Post-Operative Procedures
Trained personnel closely monitor animals during post-op while they recover from anesthesia. No food or water is available to the animals until they completely recover from anesthesia. The anesthetic recovery phase is concluded when the animal is reasonably alert, in sternal recumbency and has recovered its protective reflexes.
The animal's condition and the surgical procedure performed determine the need for further postoperative supportive care, e.g., fluids, electrolytes, analgesics, antibiotic.
HLA technical personnel provide animal observation on a daily basis, including weekends and holidays. Animals are checked for signs of anorexia, urination, defecation, infection, dehiscence, pain, and/or distress. A consulting veterinarian is available to provide advice on appropriate veterinary care. A group medical record is used for rodent surgical procedures. Records for individual animals may be created, if warranted, for post-operative treatment or in accordance with a client’s request.
