Tissue Reaction to Vicryl Plus and Vicryl in Cats after Elective Ovariectomy

Abstract

Objective—To evaluate tissue reaction to Vicryl Plus in cats Study Design—Double-blinded, prospective, randomized clinical trial. Animals—Cats (n=22) who were submitted for elective ovariectomy Methods—Elective ovariectomy was performed by one single surgeon via a standardized abdominal incision, which was sutured in 3 layers with either Vicryl or Vicryl Plus. Wounds were evaluated during recovery and at four time intervals for pain, subdermal swelling of the wound edges, redness, crusting and subdermal thickness by one single investigator. Results—Nineteen animals met the inclusion criteria. In eight cats Vicryl was used and in eleven cats Vicryl Plus. There was more subdermal swelling in the Vicryl group after 8 to 9 days and after 16 to 17 days (p<0.05). There was no significant difference in the other parameters. Conclusion—The addition of triclosan to the coating of Vicryl may have a reducing effect in tissue reaction to suture material in wound healing process in cats. Clinical Relevance—Less tissue reaction may possibly occur in cats after wound closure with Vicryl Plus compared to closure with Vicryl. Further research is warranted.