Monitoring involves timely, periodic examination of the animal to assess the animal's state of health and the maintenance of written records of the examination findings. Post-surgical complications may cause unnecessary discomfort and is an area of particular concern to the Committee. Consideration of possible complications before the procedure and regular monitoring of the patient after the procedure help to minimize unnecessary problems. Common post-op problems are discussed below. Familiarity with normal animal behavior and routine observation of the post-op patient is necessary to detect signs of pain.
Animals often mask their pain and changes in posture, behavior, and appetite are often significant.
Recommendations for analgesia are available on the Animal Care Unit website from an ACU veterinarian at 335-7985. Continuous suture patterns are not acceptable. Minor problems in the suture line lead to complete incisional dehiscence when continuous suture patterns are used. Local infection often causes irritation. Excessively tight sutures cause irritation.