In research protocols, how should surgery on regulated animals be handled?

Surgery on regulated animals in research protocols must be performed with prior approval from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC). This requirement ensures that all surgical procedures are conducted in a manner that minimizes pain and distress to the animals, adheres to ethical standards, and complies with relevant regulations.

The approval process involves a thorough review of the proposed surgical procedure to confirm that it is scientifically justified and that appropriate measures are in place for pain management, anesthesia, and post-operative care. This oversight helps safeguard the welfare of the animals and ensures that researchers follow best practices in veterinary care.

Only allowing surgery with prior approval reflects the necessity for rigorous ethical review and accountability in research involving animals. It protects researchers by providing a framework within which they can operate safely and responsibly while maintaining compliance with federal regulations and institutional policies.