Incidence and risk factors of surgical site infection in dogs undergoing laparoscopy ovariectomy. Multicentric prospective cohort study

Canine laparoscopic ovariectomy has become more popular due to several advantages including smaller incisions and faster recovery. However, surgical site infections (SSIs) remain a common complication that increases morbidity and mortality. The aim of this study was to describe the incidence of SSI and identify the factors associated with development of SSI in dogs undergoing laparoscopic ovariectomy. A multicentre, prospective cohort study was performed, including 208 female dogs undergoing surgery at seven veterinary hospitals in Spain between January 2022 and September 2023. SSI was diagnosed according to Centers for Disease Control and Prevention (CDC) criteria, with active surveillance consisting of clinical evaluations on postoperative days 5-7 and 10-12, and follow-up telephone conversation at 30 days. SSIs were identified in 15 dogs (7.2 %) of which 12 were classified as superficial and 3 as deep infections. Duration of Surgery (P < 0.001) and Elizabethan collar (P = 0.003) were identified as risk factors of SSI. The incidence of SSI was identified in 7.2 % (IC 95 %: 4.1 %-11.6 %) of dogs and it was associated with surgical time exceeding 46 min and improper use of the Elizabethan collar. Prospective, standardised studies should test whether collar use and shorter surgical time reduce SSI after laparoscopy ovariectomy. Therefore, shorter surgical times and correct use of buster collar could reduce the incidence of SSI.