Abstract
<jats:p>Eventration represents an acquired disruption of the abdominal wall accompanied by the loss of peritoneal integrity and displacement of abdominal viscera into the subcutaneous space. Although more frequently reported in farm animals, this condition may also occur in companion species, where diagnosis and surgical repair are particularly challenging. The present study evaluated ten small-animal patients (four dogs and six cats) treated at the Faculty of Veterinary Medicine, Timișoara, between 2016 and 2021. Each case was surgically corrected using either conventional absorbable sutures (Surgicryl PGA or PDS) or barbed self-locking sutures (V-Loc™ or Stratafix™). Postoperative evolution and closure time were recorded, and complications were statistically analyzed. Defect closure using barbed sutures required markedly less time than with conventional materials, demonstrating a statistically significant reduction in operative duration. Postoperative outcomes were generally favorable, with only one minor local complication, a small seroma, resolving without intervention. No increase in suture-related complications was observed, while systemic complications were associated with concurrent traumatic lesions rather than the suture material. The results suggest that barbed sutures provide an efficient and safe alternative for abdominal wall reconstruction in small animals with eventration, allowing reduced surgical time and satisfactory healing without additional risk</jats:p>