Which statement best describes antibiotic prophylaxis timing in small animal surgery?

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Prophylaxis works best when the antibiotic is at effective levels in the tissues exactly when the wound is opened. Administering the drug within about 60 minutes before incision ensures peak tissue concentrations are present at the start of surgery, helping to prevent bacteria that may contaminate the wound from establishing an infection. If given after incision, the wound can become contaminated before the antibiotic can act, reducing preventive effectiveness. Giving the drug too far in advance (such as a day before) also risks tissue levels dropping below protective concentrations by the time the incision is made. Prophylaxis is about preventing infection, not treating a suspected one, so waiting until infection is suspected defeats its purpose. For long procedures or heavy blood loss, redosing during surgery may be needed to maintain protective levels.