Surgical Resources

Post-Operative Care

1. The postoperative recovery period is a critical time; planning for this period should occur prior to initiating surgery. Investigators are responsible for the postoperative care of their animals, including care after the normal working hours, on weekends and on holidays. The specific parameters that should be monitored are dependent upon the procedure, species of animal, and anesthetic agents used and are left to the discretion of the investigator in agreement with the IACUC.
   
2. Assistance with postoperative care may be provided by the technical personnel of the Division of Animal Resources. Such assistance should be arranged prior to surgical procedures.
   
3. Postoperative care must be such to minimize discomfort and the consequences of any disability from the operative procedure.
   
4. Post-surgical animals should be euthanized if it is determined that their postoperative condition is causing them to suffer pain or distress needlessly.
   
5. Consultation on post-operative care is provided by the staff veterinarians. The veterinary staff must be contacted when there are postoperative complications and the animal is not euthanized.
   
6. Postoperative care records must be continuously accessible to the veterinary staff and site visitors from the IACUC, AAALAC, the USDA (for nonrodents) and other regulatory bodies. Additionally, the date of surgery should be noted on the cage card.
   
7. The immediate recovery from anesthesia should be monitored closely. Animals should be monitored continuously until they are able to maintain sternal recumbency. Rodents should never be returned to regular housing until they are recovered from anesthesia. Following restoration of consciousness, the animal should be examined at least daily for a minimum of ten days. Exposed sutures or staples should be removed within 10-14 days of the surgery. Specific written guidelines for the monitoring of postoperative animals are available from the clinical veterinary staff.
   
8. The Division of Animal Resources will provide appropriate postoperative care to animals that are found to be receiving inadequate care. The investigator will be responsible for manpower and materials expenses incurred during these instances.
   

• Major vs. Minor Surgical Procedures - Definitions
• Facilities for Major Surgery Maintained by DAR
• Facilities for Minor Surgery Maintained by DAR
• Personnel
• Multiple Survival Surgery
• Postoperative Care
• Infection Prevention in Surgery
• Records
• Guidelines for Aseptic Survival Surgery on Rodents
  
  • Position Statement on the Use of Alcohol as a Sterilant / Disinfectant for Rodent Survival Surgery