A survey of current practices and influences on the choice of suture material, pattern and size used in commonly performed procedures in UK small animal veterinary practice.

Objectives: A survey of UK veterinarians was conducted to determine factors influencing suture choice and current suture practice for common surgical procedures.

Methods: An online survey was designed and the survey was sent to central practice emails obtained from the 2011 Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons (RCVS) practice database.

Results: Two hundred and thirty-nine surveys were completed (203 with no additional postgraduate qualifications (NAQ), 16 with RCVS certificates and 19 with diplomas). Forty-seven per cent of veterinary surgeons reported they would benefit from Continued Professional Development (CPD) pertaining to suture material selection and techniques. The NAQ group ranked practice policy, colleague influence, cost of suture material and undergraduate teaching significantly greater than diploma and certificate holders. The widest differences between suture material selection, pattern and size were identified when comparing diploma holders and the NAQ group. Diploma holders tended to choose smaller sized suture material when compared with the NAQ group.

Clinical significance: In conclusion, postgraduate qualifications have a significant effect on the choice, pattern and size of suture material used for many routine surgical procedures. Findings suggest that further postgraduate training pertaining to the selection and use of suture material is worthwhile and improved guidance of choice of suture material for commonly performed surgical procedures may be beneficial.