Clinical Evaluations of a Local Antibiotic Delivery Device in Six Dogs

Antibiotic delivery systems are proposed as a possible solution to the challenge of treating biofilm-associated or multidrug-resistant surgical site infections. The Vetlen pouch (VP) is an antibiotic delivery pouch consisting of an implantable reservoir containing a diffusion membrane connected to a tube that is routed away from the implantation site and exited through the skin to allow local antibiotic therapy to be administered to a site of infection. The objective of this study was to collect clinical case data and feedback from veterinary surgeons and clients on the use of the VP to treat dogs with localized bacterial infections. Six client-owned dogs, with a localized bacterial infection, had the VP implanted under general anaesthesia. Amikacin antimicrobial therapy was administered through the VP by the pet owners for 9 to 25 days, followed by the removal of the VP. Surgeons reported that the device was easy to implant with no perioperative complications. No adverse events were reported in five dogs. One dog was treated for septicemia, which was considered unrelated to the VP. No dogs required sedation for device removal. The resolution of infection was reported in five of six dogs. Lack of efficacy was reported in one dog treated for septic arthritis and inappropriate fit of the pouch in a fibrotic joint space was cited as a likely reason for treatment failure. Our early results suggest that the VP may be a viable, option for local antibiotic delivery in dogs presenting with localized infection.

Acknowledgment

Funding was provided by Vetlen.

 

MissingLinkText

Publication History

Article published online:
15 July 2025