e.g. horse hair) is used successfully as suture material.
4. Place the material (needle, suture, needle holders) in disinfectant or alcohol for at least 20 minutes.
5. Shave and clean the wound and surrounding area thoroughly. First use soap and water and then use non-irritating disinfectant. Be sure to remove all debris from the wound.
5. Consider using local anesthetic. If the wound requires numerous stitches, local anesthetic will decrease the likelihood of injury to the animal or people handling the animal while suturing (e.g. when suturing a wound on the leg or face of a horse). See page 217 on the use of local anesthetics.
5. Use an appropriate type of suture pattern (see following section).
5. After suturing the wound, complete the following steps.
Clean all blood from around wound and allow it to dry.
Apply antibiotic ointment, powder or spray, as well as anti-fly ointment, powder or spray to protect the wound.
Give an antibiotic injection such as long-lasting penicillin.
Bandage the wound, if possible, to keep it clean.
Instruct the owner to keep the animal in a clean, dry area.
9. After 7 - 10 days, check the sutures and the wound.
If healed, cut the sutures and remove.
If not healed, clean carefully. If there is a minor infection, remove some sutures to allow drainage from the wound. Give antibiotic injection.
If very infected, or a minor infection appears to be worsening, remove all sutures, open the wound to allow maximum drainage and leave the wound to heal as an “open wound” with daily cleaning and bandaging. Give antibiotics also.