Which statement regarding preparation of a mouse for surgery is true?

• A. Disinfect around incision site; remove fur; check pain reflex.
• B. Disinfect around incision site only; fur removal not necessary; no pain reflex check.
• C. Fur should be kept; skin disinfection not needed; check pain reflex.
• D. Disinfect around incision site; fur removal; check pain reflex.

Answer: (A)

Preparing a mouse for surgery centers on creating a clean, sterile field and ensuring proper anesthesia or analgesia before incision. Disinfecting around the incision site reduces the microbial load where the wound will be, which is essential to lower the risk of post-operative infection. Removing fur in the surgical area is important because hair can trap bacteria and interfere with proper antiseptic contact and the effectiveness of sterile drapes, helping keep the incision site clean and visible. Checking a pain reflex or other response helps confirm that anesthesia and analgesia are adequately established before you begin, ensuring the animal won’t experience pain during the procedure and allowing you to proceed safely.

Keeping the fur or skipping the skin disinfection or reflex assessment would undermine sterility or anesthesia safety, increasing the risk of infection or painful awareness during surgery. The combination described in this choice reflects standard aseptic technique and proper intraoperative readiness.