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In veterinary surgery, dissolvable sutures, also known as absorbable sutures, are vital for supporting wound healing and tissue recovery. They are used for internal surgeries, deep tissue repairs, and superficial closures, ensuring that wounds remain secure while tissues regenerate naturally.
Pet owners often ask, “How long do dissolvable stitches last after vet surgery?” The answer depends on the type of suture material, the animal’s health, and the nature of the procedure. Understanding these factors helps veterinarians provide proper post-operative care and avoid complications during the healing phase.
This guide explains how long dissolvable sutures typically last, how they function in the body, and what determines their duration and absorption process.
Dissolvable stitches are made from suture materials that naturally break down inside the body. Unlike non-dissolvable stitches, which require removal, these sutures dissolve gradually through hydrolysis or enzymatic reaction as the wound heals.
They are commonly used in:
The goal of absorbable stitches is to provide wound strength during the initial healing phase, then dissolve as the body regains stability.
When a veterinarian uses dissolvable stitches, they act as internal scaffolding to hold tissues together while they heal. As time passes, the body gradually absorbs the suture material.
This process depends on several factors:
Eventually, the sutures lose strength and are replaced by new tissue fibers formed during the healing phase. The sutures either dissolve completely or become inert remnants that cause no irritation.
Veterinarians use different suture materials based on their purpose, strength, and absorption characteristics. Our range of Assut Europe sutures provides several options for veterinary use, each with distinct handling and absorption properties.
| Suture Material | Absorption Time | Absorption Method | Key Features |
| ASSUFIL (PGA) | 60–90 days | Hydrolysis | Mid-term absorbable suture offering excellent knot security, smooth handling, and reliable support for general soft tissue closures. |
| MONOFIL (Polydioxanone – PDO) | 180–210 days | Hydrolysis | Long-term absorbable suture with strong tensile strength, minimal tissue reaction, and ideal performance in fascia, tendon, and deep tissue repairs. |
| PGCL (Poly (glycolide-co-ε-caprolactone)) | 90–120 days | Hydrolysis | Medium-absorbable, smooth, and flexible suture providing consistent absorption and easy handling for subcutaneous and internal tissue closures. |
| Chromic Catgut | 90–120 days | Enzymatic Reaction | Natural absorbable material with prolonged durability due to chromic treatment, ideal for ligatures and delicate soft tissue repairs. |
Each of these materials supports repairing tissues effectively, providing predictable absorption and minimal irritation during recovery.
So, how long do absorbable stitches last after vet surgery? The duration varies depending on the suture material, tissue type, and overall healing rate. Some sutures provide support for only a few weeks, while others last several months until complete absorption.
Fast-absorbing sutures such as Chromic Catgut are ideal for short-term support in tissues that heal quickly, such as mucosal layers or subcutaneous closures. These dissolve naturally once tissue integrity is restored.
Moderate-absorbing sutures like ASSUFIL offer dependable support for general soft tissue and moderate-tension wounds. They maintain strength throughout the initial healing phase before gradually breaking down.
Slow-absorbing sutures such as MONOFIL or FILBLOC barbed PDO are used in deep tissue repairs, fascia, and abdominal surgeries, where longer-lasting tensile strength is required. They dissolve steadily through the complete dissolution phase without causing a significant foreign body reaction.
Overall, these sutures are designed to remain only as long as needed for proper repairing tissues and are safely absorbed afterward.
Several biological and surgical factors influence the lifespan and absorption rate of absorbable stitches.
Synthetic sutures like PGA (ASSUFIL) and PDO (MONOFIL, FILBLOC) dissolve predictably through hydrolysis, providing steady performance. Natural materials like Chromic Catgut rely on enzymatic processes, which vary based on tissue environment and patient metabolism.
Sutures in highly vascularized areas, such as muscles or internal organs, tend to dissolve faster due to increased fluid exposure. In contrast, sutures placed in fascia or tendons remain longer to ensure adequate wound stability.
Healthy, younger animals typically experience faster healing and absorption. Older or immune-compromised pets may retain sutures longer as their metabolic rate slows down.
Areas under high tension, such as abdominal closures, may require slow-absorbing sutures like MONOFIL (PGCL) to maintain strength until tissues have fully rejoined.
Proper post-operative care significantly affects how long sutures last. Keeping the wound clean, preventing excessive licking (using an E-collar), and minimizing activity all promote consistent absorption and reduce risk of infection.
Dissolvable sutures undergo two primary stages inside the body. Understanding these helps veterinarians and pet owners anticipate healing progress.
During the early weeks after surgery, the suture holds wound edges together while collagen fibers form to strengthen the repair. This phase is critical, as early tension or contamination can compromise closure. Sutures like ASSUFIL or Chromic Catgut typically maintain sufficient strength throughout this stage.
Once natural tissue integrity is achieved, the sutures begin to degrade. MONOFIL and FILBLOC barbed PDO slowly lose tensile strength while being absorbed through hydrolysis. The body eliminates these materials naturally, leaving no residue or discomfort.
These phases may vary slightly based on suture type, surgical location, and animal health, but in most cases, complete dissolution occurs once the tissue has fully stabilized.
| Feature | Absorbable (Dissolvable) | Non-Dissolvable |
| Removal Needed | No | Yes |
| Support Duration | Temporary, until tissue heals | Long-term or permanent |
| Use Cases | Internal and deep tissue repairs | Skin or external wound closures |
| Degradation | Natural absorption via hydrolysis or enzymes | Manual removal required |
Absorbable sutures are preferred for internal surgeries and deep tissue repairs, while non-dissolvable sutures are reserved for external closures that require prolonged tension or easy removal after healing.
Proper post-operative care ensures sutures last long enough to support tissue recovery and dissolve safely.
When managed correctly, absorbable stitches perform their function throughout the healing stages, ensuring safe recovery and minimal discomfort for the animal.
Understanding how long dissolvable stitches last after vet surgery helps ensure better surgical outcomes and proper aftercare. These absorbable stitches provide critical wound support during the initial healing phase and dissolve naturally during the complete dissolution phase, eliminating the need for manual removal.
At Strouden, we supply high-quality Assut Europe veterinary sutures, including ASSUFIL, MONOFIL, FILBLOC, and Chromic Catgut, all engineered for predictable absorption and exceptional biocompatibility. Each product supports effective repairing tissues while minimizing complications and improving surgical efficiency.
Partner with Strouden and contact us today to explore premium absorbable suture materials trusted by veterinarians worldwide and enhance the success of your veterinary surgical procedures.
Yes, most veterinary stitches are made from dissolvable suture materials that safely break down within the body during the healing phase. They eliminate the need for removal and are ideal for internal surgeries or areas difficult to access.
For dissolvable stitches, the material typically remains for several weeks before absorption begins. External non-dissolvable stitches, however, are usually removed by a veterinarian within 10–14 days, depending on the type of wound and overall recovery.
The average dog stitches healing time varies by procedure and health. Most surface wounds close in 10–14 days, while internal repairs may take several weeks. Absorbable sutures dissolve naturally once the tissue has regained full strength.
Yes, dissolvable stitches for dogs are completely safe when applied by a veterinarian. They are designed to support repairing tissues during recovery, reduce stress for pets, and dissolve naturally once the wound is strong enough to remain closed.
