The principles of surgical asepsis apply to field surgeries with few exceptions. The minimum
level for performance of surgeries in the field on free-ranging animals should be the same as
for domestic animals undergoing surgery in animal hospitals. Surgeries in the field are
typically done as part of research and management projects and usually involve a
combination of biologists and veterinarians with the possibility of conflicts in scientific
cultures. This article outlines a minimum standard of care for field surgeries and will serve as …

Field anesthesia is often necessary for both invasive and noninvasive procedures on wild
animals. We describe basic principles of safe anesthetic delivery, monitoring, and recovery
for application in procedures involving free-ranging wildlife. For invasive procedures, the
potential for immediate and lasting pain must be addressed and appropriate analgesia
provided. In situations where the minimum standard of safe anesthesia and effective
analgesia cannot be provided, the investigator and approving bodies should rigorously …