Microorganisms associated with incisional infections after gastrointestinal surgery in dogs and cats

AbstractObjectiveTo determine the rate of incisional infections after gastrointestinal surgery in dogs and cats and describe the aerobic bacteria isolated from these infections.Study designRetrospective study.AnimalsClient‐owned dogs (n = 210) and cats (n = 66).MethodsRecords of dogs and cats that underwent gastrointestinal surgery at the Matthew J. Ryan Veterinary Hospital at the University of Pennsylvania were reviewed for surgical procedures, presence of an infection, bacterial species isolated, perioperative antimicrobials administered, and outcome.ResultsThe median duration of follow‐up was 14 days (4‐35). Incisional infections were recorded in 7% (20/276) of cases. Among those 20 cases, culture results were available in 12 of 20 cases. The most common bacterial isolate cultured wasEscherichia coli. The most common perioperative antimicrobials administered to treat incisional infection were cefazolin and cefoxitin. Only two of the bacterial isolates were susceptible to these antimicrobials. Bacteria isolated from incisional infections were most often susceptible to chloramphenicol, imipenem, and gentamicin.ConclusionBacterial isolates from incisional infections in this populat