Survival surgical procedures on all mammalian species must be conducted using aseptic technique which requires the use of sterile instruments and supplies. Many supplies such as gloves, surgical blades, and suture materials are commercially available in sterile packs. It is frequently necessary to sterilize, in-house, items such as surgical instruments, drapes, gowns, and instrumentation and catheters for chronic implants. Discretion is required in using these agents to assure that they are compatible with the items being sterilized. Adequate blood levels of a specific antibiotic should be present at the time of surgery to be most effective in preventing surgery-related infections.
Several analgesics are available for a variety of species.