2026-01-19 – Weekly Veterinary Assistant News : First hour post-surgery checks

Last week, our community focused on improving post-surgery protocols and lab safety, with discussions around the first critical hours after surgery. Members also exchanged insights on dental radiography continuing education opportunities and innovative enrichment activities for exotic pets. A recurring theme was the importance of precise measurements and error tracking in veterinary labs.


This Week’s Hot Topics

First hour after surgery: your go-to checks
This discussion is buzzing with practical tips on monitoring and ensuring stability in the crucial first hour post-surgery. It’s always enlightening to hear what others prioritize during this critical time.
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Looking for hands-on dental rad CE
Members are on the hunt for high-quality, hands-on continuing education in dental radiography. A great thread for those looking to enhance their skills in this area.
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Fennec fox vs. foraging puzzle
A creative discussion on using foraging puzzles to enrich the lives of fennec foxes. It’s an interesting read for anyone working with or interested in exotic pets.
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Tracking pre-analytical errors in our vet lab
This topic dives into the importance of identifying and minimizing pre-analytical errors in veterinary labs, a must-read for those involved in lab work.
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Refining our first 24 hours post-op
Insights and strategies for improving patient care during the first 24 hours post-operation. A valuable conversation for optimizing recovery protocols.
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First two hours: what I track
A detailed look into what some assistants focus on during the initial two hours after surgery. It’s always beneficial to compare notes on this front.
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Pre-oxygenation and capnography on short spays
Discusses the role of pre-oxygenation and capnography in short spay procedures, highlighting their potential benefits for patient outcomes.
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Are you measuring kibble by grams
Exploring the precision of feeding by weight rather than volume, this thread is crucial for maintaining dietary accuracy in animal care.
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Training new assistants for lab safety
A practical exchange on best practices for training new veterinary assistants in lab safety, emphasizing the importance of a thorough onboarding process.
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Radiography safety and positioning cheat sheet
An essential resource for anyone involved in radiography, this cheat sheet offers quick tips for maintaining safety and accuracy in imaging.
Read more here


Thanks for keeping up with this week’s updates. Stay engaged, share your experiences, and continue learning from one another. Until next time!

I keep a laminated first-hour PACU card with 0/10/30/60‑min checks — TPR, pain score, incision look, and a quick glucose for tiny or geriatric patients — and I chart the trend because “if it isn’t written, it didn’t happen.” Small caveat: I go gentler on heat for brachys and big dogs and favor a warm water blanket over forced air to dodge hotspots. Anyone else treat it like a flight takeoff checklist?

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On heat calls, I’ve found taking a rectal temp before I dial saves a minute — last week that let the tele‑vet push “same-day treatment” right away and gave the owner clear aftercare. If the dog’s too reactive to temp safely, I note that on the new triage card and start passive cooling while I wait.

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I take a quick, ruler-in-frame photo of the incision on arrival to PACU and again near the end of the ‘first hour’ so any swelling or seepage is measured, not guessed; the disposable paper rulers live in our recovery kit and cost pennies. If photos aren’t allowed at your clinic, a skin-marker outline with the time stamped next to it’s a decent alternative.

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