Suturing is quick and easy once the techniques have been mastered. An alternative to skin sutures is to close with clips or staples.
Skin clips
Different types of clips are available and are supplied using specific applicator forceps. They should be placed approximately 8-10mm apart and must be sterile before they are used. The major disadvantage of some clips (e.g. Michel) is the potential for over-tightening, made more likely if the person applying them is inexperienced. Over-tightening leads to local tissue damage and breakdown, pain and a focus for bacterial growth. Some types of clips come with an applicator, which releases them when they are sufficiently tight, making over-crimping less likely. In the hands of an experienced
Skin staples
Skin staples are applied using an applicator in which they are supplied pre-loaded and so they cannot be over-crimped. They also allow some space for the edges of the wound to swell postoperatively. The staples and applicator are supplied pre-sterilised in single packages.
Success in application of clips or staples
When applying clips or staples appose wound edges neatly and take care no foreign matter (fat, hair etc.) is trapped between them. Pull the edges up well away from underlying musculature. In the unlikely event of an animal removing a clip or staple, it should be replaced as soon as possible. Clips and staples should be removed about 8 days following application using the appropriate tool. Anaesthesia of the animal is not usually required to do this. If the staples are left in place longer, few problems are usually encountered but the potential for local infection increases. It is possible for the animal to catch the staples (e.g. on a food hopper) and tear them out.
Tissue adhesive
Tissue glue is available for use in both human and veterinary contexts and has been used in rodents. However, over-grooming can lead to the wound reopening and in rodents, this seems to occur more often when this technique is used for closure of the wound.