Peer-reviewed veterinary case report
Surgical site infections in small animal surgery.
- Journal:
- The Veterinary clinics of North America. Small animal practice
- Year:
- 2011
- Authors:
- Nelson, Laura L
- Affiliation:
- Department of Small Animal Clinical Sciences · United States
Plain-English summary
Surgical site infections, or SSIs, can be a serious problem for pets undergoing surgery, leading to complications and increased costs. To help prevent these infections, it's important to strengthen the pet's immune system and minimize contamination during the procedure. If an infection does occur, using clear definitions and testing can help veterinarians manage the situation effectively. Treating infected wounds often involves cleaning them out and managing them openly to promote healing. Overall, taking these steps can lead to better outcomes for pets facing surgery.
Abstract
Surgical site infections (SSIs) are a significant source of morbidity, mortality, and cost associated with small animal surgery. The most well-established strategies to reduce the impact of SSI are preventive, focusing on bolstering host immunity while decreasing wound contamination during surgery. When SSI is identified, the use of consistent definitions and culture-based therapy help to facilitate surveillance and appropriate management. Debridement and open wound management of infected wounds are important for successful treatment.
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Search related cases →Original publication: https://pubmed.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/21889700/