Evaluation of the number of colony forming units on the skin of dogs after clipping the hair with two sizes of clipper blades

Abstract

OBJECTIVE To evaluate erythema and number of CFUs on the skin of dogs with hair clipped by use of 2 sizes of clipper blades. ANIMALS 67 client-owned dogs receiving an epidural. PROCEDURES Hair was clipped with a No. 10 blade (approx hair length, 1.5 mm) on one half and a No. 40 blade (approx hair length, 0.25 mm) on the other half of each epidural site. Skin was surgically scrubbed with 2% chlorhexidine gluconate and 70% isopropyl alcohol. Samples were obtained immediately after clipping, after skin was scrubbed, and again 24 hours after clipping. Number of CFUs for both sides of the clipped areas, types of microorganisms, and growth on MacConkey agar were evaluated every 24 hours for 72 hours. Colonies were evaluated for bacterial morphology and Gram stain characteristics. Sites were evaluated 24 hours after clipping for evidence of erythema. RESULTS 24 hours after hair was clipped, there was a significantly higher incidence of erythema and higher number of Micrococcaceae bacteria for the side clipped with the No. 40 blade than the side clipped with the No. 10 blade. Number of CFUs did not differ significantly between size of clipper blades. CONCLUSIONS AND CLINICAL RELEVANCE Clipping hair with a No. 40 blade resulted in a significant increase in the incidence of erythema and higher number of Micrococcaceae bacteria, compared with results for clipping with a No. 10 blade. These results supported use of a No. 10 clipper blade to prevent erythema and reduce variation in the skin microbiome.

Influence of clipping on bacterial contamination of canine arthrocentesis sites before and after skin preparation

“…Bacterial counts before skin preparation in this study were similar to or higher than those found in other canine studies, although different preparation solutions were used 12,13,28,35 . Bacterial reduction was not always complete.…”

“…Bacterial reduction was not always complete. Similar results have been observed in canine studies in which different preparation techniques were compared 12,28‐30,35 . We used a moist swab placed on the skin and rotated with firm pressure in contrast to the impression technique in which culture plates are gently pressed directly onto the skin.…”

“…Chlorhexidine diluted with saline solution is as effective an antiseptic as chlorhexidine diluted with sterile water 39 . Chlorhexidine (4%) in saline followed by a 70% ethyl alcohol rinse that is allowed to dry is an accepted standard for aseptic skin preparation in many species, including dogs 26‐30,35,40 . Human guidelines increasingly accept waterless hand rubs for presurgical hand washing because they are as effective as chlorhexidine and less traumatizing to the hands of surgical personnel 41 .…”

“…Clipping the skin can cause abrasions, erythema, and changes to the microbiome of the skin as well as promote acral lick dermatitis and bacterial skin infections 35 . Delayed hair regrowth may accompany endocrinopathies and various drug regimens, such as corticosteroid therapy, used for treatment of polyarthridities.…”

“…Hair removal for arthrocentesis in dogs has its disadvantages. Dogs may lick and self‐traumatize sites where clipping has caused alterations of skin microbiome and superficial irritation, leading to erythema and dermatitis 35 . Owners may object to the esthetics of hair removal, especially if multiple joints are sampled or repeated sampling is required.…”