General surgical principles and most of the standard techniques used in domestic species can be applied to, or adapted for use in Australian mammals.

However, before deciding on surgical intervention, it is important to con­sider the unique anatomical features of some species and the constraints inherent in caring for wildlife in order to achieve successful surgical and welfare outcomes.

Hospi­talisation and postoperative care that is prolonged or requires frequent handling and restraint may impact recovery and welfare outcomes for wildlife patients and non-surgical options or euthanasia may be more appro­priate in some circumstances. Common indications for surgery include infectious processes (e.g. abscesses, osteomyelitis), trauma, neoplasia, GIT accidents and con­traception (Vogelnest and Woods 2008; Vogelnest 2015). This chapter covers common surgical procedures and recently developed techniques in Australian mammals. Further information on anatomy and diseases of Austral­ian mammals can be found in other chapters within this volume and in Vogelnest and Woods (2008); Vogelnest (2015) and Vogelnest and Allan (2015).

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