Enhancing postsurgical recovery of pair-housed nonhuman primates (M. fascicularis) (2002)

Murray, L., Hartner, M., Clark, L. P.

Abstract

In many facilities, postsurgical protocol in the nonhuman primate requires individual housing for a period of 2-10 days. ... Our goal was to allow [15 adult females] same-day return of the postoperative [placement of vascular access port] candidate to its paired environment. ... Change in hierarchy status, self-traumatic events, weight loss or diarrhea did not occur in any of these animals, and the incision sites healed unremarkably. The animals ate and drank normally, and received their postoperative treatments without problem (readily accepted oral medication). .. We conclude that this practice of quick return to group status postoperatively can be successfully employed, and it is a best practice when working with these laboratory animals.