What is the recommended perioperative analgesia approach in mice after minor surgery?

• A. Avoid analgesia to minimize adverse effects on outcomes.
• B. Provide analgesics such as meloxicam per protocol, starting before or at the time of surgery and continuing post-operatively as required.
• C. Use only postoperative analgesia after 24 hours.
• D. Use analgesia only if the animal vocalizes.

Answer: (B)

Providing analgesia before or at the time of minor surgery and continuing it after the procedure is essential to minimize pain and support recovery in mice. Following a protocol that includes an analgesic such as meloxicam ensures timely pain relief and reduces the inflammatory response, with dosing and duration specified by the plan. Starting analgesia perioperatively helps prevent central sensitization, lowers stress, and can improve healing and overall wellbeing. Choices that skip analgesia, wait until after 24 hours, or rely on the animal vocalizing to decide treatment miss the window when pain is present and can cause unnecessary suffering, since pain can occur without obvious signs. Always align with institutional guidelines and monitor for potential adverse effects, adjusting the plan as needed to keep the animal comfortable.