Veterinary Sutures for Small Research Animals

Sutures for Research & Licensed Small Animal Surgical Procedures

Small research species such as mice, rats, guinea pigs and rabbits present unique challenges for surgical closure. Due to small anatomy and delicate tissue, sutures must be:

Ultra-fine gauge

Smooth monofilament

Low tissue reactivity

Suitable for micro-surgical procedures

Absorbable where removal is impractical

This department provides sutures used in preclinical surgery, aseptic wound closure, humane post-operative care and species-specific procedural requirements followed in Home Office-licensed animal research.

Suitable Materials & When to Use Them
Absorbable Monofilament

Poliglecaprone 25 (Monocryl-type) – excellent glide, low reactivity
Used for subcuticular closure and internal soft tissue in small mammals

Polydioxanone (PDS-type) – extended support
Used where prolonged tensile support is needed

Ideal for mouse and rat surgical models where suture removal is impractical.

Non-Absorbable Monofilament

Nylon (Ethilon-type)

Polypropylene (Prolene-type)

For external or skin closure followed by humane removal when needed.

Microsurgical Needles

Fine reverse-cutting needles

Taper needles for soft tissue

Small curvature (1/4, 3/8 circle micro)

• Typical Size Range for Small Research Animals
• 10-0 – mice, tiny vessels/skin
• 9-0 / 8-0 – rats, small limb closure
• 7-0 / 6-0 – rabbits, larger skin areas
• 5-0 – rabbit fascia or larger models

Department Use Cases

Rodent aseptic wound closure

Micro surgical models

Rabbit soft tissue closures

Gateway procedures in preclinical research

Small species post-surgical humane wound management