Validation study of social housing of canines in toxicology studies (2003)

Mack, P. A., Bell, R. M., Tubo, B. L. et al.

Abstract

Optimal housing conditions for canines have evolved in light of changing research findings and animal welfare initiatives. Social housing of canines in toxicology studies was not considered standard housing in our facility. When the decision was made to explore social housing for toxicology studies in our facility, we noted a lack of published information. This study was performed to develop and validate social housing as an option for canines in toxicology studies. The potential impact to data gathered through toxicology studies in which the canines are socially housed is discussed. ...The social housing does not affect the ability to dose the animals. ... There are questions from the research staff that could not be addressed [e.g., how will incompatibility affect data interpretation? how will unavoidable separation of partners affect data inerpretation? ]. ... These unanswered questions do not prohibit the use of social housing for canines in toxicological studies.