Development of surgical site infections despite perioperative antimicrobial therapy in two dogs

Abstract

Surgical site infections (SSI) are common complications with a prevalence of 0.8 to 18%. Many risk factors, such as patient, environmental and treatment factors can contribute to the development of SSI. Two dogs that developed a SSI after forelimb amputation are discussed. The first dog was presented with an open comminuted intra-articular fracture of the right elbow. The second dog was diagnosed with a soft-tissue sarcoma at the right elbow. Perioperative cefazolin was administered in both patients. Only in the first patient, antimicrobial therapy was continued in the postoperative period. Both dogs developed an SSI within four to five days postoperatively. Yet, prophylactic antimicrobials can help to prevent SSI, provided that the correct antimicrobial is used at the correct dose, at the right time and given IV. Factors, such as hypothermia, violating the Halsted’s principles and the number of people present in the theater may increase the risk of SSI. Besides the meticulous use of antimicrobials, perioperative management is thus also important in SSI prevention.