Abstract
This article presents a comparative study of postoperative wound healing dynamics in cats following ovariectomy performed through the ventral midline and flank surgical approaches. The aim of the study was to evaluate the influence of different surgical techniques on the wound healing process, compare their morphometric parameters, and determine their clinical effectiveness. The study was conducted at the Zhardem-Vet educational, scientific and production center of Zhangir Khan West Kazakhstan Agrarian and Technical University. A total of 10 cats with indications for ovariectomy were included in the experiment and divided into two experimental groups of five animals each. In the first group, ovariectomy was performed through the ventral midline approach, whereas in the second group the procedure was carried out through the flank approach. Wound length, thickness, and area were assessed using planimetric measurements immediately after surgery and on postoperative days 3, 7, and 10. The obtained data were statistically processed by calculating arithmetic means and standard errors. The results demonstrated that the initial wound area in the ventral midline group was 55,6±5,94 mm², whereas in the flank group it was 60,6±5,94 mm². On postoperative day 3, a temporary increase in wound size was observed in both groups due to inflammatory tissue reactions. However, a pronounced regression of the wound defect was recorded from day 7 onward. By day 10, the wound area decreased to 8,3±1,24 mm² in the ventral midline group and to 10,2±1,24 mm² in the flank group. The overall reduction in wound area reached 85,07% and 83,17%, respectively. Furthermore, the ventral midline approach was associated with a smaller initial wound size, superior visualization of internal organs, and greater convenience during surgical manipulation. Cats in this group also exhibited less pronounced postoperative pain responses. In contrast, the limited surgical field associated with the flank approach complicated visualization of anatomical structures and made certain stages of the procedure more technically challenging. The findings indicate that ovariectomy performed through the ventral midline approach is a more effective surgical technique in terms of wound healing dynamics, surgical convenience, and overall clinical outcomes compared with the flank approach.