About VETSSI
A global resource for veterinary surgical site infection prevention — independent, evidence-based, and built by surgeons for surgeons.
Why VETSSI Exists
VETSSI exists to translate the best available evidence on SSI prevention into practical tools that veterinary surgeons can use every day. The platform bridges the gap between published research and clinical implementation — making evidence-based prevention protocols accessible, usable, and actionable in practice settings ranging from single-surgeon clinics to major referral hospitals.
Why This Matters
Surgical site infections are among the most common and costly complications in veterinary surgery, estimated to affect 2–5% of clean procedures and significantly higher rates in contaminated cases. Each SSI represents patient morbidity, extended hospitalization, additional antibiotic exposure, and significant financial and emotional burden for the owner.
The evidence base for SSI prevention in veterinary surgery has grown substantially over the past two decades, but translation of this evidence into consistent clinical practice has lagged. Many preventable SSIs occur in practices that have no structured prevention protocol in place — not from lack of competence, but lack of accessible, synthesized guidance.
VETSSI was created to change this. Every protocol on this platform is designed to be immediately implementable and grounded in the best available evidence.
Editorial Philosophy
Protocols on VETSSI are developed through a structured editorial process. Each protocol begins with a systematic review of the relevant literature, graded by evidence quality and clinical applicability. Draft protocols are reviewed by at least one specialist with direct clinical experience in the protocol domain.
Protocols are treated as living documents. As new evidence emerges, existing protocols are updated to reflect current best practice. The date of last review is tracked for every protocol. Surgeons who identify outdated information or propose evidence-based modifications are encouraged to contribute.
Where evidence is limited or conflicting, this is explicitly noted. VETSSI does not overstate the certainty of its recommendations — clarity about uncertainty is as important as clinical guidance.
Dr. Aldo Vezzoni
DVM, Diplomate ECVS
Clinica Veterinaria Vezzoni, Cremona, Italy
Dr. Aldo Vezzoni is a diplomate of the European College of Veterinary Surgeons with over three decades of clinical experience in small animal orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. He is internationally recognized for his contributions to the surgical management of hip dysplasia, including extensive work on triple pelvic osteotomy and total hip replacement techniques. Dr. Vezzoni has authored numerous peer-reviewed publications, contributed to major veterinary surgical textbooks, and has been a faculty member at advanced surgical training programs across Europe and North America. His commitment to evidence-based practice and meticulous surgical technique has established him as a leading authority on surgical site infection prevention in the veterinary surgical community.
Independence Statement
VETSSI is an independent educational platform. It is not affiliated with any commercial entity and accepts no advertising or sponsorship. All content reflects the independent judgment of its contributors. No pharmaceutical, device, or commercial company has editorial influence over any protocol, recommendation, or content on this platform. The integrity of the evidence base and the independence of clinical guidance are non-negotiable commitments of this project.
Get in Touch
For editorial enquiries, contribution proposals, corrections, or general questions about the platform:
info@vetssi.com