Induction of neoplasia in laboratory animals by passage of live tumor cells or by exposure to carcinogens requires careful observation of the animals for secondary effects of neoplasia. Animals found in a moribund state from tumor growth should be humanely euthanized. Tumors passaged subcutaneously should be repassaged before they ulcerate through the skin.
This policy applies to all studies involving challenge with microorganisms or chemicals that could reasonably be expected to cause significant discomfort for some animals.
Generic protocols for toxicology or infectious disease studied will generally not be considered by the IACUC. Separate protocols for each agent, or at least related groups of agents, must be submitted to the Committee.
Prolonged physical restraint may be stressful to the animal and should be avoided unless essential to the research objectives. All physical restraint, other than routine manual restraint, must be described in the protocol. Physical restraint for periods of longer than four hours must be described in detail and justified for consideration by the IACUC. Convenience alone is not adequate justification to use prolonged physical restraint.
To reduce the number of animals subjected to adverse immunologic reactions, the following guidelines have been adopted by the IACUC. The IACUC is aware of the diverse opinions and techniques associated with animal immunization. Protocols that propose to use alternate procedures contrary to these policies will be considered upon the receipt of written justification and documentation. If appropriate documentation is lacking, it may be necessary to conduct a study designed to provide appropriate documentation.
The Animal Welfare Act requires that painful or stressful experimentation be relieved or moderated by the use of analgesics, anesthetics, or tranquilizers when these agents will not interfere with the experimental objectives. Animal study protocols must indicate the drug(s) and dose to be used (Section B-14, Animal Study Protocol Application (ASPA) form). If pain or stress is unavoidable and such drugs are contra-indicated by the nature of the study, the principal investigator must write a justification for review by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Probably the most persuasive argument presented by groups opposing animal use in research is of pain and suffering being inflicted on these subjects. Most of the moral/ethical issues are rooted in the following scenario: a) if animals are assumed to react similarly to man to stimuli and drugs; b) and data collected from animal experiments is used to predict how stimuli or drugs will act in humans; c) then animals must possess man’s ability for feeling pain and for suffering.
The appropriate use of anesthetics, analgesics and tranquilizers is not only an important facet of the provision of humane care, but is also important to the collection of valid research data. Animals that are in pain or are severely distressed cannot be expected to demonstrate “normal” physiologic responses. The attending veterinarian should serve as an institutional resource for information concerning the choice and use of these medications.
Amphibians must be kept moist over their entire bodies during anesthesia and recovery. Care must be taken that they do not become immersed, as this will result in drowning.
Tricaine (MS 222) -ethyl m-amino benzoate methanesulfonate (tricaine methane sulfonate)
Should be buffered to neutral pH before use. MS222 must be disposed as chemical waste.
Immerse in water with agent added: 1:2000 to 1:1000 for adults (i.e.,5-10mg of tricaine in 1000 ml water)
1:3000 to 1:5000 for larvae
Atropine (0.01-0.02mg/kg) may be administered subcutaneously or intramuscularly as a preanesthetic agent approximately 30 minutes before anesthesia. Atropine prevents the drop in heart rate and excessive salivation that may be caused by agents such as inhalant anesthetics and ketamine. Glycopyrrolate (Robinal®) (0.02-0.04 mg/kg) subcutaneously or intramuscularly is an effective alternative to atropine when given 15 minutes prior to surgery. Glycopyrrolate has a longer duration of action than atropine.
Body temperature = 38-39.6oC
Heart rate = 130-325/min
Respiratory rate = 32-60/min
Tidal volume = 4-6 ml/kg
Many rabbits have serum atropinesterase which causes reduced response to atropine.
Glycopyrrolate, another anticholinergic, can be used instead of atropine.
Unique hypnotism or immobilization reflex has been observed in rabbits in the absence of drug use.