title: Fighting surgical site infections in small animals: are we getting anywhere?
abstract: A diverse array of pathogen-related, patient-related, and caretaker-related issues influence risk and prevention of surgical site infections (SSIs). The entire surgical team involved in health care settings in which surgical procedures are performed play a pivotal role in the prevention of SSIs. In this article, current knowledge of SSI risk factors and prevention methods is reviewed. Although new avenues that can be explored in the prevention of SSIs in veterinary medicine are described, the main conclusion drawn is that the best method for prevention of SSI is to adhere to what we already know.
authors.affiliation: Department of Large Animal Sciences, University of Copenhagen, Hojbakkegaerd Allé 5, Taatsrup 2630, Denmark. Electronic address: dv@sund.ku.dk.
authors.forename: Denis
authors.initials: D
authors.lastname: Verwilghen
authors.affiliation: Department of Clinical Studies, Ontario Veterinary College, University of Guelph, 50 Stone Road East, Guelph, Ontario N1G 2W1, Canada.
authors.forename: Ameet
authors.initials: A
authors.lastname: Singh
mesh_terms: D000820:Animal Diseases / Q000517:prevention & control* / Q000601:surgery; D000818:Animals; D000829:Animals, Domestic; D017053:Infection Control / Q000592:standards*; D012307:Risk Factors; D013530:Surgical Wound Infection / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary*
keywords: Antimicrobial prophylaxis; Compliance; Prevention; Surgical site infections