For as long as surgery is carried out on patients, surgical site infections (SSIs) will pose an invisible threat. These infections can lead to post-surgical complications that may result in delayed wound healing, sepsis and, in worst case scenarios, mortality. Therefore, it is imperative for all members of the veterinary team to be aware of the implications of SSIs and the ways in which the risks can be reduced. The proper implementation of evidence-based protocols is also necessary to ensure a standardised approach to achieving minimum risk of SSI contraction.

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Wound management is an exciting and well-researched area of veterinary medicine. It is a key area for veterinary nursing involvement from initial management to possible surgical reconstruction. An essential aspect of this is provision of the ideal wound environment to encourage normal and effective wound healing, and to reduce the incidence of wound breakdown and dehiscence. Throughout this clinical review, consideration will be given to the normal process of wound healing and how this can be assisted by drain placement. The types of drain used in practice, in addition to novel drainage techniques, will be considered throughout, as well as the veterinary nurse's role in their management. Comprehensive and accurate knowledge and understanding of different drain types, in addition to their potential applications, can help to ensure more informed veterinary nursing and, in turn, better wound healing and patient outcomes.