Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Use and risks of active suction wound drains in dogs and cats
By Bristow, P C et al.·Published in The Journal of small animal practice·2015·Queen Mother Hospital for Animals·View original on PubMed →
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Original publication title: A retrospective study of the use of active suction wound drains in dogs and cats.
- Species:
- dog
Plain-English summary
A study looked at the use of suction drains in dogs and cats after surgery to help heal wounds. In total, 195 dogs and 33 cats had these drains placed, with some experiencing minor complications like infections. The results showed that while these drains can be helpful, they also carry a risk of infection, especially in dogs. To reduce complications, it's best to keep the drains in place for the shortest time necessary and ensure everything is very clean during their use.
People also search for: dog wound care suction drain · cat surgery recovery complications · infection after dog surgery
Abstract
OBJECTIVES: To report indications for use and complications associated with commonly used closed active suction wound drains in a large number of clinical cases. METHODS: Retrospective review of medical case records (from 2004 to 2010) for dogs and cats that had a closed active suction drain placed into a wound. Only the four most common drain types were included: Mini Redovac®, Redovac®, Jackson Pratt® and Wound Evac®. RESULTS: Two hundred and fifty-three drains were placed in 33 cats and 195 dogs. Mini Redovac drains were used most frequently in cats (76 · 5%) and Redovac drains in dogs (54 · 3%). The infection rate for clean surgeries in dogs was 15 · 6% (unattainable in cats). Major complications occurred in four dogs; minor complications occurred in 12 drains in cats (35 · 3%), and in 74 drains in dogs (33 · 8%). There was no statistically significant association between the type of drain and complication rate for either species. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Although closed active suction drains can be used with low risk of major complications, they lead to a high rate of infection in clean surgeries in dogs. It is recommended that such drains are kept in place for the shortest time possible and that strict asepsis is adhered to both during placement and management.
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Search related cases →Original publication on PubMed: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/25781914/