Comparative study of skin closure in dogs with polypropylene and polyglactin 910

The primary purpose of tissue reconstruction is to connect separated wound edges. Proper selection of sutures helps achieve better results in skin surgery. Polypropylen (Prolene®) and polyglactin 910 (Vicryl rapid®) were observed and compared for use in veterinary skin surgery. The handling characteristics of Prolene® suture is less satisfactory then Vicryl rapid® suture because of the stiffness of the material. Vicryl rapid® has a better control of knotting then Prolene® due to the material. Stitches were removed 9 days after surgery. In dogs whose wounds were sutured with Vicryl rapid® the threads only have to be wiped away, or have already fallen off by themselves. Suturing which has to be done under tension, infected wounds and usual skin surgery in pets, require synthetic non-absorbable monofilament material such as Prolene®. Good tolerance and the fact that there is no need to remove stitches make Vicryl rapid® suture very interesting for veterinary skin surgery in wild and zoo animals, non-socialized pets and wounds under casts.