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Vet Comp Orthop Traumatol 1988; 01(03/04): 122-129
DOI: 10.1055/s-0038-1633177
Short Communication
Schattauer GmbH

Chlorhexidine Wound Lavage and Suture Soaking for Prevention of Suture-Related Infections

K. Wendelburg   *
1   From the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1935 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio
,
D. D. Smeak
1   From the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1935 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio
,
J.J. Kowalski
1   From the Department of Veterinary Clinical Sciences, College of Veterinary Medicine, The Ohio State University, 1935 Coffey Road, Columbus, Ohio
› Author AffiliationsFunded by Canine Research Fund #611214. Surgery performed in the Straumann Laboratory for Surgical Research.
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Publication History

Publication Date:
23 February 2018 (online)

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The effectiveness of chlorhexidine in preventing suture-related infections in two groups of dogs at high and low levels of bacterial contamination was examined. Prior to placing the sutures, the lateral stifle incisions were inoculated with Staphylococcus aureus and lavaged with either a 1 % chlorhexidine solution (treated groups) or sterile normal saline (control groups). Chlorhexidine significantly reduced the initial bacterial numbers and clinical inflammatory response in wounds contaminated with high or low numbers of bacteria. Chlorhexidine significantly decreased the tissue inflammation associated with the polyester sutures when contaminated with high concentrations of bacteria.

Key words

Chlorhexidine - Suture-related infection - Surgical wound infection - Wound lavage

* Dr. Wendelburg’s current address is West Los Angeles Veterinary Medical Group, 1818 South Sepulveda Blvd., Los Angeles, California 90025.


 

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