The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states that medical records are critical for documenting animal well-being; this includes a history of surgical procedures and post-operative care.
The U-M Animal Care & Use (ACU) Program requires a peri-operative record for each rodent cage that contains post-operative animals.
To simplify recordkeeping requirements, fillable PDF templates are provided in both notebook and cage card sizes. 
Peri-Operative Record
Complete a peri-operative record for all recovery surgeries and avoid common mistakes by:
- Using one of the ACU Program suggested forms (see links above);
- Accurately completing each field of the form;
- Verifying that the analgesia and anesthesia dose, route, and frequency are in accordance with the IACUC protocol; and
- Ensuring pair or group-housed animals are marked by a unique and identifiable ID
(e.g., ear tag number, tattoo, tail marking).
Post-Operative Period
Complete the post-operative portion of the form while monitoring animals for at least seven consecutive days following surgery and avoid common mistakes by:
- Recording observation codes, initialing the day of observation, and never completing fields in advance;
- Using the assigned, unique ID to record observations in a way that allows for any individual animal observations to be clearly identified;
- Verifying that post-operative analgesia is provided in accordance with the IACUC protocol;
- Recording that the animal is not showing signs of pain before discontinuing analgesics;
- Contacting your veterinarian if the incision site is abnormal or the animal becomes lethargic (or shows other signs of poor health); and
- Recording euthanasia or death of an animal if it occurs before the required seven-day post-operative monitoring period is complete.
Records must be maintained near the animal until the seven-day monitoring period is completed and the sutures/clips are removed, or the animal is euthanized.
Place a copy of the completed records in the ULAM provided drop-box located in the animal housing room. All animal work must be done in accordance with an IACUC approved protocol or under the guidance of a ULAM Veterinarian.
Questions or Concerns?
Contact [email protected] with any questions or concerns related to the completion of surgical records.
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