Evaluation of complications and long-term outcomes associated with 101 dogs and cats discharged with and without subcutaneous active closed-suction drains (2014–2022)

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To retrospectively evaluate complications reported in dogs and cats with a closed suction subcutaneous drain that were either managed completely in hospital (Group ND) or discharged home for ongoing outpatient care (Group D). ANIMALS 101 client-owned animals involving 94 dogs and 7 cats with a subcutaneous closed suction drain placed during a surgical procedure. PROCEDURES Electronic medical records (January 2014 to December 2022) were reviewed. Signalment, reason for drain placement, surgical procedure, location and duration of drain placement, drain discharge status, antimicrobial usage, culture and sensitivity results, and intraoperative and postoperative complications were recorded. Associations among variables were evaluated. RESULTS There were 77 animals in Group D and 24 animals in Group ND. Majority (n = 21/26) of complications were classified as minor and were all from Group D. Length of hospitalization in Group D (1 day) was significantly shorter than Group ND (3.25 days). Duration of drain placement was significantly longer in Group D (5.6 days) than Group ND (3.1 days). There were no associations between drain location, drain duration, or surgical site contamination with risk of complications. CLINICAL RELEVANCE There is a higher risk of complications associated with discharging an animal from hospital (37%) with a subcutaneous closed suction drain than removing it prior to discharge (4%). These complications, however, were primarily minor and easily managed. Discharging an otherwise stable animal to home with a subcutaneous closed suction drain may be feasible to decrease duration of hospitalization, cost to the owner, and stress for the animal.