citation_inspection: 2301

There was an incident identified by the number 2015-11 which took place during the month of December 2015. The attending veterinarian (AV) inspected a rabbit for a post surgical procedure in which the skin edges were not apposed. The attending veterinarian gave specific written instructions to treat it as an open wound and let it heal by 2nd intention. Research personnel decided to anesthetize the animal, debride the wound, and close the open wound without consulting the AV. The next day the rabbit was found dead and there was no peri-operative monitoring documentation indicating that the rabbit had recovered from anesthesia. Each research facility shall establish and maintain programs of adequate veterinary care that include guidance to research personnel involved in the care and use of animals regarding handling, immobilization, anesthesia, analgesia, tranquilization, and euthanasia, etc. The facility has corrected this issue by providing operative and recovery documentation training and provided a copy of the IACUC policy for veterinary medical care and best practices.