Diagnostic value of a point of care bacterial fluorescence imaging device for detecting wound infections in dogs and cats

Objective: To determine if a hand-held point of care imaging device would improve the detection of bacteria on the surface of wounds in dogs and cats in postoperative and traumatic wounds. Study design: Clinical prospective study. Sample population: Three cats and 15 dogs. Methods: Wounds were swabbed without and with the point of care wound imaging device (WID). Quantitative bacterial culture (QBC), polymerase chain reaction (PCR) and microbiome analysis were performed to assess for any significant difference in the findings of image-guided and non-guided sampling methods. Results: A total of four feline and 17 canine wounds were evaluated. Bacterial fluorescence was detected in all wounds using the point of care WID. Bacterial infections of wounds in dogs and cats was detected by the fluorescent imaging device. No significant difference was identified between the results of QBC and PCR for image-guided and non-guided wound swabs (p >.05). Conclusion: The WID was able to detect bacteria on the surface of wounds in dogs and cats, accurately confirming the presence of a clinically relevant wound infection at the time of wound evaluation in all wounds but there was no significant difference in the bacterial yield with guided and non-guided swabs. Clinical significance: The WID device was able to confirm the presence of a clinically relevant wound infection in real-time, enabling the clinician to initiate appropriate systemic and/or topical antibacterial treatment immediately. This study provides proof of concept of the point of care WID in dogs and cats upon which further studies can be based.