Cat allergic to stitches

[kungfutina]

My cat was spayed last week and now she has a swelling near the incision area. She was given dissolving stitches. The swelling is about the size of a loonie. I brought her to the vet and they said she was allergic to the stitches and provided me with antibiotics called cephalexin. I've have never heard of an antibiotics being used for an allergic reaction and I did some research and could not find anything to support using an antibiotics. Is my cat really having an allergic reaction or is there something else that I should be concerned with?

[Love4himies]

As far as I know antibiotics will not help with the allergic reaction, only antihistamines or steriods will. I have never heard of a cat being allergic to stitches before either.

I have always had some swelling in all my fosters that I have had spayed, that is normal, some more than others. What you need to look for is oozing and redness around the incision, which is indicative of an infection.

[14+kitties]

Can you post a picture of her incision? Sometimes it helps to see what you are talking about.
I have never had a kitten/cat have allergies to stitches either. Not to say it can't happen. Not being a vet I am not sure what will clear it up. I would think if it is antibiotics it is an infection.
We have a vet who checks in occasionally. Maybe if the antibiotics don't work he can check it.

[kungfutina]

I ended up bringing my cat back to the vet clinic since the swelling nearly doubled in size. A different doctor looked at it and ended up draining it. They did not say that it was not an allergic reaction this time, but since they drained it, I do not think it's an allergic reaction. They also told me to continue using the antibiotics. This new doctor said that my cat was probably active since the operation which caused the swelling. I know one of the vet techs at the clinic and she suggested to bring her in next week for another draining. I just thought I would let everyone know in case this happens to them.

[hazelrunpack]

Sounds like she might have developed a small seroma? I hope the swelling stays down so your kitty doesn't need to go back in next week!