My cat's torn nail bandage is a problem. How long should it stay?

Typically the bandage is removed between 2-7 days after a surgery, if sutures were put in. Keep it on for now and call your vet on Monday to determine when the vet wants Stella to have her bandage removed because it is dependent on what your vet wants. I hope this helps. Best wishes and take care.

If just a small amount of blood seeped through the bandage it is probably still ok. If the bandage is becoming saturated with blood or the area of blood on the bandage is spreading, you should call your vet to see if they want to re-examine the area. I would not recommend changing it yourself unless your vet showed you how to change the bandage. The wound may need to be treated differently if it is actively bleeding. I would follow your vet's instructions and leave the bandage on as long as recommended as most wounds do require a bandage and not "airing out" initially. Best of luck to you and Patzo.

Thanks for using Petco Pet Education Center, formerly Petcoach! Some pets bleed a little longer after a blood draw than others. When stressed pets bleed a little more. As long as the bleeding stopped I wouldn’t be concerned. If your pet had a blood draw yesterday the bandage needs to stay off now. Kisses to your pet!

I would recommend for your kitty to see the veterinarian. Infections tend to heal significantly faster and with less complications with antibiotics. You also will need to make sure he does not lick at the wound as this will make it worse. Have him wear an Elizabethan collar at all times and keep him indoors until it is healed. Typical healing is expected to take 10 to 14 days in most circumstances. I hope this is helpful and please feel free to post any additional questions.

Ouch, poor Kora! That is quite a large wound on her leg. You are doing the right thing by changing the wrap a couple of times a day, and I would keep the wound protected and covered until the wound itself starts to close. You need to keep it clean and dry, and keep her from licking at it. I would also have her seen by a vet for it. There is a potential that a wound this big may not heal at all or could become infected, and it really needs to be evaluated by a vet. I would take her into the vet on Monday. I hope this helps!

You can use both. A thin layer of iodine ointment will serve to help prevent infection. The Woun’ dres can be applied over it. If Caesar is likely to lick it, I recommend an e-collar. He may chew and eat a bandage if he isn’t wearing an e-collar. Bandages are also tricky because they can trap moisture and can tighten, cutting off circulation to the paw. I would continue applying both three times a day until the nail bed appears completely dry and scabbed over. You can place a toddler sock or a bootie over the paw when you take Caesar outside to pee and poop but I would avoid long walks for the next week. Good luck!

ALthough stitching is the fastest way to heal wounds (5-7days) as it helps sealing of the edges together in the correct alignment, most small flesh wounds such as this will heal over 3-4weeks if kept clean and infection is avoided. You must monitor closely for any heat, swelling or pain which may indicate infection requiring further treatment