Impact of suture materials polydioxanone and poliglecaprone 25 on non-infected clean orthopedic stifle procedure incisional dehiscence rates.

Objective: To compare dehiscence rates, and evaluate incisional outcome, between the use of polydioxanone (PDS) versus poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl) suture for skin closure in dogs undergoing a variety of clean orthopedic procedures associated with the stifle.

Study design: Randomized, prospective, cross-sectional design.

Animals: Client owned dogs with cranial cruciate disease deemed appropriate surgical candidates for tibial plateau leveling osteotomy (TPLO) or other clean orthopedic stifle procedure (N = 232).

Methods: Dogs undergoing a TPLO, or other clean orthopedic procedure were randomly assigned to one of three groups using different closure materials. Incisional dehiscence rate in the absence of infection was analyzed against multiple variables. Infection and dehiscence were characterized based on previously published descriptions.

Results: A total of 232 dogs were analyzed with 72 in Group 1, 85 in Group 2, and 75 in Group 3. A total of 137/232 (59.05%) of dogs received postoperative antibiotics. Overall, 22/232 (9.48%) of dogs showed dehiscence without evidence of infection during the follow up period. Postoperative antibiotic use (p = .023) and signs of infection (p < .001) were statistically different between the healed and dehisced groups. The mean weight, body condition score, and incision length were not different between groups.

Conclusion: There is no difference in dehiscence rate in the absence of infection following a clean orthopedic procedure when comparing skin closure with PDS versus Monocryl.

Clinical significance: Either PDS or Monocryl may be used for skin closure following a clean orthopedic procedure.