Comparative evaluation of haemostatic techniques for ovariohysterectomy in dogs

This study was conducted on 18 clinically healthy female dogs irrespective of breed, body weight and aged between 1 to 8 years. All the animals were randomly divided into three equal groups, with 6 animals in each group. Group I was subjected for ligation, group II application of bipolar electrocoagulation and group III for application of haemoclips to achieve haemostasis. Rectal temperature and heart rate significantly (p<0.05) decreased at intra-operative period of surgery in all the groups as compared to pre-operative and post-operative period. Exudation in group II was non-significantly higher as compared to group I and III. A significantly (p<0.05) longer surgical time was recorded in ligature and endoclip technique as compared to electrocoagulation technique. Time required for locating and ligating uterus was significantly (p<0.05) longer in group I as compared to group II and III. Length of surgical incision was higher in group I and III as compared to group II. Haemorrhage was significantly higher (p<0.05) in group I and III as compared to group II. An abdominal ultrasonography was performed on day 7 after surgery and it revealed no complication in any animal. At different intervals, all haemato-biochemical parameters fluctuated within normal physiological ranges. On the basis of the present findings, it can be concluded that bipolar electrocautery was superior to titanium clips and suture ligation for achieving haemostasis during ovariohysterectomy (OVH) in dogs.

• Bipolar cautery system was superior to titanium clip and suture ligation.

• Cost of haemoclip application was high as compared to suture ligation to achieve haemostasis.