Publications

Providing environmental enrichment without altering behavior in male and female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus)

In research using animal models, subjects are commonly maintained under standard housing conditions, mainly because of the idea that enhancing welfare conditions could alter experimental data. Another common practice in many laboratories relates to the preponderant use of males. Several...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Environmental EnrichmentAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Corredor, K., Marín, D. P., García, C. C. et al. 2022. Providing environmental enrichment without altering behavior in male and female Wistar rats (Rattus norvegicus). JAALAS 61(3), 234-240.

Housing environment affects pubertal onset, anxiety-like behavior, and object interaction in male and female Long Evans rats

Rodents used for research can be humanely housed in a variety of ways. As such, a vast number of different housing environments are used, but are often not described in research publications. However, many elements of housing environments, including bedding,...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Rat, Rodent

Citation: Vogt, M. E., Riesgo, V. R., Flanigan, K. A. S. et al. 2022. Housing environment affects pubertal onset, anxiety-like behavior, and object interaction in male and female Long Evans rats. JAALAS 61(3), 241-247.

Minimal exposure times for irreversible euthanasia with carbon dioxide in mice and rats

When using an anesthetic overdose to euthanize laboratory rodents, a secondary method of euthanasia is recommended to ensure that the apparent death is irreversible. This secondary method usually is accomplished through the collection of tissues that are required to complete...

Year Published: 2022Topics: EuthanasiaAnimal Type: Mouse, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Hickman, D. L. 2022. Minimal exposure times for irreversible euthanasia with carbon dioxide in mice and rats. JAALAS 61(3), 283-286.

A comparison of blood collection techniques in mice and their effects on welfare

Multiple methods are used to collect blood from mice; these methods have different effects on animal welfare. This study compared blood collection from facial, chin, and saphenous locations with regard to various parameters, including the time needed to collect blood,...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Biological Sampling & Physiological MeasurementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Ahrens Kress, A. P., Zhang, Y., Kaiser-Vry, A. R. et al. 2022. A Comparison of blood collection techniques in mice and their effects on welfare. JAALAS 61(3), 287-295.

Assessment of 2 hair removal methods in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus)

Rabbits are frequently used as surgical models in research. However, studies assessing the effects of various hair removal methods on wound healing and surgical site infection (SSI) in rabbits are sparse. Here we evaluated the effects of 2 hair removal...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Surgery & Post-OpAnimal Type: Rabbit

Citation: LeFors, J. E., Anderson, L. M., Hanson, M. A. et al. 2022. Assessment of 2 hair removal methods in New Zealand white rabbits (Oryctolagus cuniculus). JAALAS 61(3), 296-303.

Physiologic and behavioral effects in mice anesthetized with isoflurane in a red-tinted or a traditional translucent chamber

Isoflurane has been characterized as a distressing agent for rodents, causing both physiologic and behavioral effects. Using a "darkened home cage" has been recommended during CO2 administration for rodent euthanasia; this is arguably a similar animal experience to anesthetic induction...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Anesthesia & Sedation, EuthanasiaAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: McKinney, M. M., Dupont, W. D., Corson, K. J. et al. 2022. Physiologic and behavioral effects in mice anesthetized with isoflurane in a red-tinted or a traditional translucent chamber. JAALAS 61(4), 322-332.

Using sterile flocked swabs as an alternative method for rodent health monitoring

Routine health monitoring is an integral part of managing SPF rodent colonies. In recent years, rack-level environmental sampling has been introduced as an adjunct method or replacement for exposure of sentinel rodents to soiled bedding. However, rack-level environmental monitoring is...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mouse, Rat, Rodent

Citation: Varela, M. M. D., Bibay, J. I. A., Ogden, B. E. et al. 2022. Using sterile flocked swabs as an alternative method for rodent health monitoring. JAALAS 61(4), 370-380.

Assessment of the safety and efficacy of pre-emptive use of extended-release buprenorphine for mouse laparotomy

Buprenorphine is commonly used to control postoperative pain in rodents. Short-acting formulations of buprenorphine (bup-HCl) require frequent handling and restraint of animals for appropriate dosing, which can be stressful and confound research outcomes. Ethiqa XR (bup-ER) is an FDA-indexed extended-release...

Year Published: 2022Topics: AnalgesiaAnimal Type: Mouse, Rodent

Citation: Chan, G., Si, C., Nichols, M. R. et al. 2022. Assessment of the safety and efficacy of pre-emptive use of extended-release buprenorphine for mouse laparotomy. JAALAS 61(4), 381-387.

Housing and husbandry alternatives for naked mole rat colonies used in research settings

Naked mole rats (Heterocephalus glaber) are a unique rodent species originating in Africa and are increasingly being used in research. Their needs and characteristics differ from those of other rodents used in research. Unique housing systems are necessary to address...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Housing, Husbandry & ManagementAnimal Type: Mole Rat, Rodent

Citation: Ragland, N. H., Compo, N. R., Wiltshire, N. et al. 2022. Housing and husbandry alternatives for naked mole rat colonies used in research settings. JAALAS 61(5), 412-418.

Efficacy of lidocaine topical solution in reducing discomfort reaction of horses to intramuscular vaccination

Vaccinations via intramuscular injection are a key component of preventative health care in horses. Development of problematic behavioral aversion to injections is quite common. Our clinical impression has been that topical anesthetic applied to injection sites can reduce the behavioral...

Year Published: 2022Topics: Analgesia, Drug/Substance AdministrationAnimal Type: Equine

Citation: Torcivia, C., McDonnell, S. 2022. Efficacy of lidocaine topical solution in reducing discomfort reaction of horses to intramuscular vaccination. Animals 12(13), 1659.