J Am Assoc Lab Anim
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J Am Assoc Lab Anim · May 2007
Comparative StudyComparison of heating devices for maintaining body temperature in anesthetized laboratory rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus).
The purpose of this study was to compare the efficacy of various external heating devices in maintaining body temperature in anesthetized rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). Rabbits were divided into 3 groups and placed on either no heating device, a circulating warm-water blanket, or a forced-air warming device. ⋯ Results showed that rabbits had a statistically significant loss of body temperature during the procedure when no heating device was used, no significant loss in body temperature with the use of the forced air-warming device, and a minor increase in body temperature with the use of the circulating warm-water blanket. This study shows that external heating devices are necessary for maintenance of normal body temperature in rabbits under general anesthesia, and forced-air warming devices and circulating warm-water blankets are effective heating devices.
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J Am Assoc Lab Anim · Mar 2007
GuidelinePublic statement: guidelines for the assessment and management of pain in rodents and rabbits.
The ACLAM Analgesia Task Force was appointed by ACLAM President Diane Gaertner in 2003. The charge to the Task Force was to develop guidelines that could be used by veterinarians, scientists and IACUCs in helping to provide appropriate assessment and management of pain in rodents, with the understanding that ultimately the clinical veterinarian on site at the institution must make decisions relevant to a specific animal or animals and/or protocol. The guidelines were not to be developed as, and should not be used as, requirements. ⋯ Despite this extensive vetting process through ACLAM, readers should nonetheless be aware that because this document represents the approved statement of an AALAS affiliate organization, it has not undergone the usual JAALAS peer review process. I would like to acknowledge the efforts of the Task Force and the leadership of ACLAM for supporting this comprehensive and informative synthesis. The document should serve as a resource to the research community for years to come.
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J Am Assoc Lab Anim · Nov 2006
Comparative StudyLack of analgesic efficacy in female rats of the commonly recommended oral dose of buprenorphine.
Previous work in our laboratory showed that the recommended oral dose of buprenorphine (0.5 mg/kg) was not as effective as the standard therapeutic subcutaneous dose for postoperative analgesia in male Long-Evans (hooded) and Sprague-Dawley (albino) rats. The aim of the current study was to extend this analysis to female rats. ⋯ Estrous cycle stage (proestrus versus diestrus) did not affect the analgesic effects of buprenorphine, but rats in proestrus showed significantly lower pain thresholds (less tolerance to pain) than did those in diestrus. These results show that the oral dose of buprenorphine recommended for postoperative analgesic care does not induce significant analgesia in female rats and therefore is not as effective as the standard subcutaneous dose.
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J Am Assoc Lab Anim · Nov 2006
Comparative StudyComparison of three anesthetic protocols for intraduodenal drug administration using endoscopy in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta).
The purpose of this study was to evaluate 3 anesthetic protocols for intraduodenal drug administration by endoscopy in rhesus monkeys (Macaca mulatta). Anesthesia was induced using intramuscular ketamine and midazolam, isoflurane (inhalant gas), or intravenous propofol in male and female rhesus monkeys. A noninvasive dosing line was placed in the duodenum by use of endoscopy, and 50% dextrose (3 ml/kg) was administered. ⋯ Recovery from isoflurane and propofol was significantly faster than from ketamine-midazolam. Duration of the recovery period after isoflurane was less variable than with propofol, but isoflurane produced greater hypothermia. Isoflurane and propofol resulted in predictable glucose absorption after intraduodenal dextrose administration, whereas ketamine-midazolam led to an inconsistent increase in glycemia.
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Fenbendazole is commonly used in laboratory animal medicine as an anthelmintic for elimination of pinworms. It is generally regarded as a safe drug with minimal side effects. ⋯ Analysis of the breeding records revealed that feeding Sprague-Dawley rats a diet containing fenbendazole on a continuous basis for 7 consecutive weeks was associated with a significant reduction in litter size. Although the mechanism underlying this effect is unknown, the finding prompts caution when using fenbendazole to treat valuable breeding colonies or strains that are poor breeders.