A single-layer, full-thickness, simple continuous suture pattern is safe for hysterotomy closure in dogs undergoing cesarean section.

OBJECTIVE

To evaluate short-term complications for single-layer, full-thickness, simple continuous appositional closure (AC) of the uterus in dogs undergoing cesarean section (CS). Additional objectives included comparing the complication rates with dogs that underwent an inverting closure (IC) and reporting the litter size in dogs with subsequent pregnancies.

METHODS

A medical record review for dogs undergoing CS between May 2014 and February 2025 was performed at Colorado State University. Data retrieved included signalment, reason for CS, uterine closure pattern, anesthesia and surgery time, litter size, complications, and subsequent CSs.

RESULTS

The study population included 77 dogs that underwent 89 CSs (70 AC, 19 IC). Postoperative complications were noted in 6 of 89 cases (6.7%). Closure pattern was not found to be a risk factor for development of postoperative complications. No dogs required intervention related to hysterotomy closure, and all dogs survived the 14-day follow-up period. One dog developed paralysis following epidural use at the time of CS. Twenty-four dogs had subsequent pregnancies: 19 of 24 (79.2%) after AC and 5 of 24 (20.8%) after IC.

CONCLUSIONS

Full-thickness AC was not a significant risk factor for short-term postoperative complications. Both single- and double-layer, full-thickness hysterotomy closures were compatible with subsequent successful whelping and CSs.

CLINICAL RELEVANCE: Single-layer, full-thickness, simple continuous appositional and double-layer full-thickness closures are safe for hysterotomy closure.