Surgical Glue for Skin Techniques Every Vet Surgeon Should Know

Modern veterinary surgery demands wound closure methods that are efficient, safe, and supportive of optimal healing. While sutures remain essential for many procedures, surgical glue for skin has become an increasingly valuable option for specific cases. When used correctly, surgical glue can simplify closure, reduce procedure time, and support excellent cosmetic and healing outcomes for animal patients.

Veterinary surgeons must understand when and how to apply surgical glue properly. This guide explores practical techniques, indications, contraindications, and postoperative considerations to help ensure safe and effective use in daily practice.

What Is Surgical Glue and How It Works

Surgical glue is a medical adhesive, commonly based on cyanoacrylate chemistry, used to close skin edges during wound closure. Once applied, the adhesive undergoes polymerization, forming a strong bond that seals the wound surface. This process creates a protective barrier that supports wound healing while keeping contaminants out.

Unlike sutures, surgical glue does not penetrate tissue layers. Instead, it relies on precise wound edge approximation and surface bonding, making it ideal for carefully selected cases rather than deep or high-tension closures.

When Surgical Glue Is Appropriate in Veterinary Surgery

Surgical glue is best suited for linear lacerations and low-tension wounds where skin edges naturally align. It is commonly used in minor surgical procedures, dermatological excisions, and superficial laceration repair.

Because the adhesive forms a surface seal, it supports faster closure and can reduce the need for bandaging in some cases. In calm or minimally mobile animals, surgical glue can be especially effective in maintaining closure during the initial healing time.

Wound Preparation Before Adhesive Application

Proper wound preparation is critical for successful adhesive use. The wound must be clean, dry, and free of debris before application. Any bleeding should be fully controlled, as moisture interferes with adhesion and polymerization.

Veterinary teams should gently clean the area and dry it thoroughly using sterile gauze. Proper wound edge approximation must be achieved manually before applying the adhesive, as surgical glue does not pull tissue together on its own.

Correct Adhesive Application Techniques

During adhesive application, a thin layer of surgical skin glue should be applied over the approximated wound edges, never directly inside the wound. Excess adhesive can delay healing and increase irritation.

Veterinary surgeons should allow the adhesive to polymerize fully before releasing tension on the skin. This usually takes a few seconds. Proper technique ensures strong wound sealing and minimizes scab formation issues during recovery.

Benefits of Using Surgical Glue for Skin

• Rapid Closure: Surgical glue enables fast wound closure, reducing overall procedure time and limiting anesthesia exposure, which is especially important for emergency or high-risk veterinary patients.
  

• Reduced Tissue Trauma: Because no needles penetrate the skin, surgical glue minimizes tissue trauma, postoperative pain, and inflammation when used on appropriate low-tension wounds.
  

• Infection Barrier: The adhesive forms a protective surface seal that helps limit bacterial entry, supporting infection control during the early and most vulnerable stages of wound healing.
  

• Improved Cosmetic Results: Surgical glue avoids suture puncture marks, often leading to reduced scarring and better aesthetic outcomes, particularly in small or visible skin areas.
  

• Simplified Aftercare: In selected cases, wounds closed with surgical glue require minimal bandaging, improving patient comfort and reducing the need for frequent postoperative handling.

Also explore further with this guide on The Benefits of Using Veterinary Skin Glue for Wound Closure in Pets.

Postoperative Care and Wound Monitoring

Postoperative care remains essential after adhesive closure. Although glue forms a protective barrier, the wound should be monitored closely for redness, swelling, or signs of infection.

Veterinary teams should advise pet owners to keep the area clean and dry. Excessive licking or scratching must be prevented to protect the wound seal. Normal wound scab formation may occur as the adhesive naturally sloughs off during healing.

Managing Surgical Glue Complications

While generally safe, surgical glue can occasionally cause adverse reactions. Some animals may experience redness, itching, or mild inflammation at the application site. Rarely, an allergic reaction to surgical glue may occur, presenting as skin rash, hives, swelling, or pain.

Severe reactions such as difficulty breathing require immediate emergency medical assistance and evaluation in an emergency room setting. Veterinary surgeons should always review allergy history and consider allergy testing if concerns exist.

Surgical Glue Removal When Necessary

• Natural Detachment: In most veterinary patients, surgical glue gradually sloughs off naturally as epithelial healing progresses, eliminating the need for routine manual removal.
  

• Indications for Removal: Removal may be necessary if excess adhesive causes irritation, bonding is uneven, or delayed healing requires wound reassessment.
  

• Softening the Adhesive: Petroleum jelly can be applied to safely soften the adhesive layer, allowing gentle removal without disrupting newly healed tissue.
  

• Professional Use of Acetone: Acetone may be used cautiously by veterinary professionals for controlled adhesive removal when faster intervention is required.
  

• Careful Technique: Adhesive removal should always be gentle to avoid reopening the wound, increasing pain, or interfering with normal tissue healing.

Infection Control and Safety Considerations

When applied correctly, surgical glue supports infection control by sealing the wound surface and limiting bacterial entry. However, glue should never be used on contaminated wounds, actively infected sites, or areas under significant tension.

Understanding proper indications is essential to avoiding surgical adhesive complications and ensuring safe wound closure in veterinary practice.

Integrating Surgical Glue Into Veterinary Practice

Surgical glue is not a replacement for sutures but a complementary tool. Skilled veterinary surgeons understand when glue enhances efficiency and when traditional closure methods are required.

By mastering adhesive application techniques and postoperative care protocols, veterinary teams can expand their wound closure options while maintaining high standards of patient safety and healing outcomes.

Conclusion

Surgical glue for skin has become an important tool in modern veterinary medicine, offering a reliable medical adhesive option for selected surgical procedures and laceration repair. When applied correctly, it supports rapid wound closure, reduces tissue trauma, and creates a protective seal that helps lower infection risk. Understanding proper wound selection, preparation, and application techniques is essential to achieving consistent healing and safe outcomes for animal patients.

By integrating surgical glue alongside traditional closure methods, veterinary surgeons can improve efficiency while maintaining high standards of care. With careful postoperative monitoring and awareness of potential adhesive reactions, this approach enhances patient comfort and surgical outcomes. Gexfix International Corp. supports veterinary professionals with trusted wound closure solutions designed to meet the demands of modern animal surgery and infection control.

FAQs: Surgical Glue for Skin in Veterinary Surgery

1. What kind of glue do vets use?

Veterinarians use medical-grade surgical glue, typically cyanoacrylate-based tissue adhesive. It is formulated for skin use, offering strong bonding, biocompatibility, and safe polymerization to support wound closure in animal patients.

2. What kind of glue do surgeons use?

Surgeons use surgical skin glue specifically designed for medical procedures. Unlike household adhesives, it provides controlled bonding, sterile application, and predictable healing support without excessive tissue irritation.

3. Do vets use glue instead of stitches?

Yes, vets may use glue instead of stitches for small, low-tension wounds. However, sutures remain necessary for deeper layers or high-tension closures where adhesive alone cannot provide adequate support.

4. What is the skin glue used in surgery?

Skin glue used in surgery is a medical adhesive that bonds skin edges together. It seals wounds externally, forming a protective barrier that supports healing without penetrating tissue.

5. Can I buy surgical glue over the counter?

Some medical adhesives are available over the counter, but veterinary-grade surgical glue should be used under professional guidance to ensure proper wound selection, safe application, and reduced complication risk.