Aquatic & Marine Veterinary Sutures

Sutures for Aquatic & Marine Veterinary Surgery

Aquatic and marine species present unique surgical challenges due to constant water exposure, delicate integument, slower healing rates and species-specific tissue responses. This department provides carefully selected sutures suitable for use in fish, amphibians, aquatic reptiles and marine mammals.

Successful wound closure in aquatic environments requires materials that minimise tissue reaction, resist bacterial colonisation and maintain reliable tensile strength in moist conditions. For this reason, monofilament sutures are strongly preferred.

Recommended Suture Materials

Polypropylene (Prolene-type)
A highly inert monofilament with excellent resistance to tissue reaction. Suitable for external skin closure in fish and marine species where water exposure is continuous.

Nylon (Polyamide / Ethilon-type)
Smooth monofilament ideal for epidermal closure. Provides secure approximation with minimal drag through delicate aquatic tissue.

Polydioxanone (PDS-type)
An extended-absorption monofilament suitable for deeper soft tissue repair in aquatic reptiles and marine mammals. Maintains tensile strength during early healing phases.

Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl-type)
Absorbable monofilament suitable for internal soft tissue closure where rapid healing is anticipated.

• Typical Clinical Applications
• Fish soft tissue surgery
• Koi and ornamental species wound repair
• Amphibian surgical procedures
• Aquatic reptile closure
• Marine mammal soft tissue repair
• Research aquatic model surgery
• Size Guidance
• 8-0 to 6-0 – Fish and small amphibians
• 5-0 to 3-0 – Aquatic reptiles
• 2-0 to 0 – Marine mammals and larger species

Fine gauge monofilament sutures reduce trauma and improve wound healing in delicate aquatic tissues.

• Designed For
• Minimal tissue reactivity
• Low capillarity
• Secure knot performance
• Reliable tensile strength in moist environments
• Species-appropriate healing support