Euthanasia of Research Animals Definitions Euthanasia – the act of inducing humane death in an animal by a method that induces rapid loss of consciousness and death with a minimum of pain, discomfort or distress. “Acceptable method” – As defined by the American Veterinary Medical Association, an acceptable method of euthanasia renders an animal unconscious…

Establishing Humane Endpoints Overview The importance of minimizing discomfort, pain or distress that animals may experience during the conduct of biomedical research is well recognized and is the primary force behind the animal welfare regulations governing the humane and ethical use of animals in research. Principal investigators are responsible for considering alternatives to the use…

Use and Maintenance of Gas Anesthesia Equipment Background & Purpose Anesthesia machines and vaporizers must be in good working condition in order to ensure that the appropriate percentage of anesthetic agent is being delivered to the animal and that all waste gases are appropriately absorbed to prevent accidental human exposure.  Waste anesthesia gases may adversely…

Use of Drugs and Medical Materials in Animals Background The Animal Welfare Act and Regulations1 mandate that all animals in research facilities receive adequate veterinary care and treatment to ensure that pain and distress are minimized. Such care includes appropriate use of anesthetic, analgesic, tranquilizing drugs or euthanasia consistent with accepted standards of veterinary care.2 …

Use of Controlled Substances in Animals Background Controlled Substances are chemicals, pharmaceutical agents, etc., that have been identified by the United States Department of Justice/Drug Enforcement Administration (DEA) as having the potential for abuse.  These substances have been categorized by the federal government into five “schedules”, or categories based on their medicinal use and potential…

Multiple Survival Surgeries Regardless of whether the surgery is categorized as major1 or minor, multiple survival surgical procedures on a single animal should be evaluated to determine their impact on the animal’s well-being. Multiple major surgical procedures on a single animal are acceptable only if they are: Essential components of a single IACUC-approved research project…

Surgery Policy & Guidelines Policy Successful surgical outcomes in research animals of all species (including mice and rats) require the same techniques and procedures as in any veterinary practice. Researchers performing surgical procedures in all animals must adhere to the following: All surgery must be performed in accordance with the researcher’s approved IACUC protocol. All survival…

Ether Use of ether as an anesthesia agent in animals is not allowed without strong scientific justification, EH&S guidance, and IACUC review and approval of its use and handling for the following reasons: Ether is flammable and forms explosive mixtures with oxygen and room air.  In addition, carcasses of animals euthanized by ether are an…

IACUC Policy on Prolonged Physical Restraint of Animals Background & Definitions Physical restraint is the use of manual of mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal’s normal movement for the purpose of examination, collection of samples, drug administration, therapy or experimental manipulations.1  Professional judgment should be used to determine what is meant…

Blood Collection in Rodents General Information The acceptable quantity and frequency of blood sampling is determined by the circulating blood volume and the red blood cell (RBC) turnover rate.  Excessive blood collection may result in hypovolemic shock, physiological stress and even death. Blood draws should be limited to the lowest amount consistent with the needs…