Hernia In Dog Research Articles

Comparison of outcomes in dogs undergoing hiatal hernia repair with and without use of a gastropexy: 41 cases (2012-2022).

To determine the difference in complication rate, gastrointestinal grade and requirement for ongoing medical and/or surgical management following hiatal hernia repair in dogs with and without gastropexy. Clinical records were reviewed retrospectively for dogs that had undergone surgical hiatal hernia repair at two veterinary referral centres between April 2012 and March 2022. Pre-operative grading of gastrointestinal signs and brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome was performed. All dogs had an oesophagopexy and phrenoplasty. Referring primary veterinary practices and clients were contacted to obtain follow-up information. Fisher's exact tests and Mann Whitney tests were used to assess pre- and intra-operative similarities between groups. Wilcoxon signed rank tests were used to determine the changes in gastrointestinal grade at short- (<6 months) and long-term (>6 months) follow-up. Forty-one dogs which underwent oesophagopexy and phrenoplasty were included. Fifteen dogs had no gastropexy performed and 26 dogs had left-sided gastropexy performed. Dogs that underwent gastropexy(n=8, 29%, 95% CI: 13 to 51%) were significantly more likely to require further surgery related to the initial surgery or persistence of gastrointestinal signs compared to dogs that had no gastropexy (n=0, 0%, 95% CI: 0 to 18%) . This difference was not significant when dogs which had further surgery to address brachycephalic obstructive airway syndrome were excluded. Gastrointestinal grade significantly improved for both groups at both short- and long-term follow-up. There was no significant difference in overall complication rate, gastrointestinal grade or requirement for further medical treatment between groups. A left-sided gastropexy is not required for successful surgical repair of hiatal hernia in dogs provided oesophagopexy and phrenoplasty are performed.

SCROTAL HERNIATION AND STRANGULATION OF THE SMALL INTESTINE IN AN INTACT MALE 3-YEAR-OLD MIXED-BREED DOG

Importance: This case report describes a rare presentation of scrotal herniation and strangulation of the small intestine in a 3-year-old intact male mixed-breed dog. This condition is noteworthy due to its potential for severe complications and the scarcity of documented cases in the veterinary literature, contributing to the limited body of knowledge on scrotal hernias in dogs, especially those involving intestinal strangulation. Case Presentation: The dog presented with unilateral scrotal swelling, persistent vomiting and inappetence for 10 days. Physical examination revealed inflamed and tender scrotal regions, with the left side more prominently affected. Radiographic findings indicated dilated small intestines and increased radiopacity in the scrotal area. Surgical intervention revealed a swollen left testicle and a hemorrhagic loop of small intestines within the scrotum. A midline celiotomy was performed to resect and anastomose the devitalized intestinal segment, followed by herniorrhaphy. Conclusions and Relevance: The patient recovered uneventfully and resumed normal activities within a week post-surgery. This case highlights the clinical importance of timely diagnosis and surgical management of scrotal hernias in dogs to prevent life-threatening complications, underscoring the need for awareness of such presentations among veterinarians. The successful outcome in this case supports the efficacy of surgical intervention in similar scenarios, potentially guiding future clinical practices.

Hérnia diafragmática traumática em cão

The term diaphragmatic hernia refers to rupture of the diaphragm, the muscle that separates the thoracic and abdominal cavities. The diaphragm plays an important role in ventilation, serving as an inspiratory muscle, in addition to helping transport lymphatic fluid. Most diaphragmatic hernias in dogs and cats are caused by trauma, particularly being run over by a car. They are frequently diagnosed in small animal clinics and there is no age or species predisposition for traumatic diaphragmatic hernias. Symptoms vary but include difficulty breathing, tachypnea, pale or cyanotic mucous membranes, tachycardia and oliguria. The definitive diagnosis is confirmed by the combination of a well performed anamnesis and imaging tests such as radiography and ultrasound. The recommended treatment is surgery, with diaphragm surgery, combines with follow-up and post-operative care to ensure a good recovery. This work reports the case of a female puppy, ran over by a vehicle. After imaging tests, she was diagnosed with a diaphragmatic hernia and subsequently underwent diaphragmatic herniorrhaphy, a diaphragm correction procedure. The surgical procedure and the patient's recovery went well, without complications.

Overview of perineal hernia in dogs

Overview of perineal hernia in dogs

Evaluation of the efficacy of freeze-dried bovine pericardium and acellular bovine skin in the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia in dogs

Evaluation of the efficacy of freeze-dried bovine pericardium and acellular bovine skin in the treatment of diaphragmatic hernia in dogs

Modified semitendinosus muscle transposition to repair bilateral perineal hernias in dogs

Perineal hernia (PH) resulting from a weakness and tear of the pelvic muscles of the diaphragm. Repair of the pelvic muscles by surgical repositioning is the curative treatment. To report a modified technique of semitendinosus muscle transposition for perineal hernias treatment. Eleven male dogs were prospectively enrolled to repair perineal hernias incorporating contralateral semitendinosus muscle transposition. The transected muscle was rotated medially through the subcutaneous tunnel ventral to the anus up to the opposite lateral perineum. Ten dogs were neutered and 01 was intact. The mean age was 10.45 years and the mean body weight was 18.52 kg. Five dogs had been previously submitted to perineal herniorrhaphy. Partial wound dehiscence occurred in two dogs. Postoperative complications related to the technique were presented in 7 of 11 dogs. Unilateral recurrence was detected in 8 of 11 dogs. The small number of samples, the absence of a control group and the heterogeneity of breeds make it difficult to reach significant conclusions. The transposition of the semitendinosus muscle through the subcutaneous tunnel is feasible to repair perineal hernias. The technique was unable to reduce complications and recurrence rates. However, provides evidence that can be used to repair cases of bilateral and ventral perineal hernias in dogs.

Dimensional and spatial computed tomographic abnormalities of the rectum and prostate are only partly reversible after surgical repair of perineal hernia in dogs.

Caudal protrusion of pelvic organs and dilatation and deviation of the rectum with perineal hernia (PH) have not previously been studied using CT, and it is not known how completely the changes normalize after PH repair. Objectives of this prospective experimental case series were to evaluate the dimensions and shape of the rectum and the volume, location, and other features (enhancement pattern, presence of cysts, and mineralizations) of the prostate of 66 dogs on CT before and 3 months after PH repair. The rectal cross-sectional areas were measured at intrapelvic and caudal locations, and the shape was categorized as straight, deviated, flexure, or caudal fold on dorsal images. According to paired samples t-tests, the caudal rectal dimensions were significantly larger (P<.001) than the intrapelvic dimensions both before and 3 months after PH repair, and according to linear mixed models, the intrapelvic dimensions increased significantly (P<.001) after repair. Before PH repair, the most common rectal shape was flexure (69.2%); after repair, the number of dogs having a straight rectum increased significantly (P<.001) according to the McNemar paired-samples proportion test. We were also able to show that rectal dimensions increased after PH repair despite straightening in most dogs. According to the linear mixed model, prostate ratio volume, and according to Wilcoxon signed ranks test, the number of prostates with intraprostatic cysts decreased significantly (both P<.001) after PH repair, but the proportion of prostates located in the caudal or perineal area did not. Small mineralizations remained in some dogs.

Peritoneopericardial hernia in dogs

AbstractCongenital diaphragmatic peritoneopericardial hernia in dogs is attributed to a failure in the development of the transverse septum and may cause clinical signs. Its diagnosis is usually made through chest radiographic examination, where it is possible to detect cardiomegaly and the presence of abdominal organs in the pericardial sac. The aim of this study was to report two cases of peritoneopericardial hernia in asymptomatic bitches. The patients presented a lack of appetite and vomiting for different reasons, which led the veterinarians to request abdominal ultrasounds, which, in both cases, were suggestive of diaphragmatic peritoneopericardial hernia. In Case 1, a Doppler echocardiogram was also performed, and in Case 2, a contrast‐enhanced chest x‐ray confirmed the diagnosis. Although surgical treatment can be used, in the reported cases it was unnecessary. Therefore, the treatment chosen was conservative, maintaining the clinical follow‐up and keeping the patient's quality of life without surgical interventions.

Clinical and radiographic aspects in peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia in dogs and cats

Peritoneopericardial diaphragmatic hernia is a type of congenital diaphragmatic hernia that consists in the persistence of a communication between the peritoneal cavity and the pericardial sac, affecting dogs and cats. This condition occurs as a result of the defective development of the ventral segment of the diaphragm during embryogenesis. Due to the persistence of communication between the two cavities (peritoneal and pericardial), abdominal organs can protrude into the pericardial sac. The clinical signs are nonspecific, being consistent with the size of the diaphragmatic defect and the herniated organ(s). The afflicted animals can be asymptomatic or show severe clinical signs (cardio-respiratory and/or digestive), which can be life-threatening. The diagnosis is established by radiographic examination, without or after the administration of the contrast medium. In the case of symptomatic patients, the treatment is surgical, and in the case of asymptomatic patients, monitoring of digestive and respiratory functions is recommended.

Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency in 23 dogs: Description of technique, complications, and outcome.

To describe repair of perineal hernias in dogs positioned in dorsal recumbency. Retrospective case series. Twenty-three dogs with perineal hernias treated by herniorrhaphy, with or without adjunctive procedures. Medical records from 2016 to 2020 were reviewed for technique description and animal outcomes, and owners and referring veterinarians were contacted for follow-up information. Internal obturator muscle transposition (IOMT) was performed in 22 dogs, and polypropylene mesh repair was performed in one dog. Transection of the internal obturator tendon was feasible in all dogs undergoing IOMT. Eighteen dogs underwent abdominal pexy procedures, castration, or both during the same anesthetic period. No intraoperative complications were noted. Postoperative complications were noted in the hospital in 14 dogs and after release in 11. Incisional infection/drainage and persistent urinary incontinence were reported in four and two dogs, respectively. Hernias reoccurred in four dogs and tended to be more common in dogs that had undergone previous herniorrhaphies (p=.053). Recurrence rates were lowest in dogs that had no prior hernia repair or organ pexy (p=.035). Perineal hernia repair was feasible in dorsal recumbency. Complication and recurrence rates of perineal herniorrhaphy in dorsal recumbency were similar to those reported for dogs undergoing the procedure in sternal recumbency. Positioning of patients for perineal hernia repair can be dictated by surgeon preference. Perineal hernia repair in dorsal recumbency allows a single-stage abdominal and perineal approach without repositioning.

Congenital cranial ventral abdominal and inguinal hernias in dogs

Congenital cranial ventral abdominal and inguinal hernias in dogs

Jejunal strangulation and incarceration associated with bilateral perineal hernias in a neutered male dog

An 8-year-old 6.8-kg neutered male Dachshund was presented for evaluation of vomiting, diarrhea, anorexia, and swelling over the right perineal region. The dog had a history of a bilateral perineal herniorrhaphy and castration 14 months prior to presentation. Bilateral perineal hernias were confirmed by digital rectal examination. Abdominal ultrasonography confirmed the presence of intestine within the right hernia. Three days after admission to the hospital, the region of the right perineal hernia became painful, erythematous, and edematous. Computed tomography revealed jejunal incarceration within the right hernia with dilation of 1 jejunal segment that indicated intestinal obstruction. Abdominal exploratory surgery was performed, during which irreducible small intestinal incarceration was confirmed. Intra-abdominal jejunal resection and anastomosis was performed, and an approximately 13-cm-long section of the jejunum was resected. Bilateral perineal herniorrhaphies with internal obturator and superficial gluteal muscle transposition were performed. Six months after surgery, digital rectal examination of the dog revealed that the repair was intact. The dog had no perineal hernia-related clinical signs at the time of the recheck examination. For the dog of the present report, surgical management of small intestinal strangulation associated with a perineal hernia was successful. Although a portion of the small intestines can frequently be found within perineal hernias in dogs, perineal hernia-related small intestinal strangulation has not been previously described, to the authors' knowledge. Veterinarians and clients should be aware of this potential complication secondary to perineal hernia and be prepared to perform an abdominal surgical procedure to address small intestinal incarceration in affected dogs.

Prosthetic polyester-based hybrid mesh for repairing of perineal hernia in dogs.

Background:This study involves the use of a new multifunctional prosthetic mesh for treatment of the perineal hernia without complications. The prosthetic mesh is a hybrid platform of both synthetic and natural materials, mainly consisting of a synthetic commercial polyester fabric (CPF) to deliver the required mechanical integrity. The CPF mesh was coated by a natural biodegradable, biocompatible, and antimicrobial layer of chitosan incorporating phenytoin-loaded pluronic nanomicelles for healing promotion and ciprofloxacin-alginate polyelectrolyte complex-based microparticles as antibacterial agent.Aim:To evaluate the new developed multifunction polyester-based hybridmesh to repair perineal hernia clinical cases in dogs.Methods:The used multifunctional prosthetic mesh is a hybrid of the natural biodegradable, biocompatible, and antimicrobial material used in six cases with perineal hernia.Results:The prosthetic polyester-based hybrid mesh was found very helpful in repairing clinical cases of perineal hernias in six dogs without unwarranted other surgical procedures or complications. The developed mesh proved its feasibility in terms of efficient biocompatibility, stability, sterilizability, and low cost.Conclusion:The prosthetic commercial polyester-based mesh provided the ideal and feasible alternative prosthesis with many advantages.

Measuring morphological parameters of the pelvic diaphragm muscles using computed tomography in healthy dogs.

Evaluation of pelvic diaphragm muscles in dogs merits clinical attention because of the anatomical importance and their involvement in perineal hernia. This study aimed to evaluate the normal pelvic diaphragm muscles (levator ani and coccygeus muscles) using the computed tomography (CT) scan. For this purpose, 10 male and 10 female clinically normal, adult intact mixed-breed dogs weighing 15.00 to 20.00 kg were selected randomly. All animals underwent CT examination under general anesthesia and positioned in sternal recumbency. All the CT images were taken and reconstructed with a same protocol. The measurements of the pelvic diaphragm muscles were performed based on the presented guideline to the observer. The results were presented descriptively. The mean lengths of the coccygeus muscle in CT images were evaluated 4.60 cm for males and 4.30 cm for females. The mean lengths of levator ani muscle in CT images were measured 4.90 cm in males and 4.50 cm in females. In conclusion, the results of the present study can be beneficial to clinicians and researchers for further evaluation of the supporting muscles in pelvic cavity and underlying anatomical changes in perineal hernia in dogs.

Incisional Hernia in a Dog

Background: The rupture of the suture in the abdominal wall, but with integrity of the cutaneous suture, results in a condition known as incisional hernia. It is characterized by the protrusion of the abdominal viscera through orifices or areas of the abdominal wall. In most of the cases these defects in the abdominal wall are iatrogenic. The incisional hernia occurs in an intact wall that is weakened by surgical incisions. The available literature on the incidence of incisional hernias in animals is scarce. With the aim to contribute to the information about incisional hernia in animals, it was decided to describe the case of incisional hernia in a female dog after performing ovariohysterectomy (OH).Case: An adult mongrel shelter bitch, of unknown age, weighing 9.5 kg was admitted for OH in a practical class of the veterinary surgical technical discipline. Once the anesthetic condition was established, a retro-umbilical cutaneous incision was made. After opening the abdominal cavity, the bitch was castrated routinely. The abdominal wall was sutured including peritoneum, muscle fascia, and rectus abdominis muscle with nylon thread and U-stitches. The subcutaneous tissue was then sutured with the same thread using Cushing suture. Ten days after the surgery, when the stitches were removed, the bitch revealed an increase in volume at the region of the surgical scar. Incisional hernia was diagnosed after careful palpation. For correction of the hernia, the bitch was submitted to surgical procedure. After the skin opening, an intense inflammatory reaction was observed in the subcutaneous tissue. The inflamed skin and subcutaneous tissue were removed. The abdominal cavity was closed with nylon thread by means of U-stitches. The subcutaneous and skin sutures were the same as the first surgery. Ten days after the second surgery, stitches were removed, and the bitch had fully recovered. Discussion: One of the factors that may have contributed to the occurrence of the hernia was carrying out the surgical procedure in a practical class. The difficulties shown by students are related to the long learning curve, the complexity of the invasive technique, and the lack of ability. The apprentice surgeon can cause injuries in the tissues due to excessive manipulation. Post-incision hernias are acquired and formed when a cavity wall closed by surgery is ruptured. Another factor that may have contributed to the occurrence of the hernia described here is unsatisfactory postoperative care, which may be considered as one of the factors for acute cases of incisional hernias. Information on postoperative care after the patient was returned to the shelter is not available. Therefore, it cannot be ruled out that the patient, in contact with other animals by means of games or even fights, could have ruptured the points, thus causing dehiscence of the suture in the abdominal wall. However, it was concluded that the most probable factors involved in the etiology of the hernia in question were nutritional deficiencies along with the inexperience of the surgeon. The treatment adopted in the patient (herniorrhaphy) was adequate for the correction of the hernia. The technique and the material to be used in the procedure are of great importance, since it must be resistant enough to avoid recurrences. In the patient in question, nylon thread was used in separate U-shaped stitches. In the literature, there are reports that unabsorbable yarns used at separate points present the lowest rate of dehiscence and relapse in the abdominal wall sutures. The incisional hernia can be prevented by preparing the patient for surgery, improving the nutritional requirements, and by a more intense training of the students performing the surgical procedure in the neutering program of dogs and cats during practical classes.

Perineal Hernia in Dogs

Background: Perineal hernia is a serious disease characterized by weakening or atrophy and separation of the muscles and fasciae of the perineal musculature, followed by the caudal displacement of pelvic and abdominal organs to the perineum region. Treatment is invariably surgical and several approaches have been proposed, but complication and recurrence rates remain high. This study aimed to evaluate 120 cases of perineal hernia treated at the Veterinary Hospital of Uberaba (HVU) from 2005 to 2020, addressing the clinical and surgical aspects and the postoperative period, seeking to identify the most relevant factors to improve care and treatment of future patients affected by this disease.Materials, Methods &amp; Results: The medical records of dogs with a definitive diagnosis of perineal hernia were collected. The prevalence of perineal hernia was calculated. Data were obtained regarding sex, being castrated or not, age, body mass, race, clinical signs, affected side, possibility of hernia reduction, treatments used, associated pathologies. Of the 120 cases, only 69 underwent surgery at the HVU and from these cases data were obtained regarding hernia content, surgical techniques, surgical wires used, recurrences and postoperative complications. Fisher's exact test was applied to assess the influence of the type of surgical treatment and surgical thread on the occurrence of complications and recurrences. Perineal hernia was the second most frequently observed hernia. Mixed breed, male, non-neutered and geriatric dogs were the most affected. The most frequently observed clinical signs were related to the digestive and urinary tract, consistent with the most commonly found hernia contents (bladder, prostate and rectum). The simple herniorrhaphy technique was the most used and showed a high number of complications. The second most used technique was the elevation of the internal shutter, which proved to be more efficient than the simple technique. Regardless of the technique used, the association of two or more techniques proved to be more efficient to reduce major complications. The use of the vaginal tunic stood out because it proved to be efficient in the treatment of perineal hernias regardless of whether it is associated with simple herniorrhaphy or obturator elevation. The surgical fixations of abdominal organs (Bladder, Ducto deferente and Colon) proved to be effective, since there were no recurrences or major complications associated with their use and the most used threads for herniorrhaphy were polyamide and catgut. Low recurrence rates were found in patients who received synthetic yarns. The most frequent complications were suture dehiscence and serous secretion.Discussion: Perineal hernia is a very important alteration due to difficulties in treatment, high rates of complications and recurrence, in addition to the large number of affected dogs. Several surgical techniques have already been proposed for the treatment of perineal hernia in dogs and are based on the reconstruction of the perineal musculature through sutures, muscle flaps, biological membranes, synthetic mesh and the reduction of pressure on the perineum through the surgical fixation of organs abdominals such as colon, vas deferens and bladder (in the musculature of the abdominal wall). It is concluded that the perineal hernia affects mainly male, non-neutered and geriatric dogs, being rare in females. Regardless of the techniques used, the association of two or more techniques is more efficient to reduce the rate of recurrences and complications. The autogenous vaginal tunic is a good option for muscle strengthening in perineal herniorraphies. The use of synthetic surgical wires leads to better results in the treatment of perineal hernia when compared to biological wires.

Laparoscopic assisted percutaneous herniorrhapy in dogs using PIRS technique.

In the literature, no studies describe the use of laparoscopic techniques for inguinal hernia repair in canine clinical patients. The surgical technique-Percutaneous Internal Ring Suturing (PIRS) presented in this article is the world's first minimally invasive laparoscopic surgical technique for inguinal canal closure in dogs. The aim of the presented study is to evaluate the possibility of employment of the laparoscopic PIRS technique in clinical practice as well as to technically evaluate its usefulness in the treatment of the inguinal hernia in dogs. The presented study describes the procedure and the results of laparoscopic treatment of 11 inguinal hernias in nine dogs (two bilateral). The whole procedure is performed under camera control introduced through one umbilical trocar. The very closure of the inner inguinal ring is done with the injection needle by a small puncture over the inguinal canal with the help of which the suture material is inserted, and the canal of the operated inguinal hernia is closed. Each operated dog underwent a thorough clinical examination before surgery which was combined with ultrasound examination of the inguinal canals before, immediately after and three months after surgery. There was no hernia recurrence in the study period in the operated dogs and all individuals returned to full mobility immediately after recovery from anesthesia. Due to the low invasiveness and simplicity of performance, the PIRS technique described in the study should be taken into account when choosing a treatment method for non-traumatic inguinal hernia in dogs. At the same time, the possibility of using the described technique in other types of inguinal hernia in dogs requires further research.

Use of bilateral superficial gluteal muscle flaps for the repair of ventral perineal hernia in dogs: A cadaveric study and short case series.

To describe bilateral mobilization of the superficial gluteal muscle (SGM) to treat ventral perineal hernias in dogs. Cadaveric study and short case series. Male dog cadavers (n = 10) weighing between 5 and 42 kg and three dogs treated for ventral perineal hernia. Cadavers were positioned in right and left lateral recumbency to free the origin and insertion of the ipsilateral SGM except for muscle fibers originating on the first tail vertebra and sacrotuberous ligament. The dogs were placed in ventral recumbency to approach the perineum and rotate the muscle flaps. The insertions of the SGM were sutured together ventral to the anal sphincter muscle. The dorsal border of the overlapping tendons was sutured to the anal sphincter muscle, and the ventral border was sutured to the ischiourethralis muscle. The amount of overlap between bilateral flaps was measured. The SGM flaps were used to revise recurrent perineal hernias in three dogs. Superficial gluteal muscle flaps were created without damage to the blood supply in all dogs. The overlap between the bilateral flaps ventral to the anal sphincter measured 0 to 2.4 cm. No recurrence was detected at follow-up (6-12 months) in the three dogs treated with these flaps. Superficial gluteal muscle flaps were mobilized without damage to the blood supply and crossed the midline ventral to the anal sphincter. Flaps were used successfully to repair ventral perineal hernias in three dogs. Bilateral SGM flaps can be considered to repair ventral perineal hernias.

Comparison of Decellularized Bubaline Diaphragmatic Scaffold with Synthetic Polygalactin and Polypropylene Composite Mesh for Perineal Hernioplasty in Dogs

Present study was planned to compare xenogenic decellularized bubaline diaphragmatic scaffold with synthetic polygalactin and polypropylene composite mesh for repair of perineal hernia in dogs. Twelve dogs suffering with perineal hernia were randomly divided in to two equal groups. In group I perineal hernioplasty was done with Synthetic polygalactin and polypropylene composite mesh while in group II, with decellularized bubaline diaphragmatic scaffold (dBDS). Mean surgical time was 59.17 ± 14.04 and 57.50 ± 6.15 minute in group I and II respectively. Swelling, redness and warmth increased significantly (p<0.05) on day 3 in both the groups. In group II initially significantly (p<0.05) increased exudation was observed on day 3 which reduced gradually. Degree of pain after surgery was significantly (P<0.05) decrease on day 3 in both the groups. Neutrophil count was significantly (p<0.05) increased and correspondingly lymphocyte count significantly (p<0.05) decreased on day 7 in group I while in group II no significant difference within the group was observed. Colour Doppler ultrasonographic examination revealed no vascularization on 0 day in both the groups. Neovascularization was observed on day 30 in group I and day 14 in group II on Colour Doppler ultrasonographic examination. It was increased on day 90 in both the groups. The complication encountered in the present study includes local seroma, suture dehiscence due to self mutilation, constipation and fistula formation. Decellularized bubaline diaphragmatic scaffold was well accepted by all the animals and showed less complication than synthetic mesh.

Suture length to wound length ratio in 175 small animal abdominal midline closures.

Experimental and human studies have reported the advantages of a suture length to wound length (SL:WL) ratio greater than 4:1 in midline abdominal closure. This is achieved when the tissue bite (TB) is equal to or larger than the stitch interval (SI). Although TB and SI values are recommended in some textbooks, SL:WL ratios are rarely reported in veterinary textbooks. Additionally, no clinical data regarding these parameters could be found in small animals. Therefore, the aim of this study was to evaluate the SL:WL ratio of midline laparotomy closure in dogs and cats performed by surgeons with different levels of expertise and to compare the findings with current textbook recommendations. Midline laparotomy incisions of 100 dogs and 75 cats were closed in continuous pattern by diplomates and residents of both the European College of Veterinary Surgeons (ECVS) and the European College of Animal Reproduction (ECAR). The mean SL:WL ratio was 2.5 ± 0.7:1. The surgeons´ level of experience and the species and body weights of the animals did not have any significant influence on the SL:WL ratio. A moderate negative correlation was observed between the mean SI to mean TB (SI:TB) ratio and the SL:WL ratio. In this study, the mean SI matched the textbook recommendations both in feline and canine species, whereas the TB in cats was different. In this study, the SL:WL ratio was less than 4:1 without apparent complications. Because of the low prevalence of incisional hernia in dogs and cats larger studies are necessary to evaluate clinical significance of the presented data.