This class takes place over 2 half-day sessions and covers the principles of surgery and aseptic technique, with particular emphasis on surgical instruments, suturing, sterile procedure, and basic surgical skills. Session formats include classroom instruction, demonstrations, and practical hands-on learning. Surgeries are taught using mice and rats, and include subcutaneous implants, jugular vein cut-down, and gonadectomies. Participants should be comfortable in handling and restraint of mice and rats, as well as techniques such as administering injections. 

Prerequisites for attendance (exceptions may be made on an individual basis):

• Must be an approved Animal Handler
• Rodent Biomethodology Workshop
• Rodent Anesthesia and Analgesia Workshop
• Must have Surgery listed as a Responsibility in an approved animal use protocol
• Pre-registration is required by emailing animalwelfare@virginia.edu

Schedule: Workshop will resume once staffing levels have been restored. In the interim, contact attendingvet@virginia.edu with questions regarding rodent surgery or surgery skills training.