What is the first step in prepping an animal for surgery?

Shaving the hair from the surgical site is the first step in prepping an animal for surgery because it ensures that the surgical area is free from hair, which can harbor bacteria and increase the risk of postoperative infections. Removing the hair creates a clean surface that allows for better visibility and access during the procedure. This step is crucial as it lays the foundation for effective disinfection methods that follow, such as scrubbing the site and applying antiseptics.

Other steps, such as administering anesthesia and cleaning surgical instruments, follow after the animal is properly prepared. Administering anesthesia occurs once the animal is ready, while cleaning instruments is essential for maintaining sterility in the surgical field but does not directly pertain to the preparation of the surgical site on the animal itself. Scrubbing the site is also important, but it comes after the hair has been shaved to allow disinfectants to effectively cleanse the skin. Thus, shaving hair is the appropriate first step in the surgical preparation process.