Postsurgical pairing: a discussion by the Refinement & Enrichment Forum (2006)

Van Loo, P. L. P., Skoumbourdis, E., Reinhardt, V.

Abstract

Our experience-based discussion suggests that social animals benefit from compatible companionship during post-operative recovery. The traditional practice of keeping animals alone in an unfamiliar environment after surgery increases the subjects surgery-associated stress. Providing a familiar, compatible companion is likely to alleviate the stress and enhance the post-surgical recovery process.