Investigation of Variables Associated with Surgical Site Infection following the Management of Canine Cranial Cruciate Ligament Rupture with a Lateral Fabellotibial Suture

Complications and influence of cutaneous closure technique on subdermal plexus flaps in 97 dogs (2006-2022)

OBJECTIVE

To determine the incidence and severity of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs and compare the complications when using sutures or staples for cutaneous closure of subdermal plexus flaps.

STUDY DESIGN

Retrospective monocentric study.

SAMPLE POPULATION

Ninety-seven client-owned dogs.

METHODS

Dogs that underwent wound reconstruction using subdermal plexus flaps were retrospectively identified. Type of flap, cutaneous closure technique, complications and level of complication associated with their use were recorded. Follow-up was considered adequate if it was more than 10 days postoperatively or until a complication occurred.

RESULTS

Complications were seen in 52 dogs (53.6%), of which 13/18 (72.2%) of dogs had cutaneous closure with skin staples versus 39/79 (49.3%) with skin sutures. The location of the mass/wound on the head and use of an advancement flap was associated with lower incidence of complications (p < .001; p = .018 respectively). Location of the mass/wound on the proximal pelvic limb was associated with a low level of complications (p = .01) on univariable analysis only. On multivariable analysis, only an increased bodyweight was associated with an increased incidence of complications (p = .029).

CONCLUSIONS

Increased weight may be associated with an increased risk of complications with subdermal plexus flaps. No risk factor was found to be associated with the severity of complications.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Overall incidence of complications for subdermal plexus flaps in dogs in this study was 53.6%. The number of dogs included in the study was not sufficient to assess if the skin closure technique affects the incidence of complications.

Germaine LL, Hoffmann DE, Sung J. A retrospective evaluation of the effect of oclacitinib (Apoquel) administration on development of surgical site infection following clean orthopedic stifle surgery

The aim of this study was to determine the effect of oclacitinib (Apoquel) on development of surgical site infections in canines following clean orthopedic stifle surgery. Medical records of dogs undergoing unilateral, clean orthopedic stifle procedures were retrospectively examined for development of post-operative surgical site infections. Data collected for statistical analysis included age, sex, body weight, current medications, anesthesia and surgery times, white blood cell count, and neutrophil count. Surgical site infections were identified in 8.7% (34/390) of stifle procedures- 8.0% (29/364) in dogs not treated with oclacitinib and 19.2% (5/26) in dogs treated with oclacitinib (p = 0.053). There was a significant difference in development of surgical site infection in dogs with longer anesthesia times (p = 0.003) and higher body weights (p = 0.037). Dogs being treated with oclacitinib at the time of clean, orthopedic stifle surgery did not have a significantly higher incidence of surgical site infections. However, client education regarding risk of infection and increased patient monitoring post-operatively are recommended, especially in patients with increased body weight or longer anesthetic times.

Complications and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use of three extracapsular cruciate ligament repair techniques performed in a general practice clinic environment

OBJECTIVE

To report complications and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory use associated with fabellotibial suture, Tightrope and Ligafiba Isotoggle procedures performed on dogs of varying weights within a general practice setting.

MATERIALS AND METHODS

Clinical records of eligible patients from 2009 to 2018 were retrospectively extracted from five general practice clinics. Data for signalment, patient weight, surgery performed, complications, postoperative use of non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs, and timing thereof were extracted and analysed using multinomial logistic regression. Predicted probability tables were generated for complications and non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use.

RESULTS

The study included 370 surgeries, with 97 fabellotibial suture, 158 Tightrope and 42 Ligafiba Isotoggle procedures in patients less than 15 kg, and 43 fabellotibial suture, 16 Tightrope and 30 Ligafiba Isotoggle procedures in patients at least 15 kg. The proportion of patients that can be expected to have no complications was greatest for older dogs (9 years) weighing less than 15 kg (fabellotibial suture, 91%; Tightrope/Ligafiba Isotoggle, 88%), and the highest major medical and surgical complication risks were expected in young dogs (1 year) weighing over 15 kg (fabellotibial suture, 28%; Tightrope/Ligafiba Isotoggle, 59%). The predicted risk of requiring repeated non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug prescriptions in the 18-month postoperative period for an 15 kg patient was 37% to 39%.

CONCLUSION

Weight and age were significant factors influencing complications and postoperative non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use in fabellotibial suture, Tightrope and Ligafiba Isotoggle surgical patients in a general practice setting.

CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE

Clinicians should consider the possibility of complications and requirement for ongoing non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drug use before performing extracapsular procedures in patients weighing more than 15 kg.