Much of the talk about PDO threads today are about their amazing applications in cosmetic medicine. In recent years, they have emerged as a leading alternative to cosmetic surgery, providing a minimally-invasive option for patients who are seeking outstanding anti-aging results.
PDO threads are 100% biocompatible and biodegradable, meaning there is very low risk of anything going wrong, and the body will use natural processes to break them down slowly over time. They are much more affordable than surgical procedures, require little to no downtime, and produce amazing results.
But, PDO threads have uses outside of just cosmetic treatments. In fact, they were first used in surgical procedures more than 60 years ago, as dissolvable sutures.
They’re such a high-performing product that they can even be used in veterinary practices. In this article, we’ll describe PDO thread use in veterinary practice, and why they are so valued.
PDO threads can also be used on animals, for many of the same purposes that they are used in humans.
Medically reviewed by: Elizabeth Williams RN
Updated: 7/30/2025
Can PDO Threads Be Used on Animals?
As mentioned, PDO threads have been around for many, many years now. They have proven to be extremely strong, durable and effective as dissolvable sutures.
The synthetic material that they are made of (polydioxanone) is strong and is broken down by the body’s natural healing processes. That’s why they can be used in both surgical procedures and in cosmetic medicine treatments.
They can also be used on animals, for many of the same purposes that they are used in humans.
Today, PDO threads are commonly used by veterinary practices in surgery. They can help repair damaged or torn tissues, approximate certain soft tissues and help to close wounds.
Not only that, but they can also be used in plastic surgery on animals. This might be necessary if an animal’s skin needs to be tightened and/or lifted to keep them healthy and strong.
| Benefit | Veterinary Advantage |
|---|---|
| High Tensile Strength | Supports healing in animals that move frequently |
| Biodegradable | No follow-up required to remove sutures |
| Low Tissue Reaction | Minimizes inflammation and complications |
| Sterility & Versatility | Useful even in contaminated or high-risk wounds |
| Proven Durability | Lasts 6+ weeks, providing optimal healing time |
Why Are PDO Threads Valued in Veterinary Practices?
PDO threads are extremely valuable for veterinary practices for a variety of reasons.
First and foremost, they are very strong. They have the ability to hold skin and tissue together and/or reposition it if need be.
Not only that, but they also maintain their strength for a long period of time, for as much as six weeks in most cases. This provides a nice time frame for proper hold and healing for the animals they are used in.
Unlike humans, you can’t tell an animal to “take it easy” and be careful with their movements after surgery or a procedure and expect that they’re going to listen to you. That’s why veterinary practices require sutures with the strength of PDO threads to keep everything in place.
In addition to their strength, PDO threads don’t result in a big reaction with tissue, especially compared to other possible suture materials. Plus, they can be used in wounds that are contaminated or that have a high risk for infection developing.
Lastly, PDO threads don’t have to be removed. Just like they are with humans, the threads are completely biodegradable in animals. Over time, the body will break down and absorb the PDO threads, which means that there is no need to go back in to have them removed.
Ultimately, PDO threads are the perfect combination of suture duration, suture strength, tensile strength, tissue reaction and absorption type for use in veterinary practice.
| Use Case | Purpose | Why PDO Threads Are Ideal |
|---|---|---|
| Tissue Repair in Surgery | Close incisions and support tissue healing | Strong, absorbable, and reduces risk of infection |
| Soft Tissue Approximation | Hold tissue edges together post-surgery | Maintains tension and alignment for weeks |
| Wound Closure | Seal wounds effectively in high-movement zones | Durable and less reactive with animal tissue |
| Veterinary Plastic Surgery | Skin lifting or tightening in functional cases | Provides temporary structure without need for removal |
V Soft Lift Produces the Leading PDO Threads
PDO threads are most commonly associated with anti-aging cosmetic treatments for humans today, but they can also be effective in veterinary practices. The key to taking advantage of those benefits is using high-quality PDO threads, such as the ones produced by V Soft Lift.
Our threads are FDA cleared for marketing and usage in the United States. They are top-of-the-line, come fully sterilized and packaged as one unit with the thread preloaded into a cannula, and are strong and long lasting.
They produce amazing results in both cosmetic treatments for humans and surgical treatments in veterinary practices.
For more information, contact us today.