This paper deals with complications in abdominal surgery of small animals. The surgery itself is a challenge for the animal's body in the form of anesthesia and the severity of the procedure. The procedure is complicated by the perioperative condition of the animal, which can be an additional predisposing factor for the development of complications. For example, the mentioned disease of Gastric dilatation and volvulus (GDV) in dogs is extremely difficult. It can result in death if these patients are not taken care of adequately. Regardless of the best surgical technique and operative skill, complications like peritonitis, dehiscence due to the development of necrosis at the site of tissue injury are possible. However, by adhering to asepsis and antisepsis, Halsted's postulates of tissue manipulation, appropriate surgical techniques, and the application of prophylactic measures (antibiotics) during the procedure, it is possible to minimize complications in abdominal surgery. Abdominal procedures are in themselves procedures that belong to the group of increased risk of contamination of the surgical wound site. Therefore, they need to be treated with a great deal of caution.