Surgical management of squamous cell carcinoma of the canine male external genitalia: 15 cases (1994-2020).

Fifteen male dogs with squamous cell carcinoma of the external genitalia were admitted for further investigation and surgical management between 1994 and 2020. The dogs belonged to various breeds. Thirteen dogs were intact and two were castrated with a median age of 8 years and a median weight of 28 kg. Seven dogs were white-coated and eight nonwhite coated. Scrotal ablation and orchiectomy were performed in four dogs, partial penile amputation in two, partial penile amputation plus partial preputial ablation in one, penile amputation, and scrotal urethrostomy in seven, and local preputial excision in one dog. Postoperative complications included hemorrhage in 10 dogs, bruising at the urethrostomy site in seven, and urethrostomy dehiscence in one dog. Tumor recurrence was recorded in six dogs. Dogs with poorly differentiated tumors that had tumor recurrence had shorter survival and worse prognosis compared to those with well and moderately differentiated tumors. The mean survival time was 48.132 months. After a median follow-up of 23 months (range: 8 to 72 months), eight dogs were alive, five were euthanized and two dogs died from unrelated causes. Surgical excision seems to be a treatment option for dogs with squamous cell carcinoma of the external genitalia.

Saline volume required to achieve peristaltic intraluminal pressure during leak testing of canine colotomies, using two methods of luminal occlusion.

Background: No studies have appeared in the literature evaluating the intraluminal volume of injected saline in the canine colon for performing leak tests in colotomy incisions. Aim: To determine the volume of the injected intraluminal saline necessary to achieve an intraluminal pressure of 17.3 cm H2O in 10 cm colonic segments containing a closed colotomy occluded with intestinal forceps or by digital pressure. Methods: Fresh colon was obtained from 8 canine cadavers and divided into 10 cm segments. A 3 cm antimesenteric colonic incision was performed at each intestinal segment which was closed using a 3-0 polydioxanone suture in a simple continuous pattern. Each colonic construct was occluded with Doyen intestinal forceps or by digital pressure and a leak test was performed by saline infusion. The saline volume needed to achieve a predetermined intraluminal pressure of 17.3 cm H2O, following occlusion was recorded. Results: The mean volume of injected saline with the Doyen intestinal forceps occlusion (20.4 ± 8.2 ml) was significantly larger than that of the digital occlusion technique (17.5 ± 6.8 ml) [p = 0.021]. Conclusion: For 10 cm canine colonic constructs containing a closed colotomy, saline volumes of 20.4 ml with Doyen occlusion and 17.5 ml with digital occlusion can be utilized to achieve intraluminal pressures of 17.3 cm H2O.

Cutaneous Canine Mast Cell Tumor: The Use of Proliferative Markers (Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR) in Cytological Samples for Diagnosis and Prognosis.

A cytological grading system for canine mast cell tumors (MCTs) has been developed, but its integration into clinical routine has been hindered due to its diagnostic limitations. The aim of this study was to assess the prognostic value of Ki-67 and argyrophilic nucleolar organizing region (AgNOR) markers in cytological MCT samples and to determine cut-off values for these markers in correlation with histopathological grading. Cytological samples were collected prior to surgical excision, and histopathological samples were obtained postsurgery from 45 dogs diagnosed with cutaneous mast cell tumors (MCTs). The cytological specimens were classified using a two-tier grading system, and their Ki-67 (average immunopositive nuclei per 100 cells) and AgNOR (average AgNOR counts per 100 nuclei) signaling was assessed. Through receiver operating characteristic (ROC) analysis, cut-off values for Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR were determined to better align with histopathological grading (classified as low or high grade according to Kiupel's scoring system). Without the inclusion of proliferative markers, there was a 73% agreement between cytological and histopathological grading. The prediction of histopathological grade was slightly more accurate when assessing Ki-67 and Ki-67 × AgNOR signaling in cytological specimens (75% and 80%, respectively) compared to the initial cytological grading. The cytological assessment of canine MCTs proves beneficial for the initial evaluation, and the incorporation of the evaluation of Ki-67 and AgNOR markers may assist in identifying diagnostically highly malignant MCTs.

Diagnosis of traumatic urethral stricture in a canine patient with contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography : A case report.

A 5-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog presented with a 3-day history of stranguria and dysuria. Results of physical examination, plain radiographs, and ultrasonography were consistent with a traumatic urethral stricture in the prescrotal urethra just under the previous trauma region, resulting in partial obstruction of urine outflow. Contrast-enhanced voiding urosonography (CE-VUS) was performed, and a urethral stricture was confirmed. The dog underwent surgery. A scrotal urethrostomy was performed. After 3 days of hospitalization, the dog was discharged from the Clinic. Based on an extensive literature review, this is the first report using CE-VUS to evaluate urethral pathology in a canine patient.

Surgical Anatomy of the Gastrointestinal Tract in Cats.

In cats, the gastrointestinal tract is one of the regions in which surgical procedures are most frequently performed by veterinary surgeons; therefore, knowledge of the surgical anatomy of the feline gastrointestinal tract is of high importance. The main surgical procedures performed include gastrotomy, gastrectomy, enterotomy, and enterectomy, as well as procedures in the liver and pancreas. There are also anatomical differences between dogs and cats, increasing the need for deep knowledge of the anatomy treated in the different surgical approaches. The aim of the present review is to describe in detail the anatomy of the gastrointestinal tract in cats highlighting the anatomical regions of significant importance in different surgical procedures.

Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs and Cats: Treatment, Complications and Prognosis.

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are a common vascular anomaly of the liver in dogs and cats. Clinical signs of CPSS are non-specific and may wax and wane, while laboratory findings can raise the clinical suspicion for CPSS, but they are also not specific. Definitive diagnosis will be established by evaluation of liver function tests and diagnostic imaging. The aim of this article is to review the management, both medical and surgical, complications, and prognosis of CPSS in dogs and cats. Attenuation of the CPSS is the treatment of choice and may be performed by open surgical intervention using ameroid ring constrictors, thin film banding, and partial or complete suture ligation or by percutaneous transvenous coil embolization. There is no strong evidence to recommend one surgical technique over another. Medical treatment strategies include administration of non-absorbable disaccharides (i.e., lactulose), antibiotics, and dietary changes, and are indicated for pre-surgical stabilization or when surgical intervention is not feasible. After CPSS attenuation, short- and long-term post-surgical complications may be seen, such as post-operative seizures and recurrence of clinical signs, respectively. Prognosis after surgical attenuation of CPSS is generally favorable for dogs and fair for cats.

Congenital Portosystemic Shunts in Dogs and Cats: Classification, Pathophysiology, Clinical Presentation and Diagnosis.

Congenital portosystemic shunts (CPSS) are abnormal vascular communications between the portal and the systemic circulation, bypassing the hepatic parenchyma and resulting in liver hypoplasia and hepatic insufficiency. Such connections develop in utero and persist postnatally. CPSS are among the two most common congenital vascular anomalies of the liver in small animals, along with primary hypoplasia of the portal vein without portal hypertension (PHPV without PH). CPSS can be extrahepatic (ECPSS), most commonly diagnosed in small and toy breed dogs and cats, or intrahepatic (ICPSS), most commonly seen in large breed dogs. Single ECPSS is the most common type encountered in both dogs and cats. Clinical signs of CPSS are non-specific and may wax and wane, while laboratory findings can raise clinical suspicion for CPSS, but they are also not specific. Definitive diagnosis will be established by evaluation of liver function tests, such as determination of fasting plasma ammonia (FA) levels, and pre- and postprandial serum bile acids concentrations, and diagnostic imaging. The purpose of this article is to review the definition, classification, pathogenesis, clinical presentation, and diagnosis of CPSS in dogs and cats, highlighted by the authors' clinical experience.

Evaluation of Survival of Subdermal Plexus Skin Flaps in 8 Cats After Injection of Platelet Rich Plasma.

The aim of the present study was to evaluate the effect of platelet-rich plasma injection on the survival of experimentally developed subdermal plexus skin flaps in cats. Two flaps, 2 cm wide and 6 cm long were created bilaterally in the dorsal midline in 8 cats. Each flap was randomized to 1 of 2 groups: platelet-rich plasma injection and control. After flap development, the flaps were immediately placed back on the recipient bed. Then 1.8 mL of platelet-rich plasma was equally injected into 6 different parts of the treatment flap. All flaps were evaluated macroscopically daily and on days 0, 7, 14, and 25 by planimetry, Laser Doppler flowmetry, and histology. Mean flap survival on day 14 was 80.437 % (±22.745) for the treatment group and 66.516 % (±24,12) for the control group with no statistically significant difference between the 2 groups (P = .158). Histologically, a significant difference was found between the base of the PRP and the control flap in edema score on day 25 (P = .034). In conclusion, there is no evidence to support the use of platelet-rich plasma in subdermal plexus flaps in cats. However, the use of platelet-rich plasma may aid in reducing edema of subdermal plexus flaps.

Evaluation of the Effectiveness of Medical-Grade Honey and Hypericum Perforatum Ointment on Second-Intention Healing of Full-Thickness Skin Wounds in Cats.

This study aimed to determine the effects of two topical treatments on second-intention wound healing in cats. Eight 2 × 2 cm full-thickness wounds were created, four on each side of the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, to receive either medical-grade honey ointment (MGH) and its control (HC), or Hypericum-based ointment (HP) and its control (HPC). MGH or HP ointment was applied to four wounds on the same side, while the remaining four were used as controls, chosen at random. Planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, daily physical examinations, and histologic examinations on days 0, 7, 14, and 25 were used to assess the healing of wounds. Tissue perfusion was better in the MGH-treated (2.14 ± 0.18 mm/s) and HP-treated wounds (2.02 ± 0.13 mm/s) than in the untreated controls HC (1.59 ± 0.11 mm/s) and HPC (1.60 ± 0.05 mm/s), respectively (p = 0.001). Histopathology revealed that the median edema score was lower in the MGH-treated (2; range 1-4) compared to the HC-treated wounds (3; range 2-4) on day 7 (p < 0.05). The median angiogenesis score was higher on day 7 in the MGH-treated (2; range 1-3) compared to the HP-treated wounds (2; range 1-2) (p = 0.046). The fibroblast concentration was increased in the MGH-treated wounds (3.5; range 3-4) compared to the HP-treated wounds (3; range 2-4) on day 25 (p = 0.046). MGH and HP increased tissue perfusion compared to the untreated controls. The MGH-treated wounds had histologic parameters superior to the HP-treated wounds regarding angiogenesis and fibroblast concentration in cutaneous wound healing in cats. Topical application of MGH and HP did not accelerate the healing process of feline cutaneous wounds.

Locally Injected Autologous Platelet-Rich Plasma Improves Cutaneous Wound Healing in Cats.

Cutaneous defects in cats are commonly encountered in clinical practice, and healing can be accomplished by first or second intention. Platelet-rich plasma (PRP) is characterized by a plasma concentration containing a large number of platelets in a small volume of plasma. The objective of the present study was to record the efficacy of PRP infiltration in open wounds in laboratory cats. Six wounds were created in the dorsal midline of eight laboratory cats, with the wounds of one side designated as the PRP group and the wounds of the other side as the control group. Wound healing was evaluated by daily clinical examination, planimetry, laser Doppler flowmetry, and histologic examination on days 0, 7, 14, and 25, and by measurement of metalloproteinases (MMPs)-2 and -9 and tissue inhibitor metalloproteinase (TIMP)-1 on days 0, 14, and 25. Based on the results of the present study, the mean time for full coverage with granulation tissue was shorter in the PRP group, the mean contraction and total wound healing percentage were increased compared to the control group, and finally, the perfusion measured with laser Doppler flowmetry was higher in the PRP group during all examination days. In conclusion, this is the first study focusing on the topical application of PRP in the treatment of open wounds in laboratory cats, and our results are encouraging-showing a more rapid healing in the PRP group.

Τhe Effect of Opioid Administration on Cytologic and Histopathologic Diagnosis of Canine Cutaneous Mast Cell Tumors Treated by Surgical Excision.

Mast cell tumor (MCT) is a frequent cutaneous tumor in dogs, with a variable biological behavior. Studies correlate cytologic and histopathologic features of MCTs with their biological behavior, prognosis, and response to treatment. The use of preoperative opioids is common in canine patients undergoing surgical removal of these tumors. Certain opioids can induce or downregulate mast cell degranulation and influence cancer progression. The aim of the present study was to investigate whether the administration of morphine or butorphanol during surgical excision of canine cutaneous MCTs affects their cytologic and histopathologic appearance, thus influencing cytologic and histopathologic grading. This was a prospective, blinded, randomized, cohort clinical study. Forty-five dogs with cutaneous MCTs were randomly allocated into three groups according to preanaesthetic medication: dexmedetomidine combined with morphine (group M) or butorphanol (group B) or normal saline (group C). Cytologic specimens and histopathologic samples were obtained both prior to and after surgery. Samples were graded according to Kiupel's and Patnaik's systems, examined immunohistochemically for Ki-67 protein (Ki-67) and c-kit proto-oncogene product (KIT) expression, and histochemically for argyrophilic nucleolar organizing regions (AgNORs). Based on both Kiupel's and Patnaik's systems, no statistically significant differences were noted concerning the number of cases with grading discrepancies in grades allocated prior to versus after surgery among the groups. The same applied for cytological grading and immunohistochemical and histochemical evaluation. It seems that administration of morphine or butorphanol as part of the preanesthetic medication for surgical removal of canine cutaneous mast cell tumors does not influence histopathologic and cytologic grading of MCTs.

Influence of age on resistance to distraction after tracheal anastomoses in dogs: An ex vivo study.

OBJECTIVE: To determine the influence of age on the ability of tracheal anastomoses to sustain distraction in dogs. STUDY DESIGN: Ex vivo study. SAMPLE POPULATION: Cadaveric canine tracheae (n = 16). METHODS: Tracheae were harvested from the cadavers of 8 immature and 8 adult dogs. Each trachea underwent end-to-end annular ligament anastomosis with a simple continuous pattern with 2-0 polypropylene on a taper cut needle. The constructs were tested to failure in distraction, with a tensiometer set at a drop head speed of 50 mm/min, as determined by preliminary testing. Failure was defined by tissue pullthrough or suture material failure. The force and elongation at failure were compared between age groups. RESULTS: The median age was 5.5 months (4-7.5 months) in immature dogs and 8.25 years in adult dogs (2-18 years) Tracheal anastomoses failed at lower forces (44.91 ± 59.03 N) but sustained more elongation (39.75 ± 5.45%) in immature dogs than in adult dogs (149.31 ± 45.36 N, P = .007 and 30.57 ± 7.19%, P = .0012, respectively). Tissue apposition was not achieved in 4 specimens each in immature and adult dogs, respectively. CONCLUSIONS: The technique used for tracheal anastomoses in this study failed at lower loads but sustained more elongation when performed in immature dogs. CLINICAL SIGNIFICANCE: Immature dogs may be able to withstand longer tracheal resection than adult dogs but reinforcement techniques seem mandatory to improve resistance to tension. Alternative anastomosis techniques should be considered to improve tissue apposition.

Lymphoplasmacytic Prostatitis Associated With Urethral Obstruction in a Dog; A Case Report.

A 10-year-old, male intact, mixed breed dog was admitted with a history of intermittent lower urinary tract signs of 18-months duration. Dysuria, stranguria, pollakiuria and overflow incontinence developed 2 weeks prior to presentation, while vomiting, polydipsia and anorexia were seen a few days prior to admission. Physical examination revealed prostatomegaly. Biochemistry results were compatible with postrenal azotemia. Abdominal imaging confirmed prostatomegaly with consequent urethral obstruction, and ultrasound-guided fine needle aspiration cytology of the prostate gland was consistent with granulomatous inflammation. The dog was hospitalized, urethral patency was preserved and upon laparotomy a cystostomy tube was placed, and prostatic biopsy was obtained. Orchiectomy was also performed. Urine culture performed 2 days prior to the surgery was negative. Prostatic histopathology revealed mild to moderate lymphoplasmacytic prostatitis. Three months postoperatively, clinical signs had resolved completely and urinations remained normal while the dog is still in good health 3 years after diagnosis. This is the first case of canine lymphoplasmacytic prostatitis in which clinical signs, diagnostic evaluation, management and long-term follow up are available.

A Controlled Trial of Polyglytone 6211 versus Poliglecaprone 25 for Use in Intradermal Suturing in Dogs.

The objective of this work was the comparative evaluation of the healing process after employing 4/0 poliglecaprone 25 and 4/0 polyglytone 6211 in a continuous intradermal suture pattern. Ten Beagle dogs were used, in which skin incisions were created surgically and subsequently were sutured by means of continuous intradermal pattern using polyglytone 6211 or poliglecaprone 25 suture. Cosmetic, clinical, and histologic scores were evaluated. The cosmetic appearance of the wounds was blindly evaluated on days 7, 14, 28, 180, 360, 730, and 1095. On the same days, tissue biopsy was performed for histological evaluation. Clinical evaluation was performed initially daily, then weekly, monthly, and finally yearly, till day 1095. The clinical appearance of the intradermal pattern with both sutures was initially very good, deteriorated in the second post-operative month and thereafter improved. The cosmetic, clinical, and histological differences between the two suture materials were minimal and statistically insignificant. Polyglytone 6211 is sufficient for use in intradermal suturing in dogs. However, its earlier absorption compared to poliglecaprone 25 did not have any beneficial effect on cutaneous wound healing and scar appearance in the experimental animals.

Contrast enhanced computed tomography assessment of superficial inguinal lymph node metastasis in canine mammary gland tumors.

Mammary gland neoplasms are predominant in dogs. However, sentinel lymph node (SLN) status assessment criteria have not been established for these cases. In this retrospective, secondary analysis, diagnostic case control study, CT images of 65 superficial inguinal SLNs were obtained before and 1, 3, 5, and 10 min after intravenous administration of contrast agent (iopamidol 370 mgI/mL). The presence and degree of postcontrast enhancement were assessed, by means of the median absolute density value and the maximum absolute density value at any time point in the center and in the periphery of each SLN measured in Hounsfield units (HU), before and after contrast agent administration. These values were compared with histopathological findings postsurgical excision. Receiver operating characteristic analysis was conducted. The absolute density values ranged widely at each time point and within each group of nodes (negative, positive, control group). At all time points, the median density value in the center and in the periphery was significantly higher in metastatic than in non-metastatic SLNs (P ≤ .014). Among the parameters tested, the median absolute density value measured in the periphery of the SLN 3 min after injection showed the highest sensitivity, specificity, and accuracy (AUC) (87.5%, 82.1%, and 92.1% respectively), with a cutoff value of 50.9 HU. The maximum absolute density value at any time point in the center and periphery of the SLNs was also significantly higher in metastatic SLNs compared to non-metastatic (P ≤ .001). With a cutoff value of 59.5 HU, the maximum absolute density value in the periphery of the SLN displayed high sensitivity and specificity (87.5% and 89.3%, respectively). The results of this study support the hypothesis that contrast enhanced CT imaging may aid in the assessment of SLN metastasis in dogs with mammary gland neoplasms.

Surgical Management of Feline Extrahepatic Biliary Tract Diseases.

Extrahepatic biliary obstruction occurs infrequently in cats. Pathophysiology of biliary obstruction is characterized by cholestasis, obstruction, inflammation, and exudation. Clinical signs and laboratory examination findings are nonspecific. Ultrasonographic examination of the biliary tract aids significantly in diagnosis. The aims of feline biliary surgery are to determine the underlying cause and extent of the obstruction, restore bile flow to the gastrointestinal tract, and prevent bile leakage and subsequent peritonitis. Surgical techniques to restore bile flow and decompress the biliary distension include cholecystostomy tube placement and choledochal stenting, cholecystectomy, choledochotomy, and biliary diversion procedures. Surgical management of extrahepatic biliary obstruction carries a fair to guarded prognosis. Cats undergoing biliary diversion procedures have poorer outcomes than those undergoing nondiversion procedures. Cats with neoplastic involvement have significantly shorter lives than those with inflammatory involvement.

Jackson-Henderson technique for the revision surgery following PDA rupture in a dog.

A 3-month-old female intact Maltese dog, was referred for further investigation and management of a patent ductus arteriosus (PDA), which was diagnosed with a grade V murmur during thoracic auscultation and a palpable thrill in the left third intercostal space during routine vaccination. Echocardiographic findings included left ventricle dilatation, high velocity continuous ductal flow in the pulmonary valve and a patent ductus arteriosus. Hematological and biochemical abnormalities were not detected. A left forth intercostal thoracotomy was performed and during dissection, the medial wall of the duct was perforated resulting in hemorrhage. Digital pressure was applied over the ductus and bleeding ceased. An attempt for further dissection aggravated bleeding so it was decided to abandon surgery and to reoperate the dog using a different technique. Three months after surgery a second procedure was scheduled. A Jackson-Henderson technique was chosen for the ductus ligation, which was completed through a left fourth intercostal thoracotomy and the dog was discharged 2 days postoperatively. The dog was reexamined at 2 and 8 months after surgery and found with no clinical evidence of heart disease. In conclusion the Jackson-Henderson technique was used in the second surgery for closure of the ductus in order to avoid dissection of the medial aspect of the ductus, where adhesions were formed and the dog was free of clinical signs of heart disease 2 and 8 months postoperatively.

The Benefits of Expert Instruction in Microsurgery Courses.

BACKGROUND: Microsurgery requires repeated practice and training to achieve proficiency, and there are a variety of curriculums available. This study aims to determine the importance of an expert instructor to guide students through procedures. We compared student proficiency across two microsurgery courses: one with (Columbia University, United States [CU] cohort) and one without a dedicated microsurgery instructor (University of Thessaloniki, Greece [UT] cohort). METHODS: Students were divided into two cohorts of 22 students (UT cohort) and 25 students (CU cohort). Student progress was evaluated by examining patency (lift-up and milking tests), anastomotic timing, and quality (Anastomosis Lapse Index [ALI]) of end-to-end arterial and venous anastomoses on day 1 and again on day 5. Chi-squared tests evaluated patency immediately and 30 minutes postoperation. t-Tests evaluated anastomotic timing and ALI scores. p-Values < 0.05 were considered significant. RESULTS: We evaluated progress within and between each cohort. Within the CU cohort, the quality of the arterial and venous anastomosis improved, respectively (by 54%, p = 0.0059 and by 43%, p = 0.0027), the patency of both the arterial and venous anastomosis improved, respectively (by 44%, p = 0.0002 and by 40%, p = 0.0019), and timing of arterial and venous anastomosis reduced respectively (by 36%, p = 0.0002 and by 33%, p = 0.0010). The UT cohort improved the quality of their arterial anastomoses (by 29%, p = 0.0312). The UT cohort did not demonstrate significant improvement in the other above-mentioned parameters. The CU cohort improved materially over the UT cohort across categories of quality, patency, and timing. CONCLUSION: There are clear benefits of an expert instructor when examining the rate of progress and proficiency level attained at the conclusion of the course. We suggest students who are seeking to maximize proficiency in microsurgical procedures enroll in courses with an expert instructor.

Presumptive Lornoxicam Intoxication in Four Dogs.

Lornoxicam is a nonsteroidal anti-inflammatory drug extensively used in human medicine, which is not approved for canine use. Lornoxicam intoxication has been rarely reported in dogs. Four dogs of various breeds, aged 7 months to 10 years, were admitted with a recent history of melena, anorexia and depression, occurring 1-4 days after the ingestion of lornoxicam (dose range: 0.53-2.7 [median 1.17] mg/kg). No clinically relevant comorbidities were documented, but low doses of prednisolone had been given in 3 of the dogs, in close temporal association with lornoxicam. Major clinical and clinicopathologic findings on admission included mucosal pallor, melena, depression, severe anemia, neutrophilic leucocytosis, and panhypoproteinemia. Perforated pyloric and duodenal ulcers were documented in 3 dogs by exploratory celiotomy or postmortem. Prolonged hospitalization (5-20 days) with extensive supportive care and multiple blood transfusions was required in 3 of the 4 dogs who survived to discharge. Lornoxicam ingestion may cause protracted and severe gastrointestinal tract injury and bleeding, blood loss anemia, panhypoproteinemia, and perforated gastrointestinal ulcers, associated with significant morbidity and mortality in dogs.

Comparison of continuous intradermal with simple interrupted suture pattern: an experimental study in dogs.

The aim of the study was to compare incisional wound healing in intradermal and simple interrupted suture patterns. Ten dogs were included. Surgically created skin incisions were apposed with (a) continuous intradermal pattern, (b) simple interrupted pattern, [both with 3/0 poliglecaprone 25], and (c) continuous intradermal pattern with 4/0 poliglecaprone 25. Cosmetic, clinical and histologic scores were evaluated. Simple interrupted sutures required significantly less time than intradermal sutures to complete. Cosmetic evaluation scoring was not statistically significant among the techniques. Irrespectively of the technique, the cosmetic, clinical and histologic appearance of the incisions improved over time. The cosmetic and histologic differences between the techniques were large during the first month, but decreased latter, whereas clinical differences persisted. The clinical appearance of the intradermal pattern was initially very good, worsened during the second postoperative month, and improved afterwards. Intradermal pattern with 4/0 poliglecaprone 25 was superior in terms of cosmetic, clinical and histologic appearance compared to simple interrupted pattern and to intradermal pattern with 3/0 poliglecaprone 25 for skin closure in dogs.