Surgical site infection following clean-contaminated abdominal surgery in dogs is associated with increased postoperative costs

To quantify the financial impact of surgical site infections (SSIs) following clean-contaminated abdominal surgery in dogs, as well as to evaluate perioperative risk factors in this patient population.

This case-control retrospective study evaluated canine patients undergoing gastrointestinal or urogenital clean-contaminated surgery at a university hospital (2021 to 2024) that either developed an SSI (case) or did not develop an SSI (control). Surgical site infection-positive cases were identified via available records and matched 1:2 with SSI-negative controls by procedure, age, sex, and weight. Economic data and perioperative variables were compared with Wilcoxon rank-sum tests and univariable logistic regression.

63 dogs were included (21 SSI-positive, 42 controls). While initial surgical costs were equivalent, median total treatment costs were 24.1% higher in SSI cases than in matched controls. Intraoperative administration of antihypotensive medication was identified with greater frequency in cases compared to controls (OR, 4.68; 95% CI, 1.48 to 14.79), with glycopyrrolate identified as a specific risk factor (OR, 9.65; 95% CI, 1.00 to 92.73). No additional associations were identified.

SSIs substantially increased total treatment costs in dogs undergoing clean-contaminated abdominal surgery, primarily driven by the intensity of intervention. Intraoperative vasopressor use, particularly glycopyrrolate, was identified with greater frequency in cases compared to controls.

Reducing SSI rates is essential to minimizing client financial burden. When clinically appropriate, prioritizing medical management for superficial infections offers substantial cost savings over surgical intervention. Judicious use of specific intraoperative antihypotensives may represent a modifiable risk factor for reducing infection rates.