title: Preliminary evaluation of a hydrogel liquid bandage in 30 dogs undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy surgery.
abstract: OBJECTIVE
  To compare the prevalence of minor incisional complications in canine patients undergoing tibial plateau levelling osteotomy (TPLO) surgery that had a hydrogel liquid bandage (HLB) applied to their incision, with patients that had a light adhesive bandage applied.
  
  
  METHODS
  Thirty dogs undergoing TPLO surgery were randomly assigned to either application of a light adhesive bandage to the incision, with removal 18-24 hours later, or application of a clear-drying polyethylene glycol HLB to the incision. Erythema, swelling, discharge, and dehiscence were assessed 1 day (Day 1) and 10-14 days (Days 10-14) postoperatively. All persons completing the assessment were blinded to the treatment. Outcomes were compared for the two groups using Fisher's Exact Test.
  
  
  RESULTS
  On both Day 1 and Days 10-14, the distribution of dogs with erthemyma or swelling did not differ between the two groups (p≥0.4). The prevalence of erythema was the same in the bandage and HLB groups at Day 1 (11/15; 73%) and was similar at Days 10-14 (3/11 (27%) and 2/11 (18%), respectively). Prevalence of swelling was also the same in the two groups on Day 1 (11/15; 73%) and was similar at Days 10-14 (3/11 (27%) and 6/11 (55%), respectively). On Day 1, 2/15 (13%) dogs in the HLB group and none of the dogs in the bandage group had incisional discharge (p=0.483). No dogs were observed with discharge on Days 10-14. No dehiscence, infection, or any other major incisional complication was observed in either group at any point in the study.
  
  
  CONCLUSIONS
  Preliminary results suggest that prevalence of minor incisional complications after TPLO surgery treated with HLB or with a traditional adhesive bandage may be comparable. No major adverse effects were seen with the use of HLB.
  Due to several disadvantages of traditional bandaging, which can require post-operative maintenance and removal, lasts only a short time, and be painful when removed, an alternative with fewer drawbacks is desirable. HLB may present such an alternative.
authors.affiliation: a Surgical Group for Animals , 2325 Torrance Blvd, Los Angeles , CA , USA.
authors.forename: E J
authors.initials: EJ
authors.lastname: Harrison
authors.affiliation: b SAGE Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care , 907 Dell Ave, Campbell , CA , USA.
authors.forename: W E
authors.initials: WE
authors.lastname: Scherrer
authors.affiliation: c Comparative Ocular Pathology Laboratory of Wisconsin, Wisconsin School of Veterinary Medicine , 2015, Linden Drive, Madison , WI , USA.
authors.forename: J
authors.initials: J
authors.lastname: Fragola
authors.affiliation: d Department of Clinical Studies-New Bolton Center , University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine , Kennett Square , PA , USA.
authors.forename: N G
authors.initials: NG
authors.lastname: Patel
authors.affiliation: b SAGE Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care , 907 Dell Ave, Campbell , CA , USA.
authors.forename: S R
authors.initials: SR
authors.lastname: Perry
authors.affiliation: e Department of Chemical Engineering and Material Science , University of Southern California , Los Angeles , CA , USA.
authors.forename: V
authors.initials: V
authors.lastname: Janković
authors.affiliation: b SAGE Centers for Veterinary Specialty and Emergency Care , 907 Dell Ave, Campbell , CA , USA.
authors.forename: A J
authors.initials: AJ
authors.lastname: Staatz
mesh_terms: D000818:Animals; D047070:Bandages, Hydrocolloid / Q000662:veterinary*; D004285:Dogs / Q000601:surgery*; D004890:Erythema / Q000517:prevention & control / Q000662:veterinary; D010027:Osteotomy / Q000379:methods / Q000662:veterinary*; D011182:Postoperative Care / Q000662:veterinary; D013977:Tibia / Q000601:surgery*
keywords: Tibial plateau levelling osteotomy; hydrogel liquid bandage; incisional complications