Step 1: Understanding the Concept:
Catgut is a natural absorbable suture material consisting primarily of collagen.
Its absorption occurs through enzymatic degradation and tissue reaction rather than simple hydrolysis.
Catgut is available in plain and chromicized forms.
Chromicization with chromic salts modifies the rate at which the suture loses tensile strength and is absorbed.
Catgut is also used in several veterinary surgical procedures where an absorbable suture is required, including repair of the urinary bladder in calves.
Key Approach:
For questions involving catgut, remember the relationship between chromicization and absorption.
Greater chromicization generally increases the persistence of the suture and delays its absorption.
Therefore, the degree of chromicization is an important determinant of the time required for absorption.
Step 2: Detailed Explanation:
Statement I: True.
Plain catgut is absorbed relatively rapidly.
Treatment with chromic salts produces chromicized or chromic catgut, which has greater resistance to tissue degradation.
As the degree of chromicization increases, the suture retains its tensile strength for a longer period and its absorption is delayed.
Thus, the time required for catgut absorption depends primarily on the degree of chromicization.
Statement II: True.
Cystorrhaphy means surgical suturing or repair of the urinary bladder.
In calves, cystorrhaphy is commonly required in cases of urinary bladder rupture, particularly those associated with obstructive urolithiasis and uroperitoneum.
Chromic catgut has traditionally been used as an absorbable suture material for repair of the urinary bladder.
The use of catgut for cystorrhaphy in calves is therefore a recognized veterinary surgical application.
Step 3: Final Answer:
Both Statement I and Statement II are correct.
Hence, the correct answer is (A) Both Statement I and Statement II are true.