Minimally Invasive Procedures without Anaesthesia
Handling and restraint for minor procedures without anaesthesia
Techniques for handling and restraint of laboratory animals should be safe for both the handler and the animal. The methods...
Administration of substances and collection of biological materials without anaesthesia
Administering substances to animals, for whatever reason, can have a significant impact on their welfare. If carried out incorrectly, not...
Choice of method of administration when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Substances are usually administered by the oral, subcutaneous, intramuscular, intraperitoneal or intravenous routes. The selection of a particular route of...
Collection of blood and other biological materials without anaesthesia
Detailed guidance on blood withdrawal in laboratory animals is given by Morton et al, 1993. The recommendations relating to good...
Collection of urine
Urine samples may be obtained by sampling during voluntary urination, by catheterisation, by direct puncture of the bladder or, if...
Collection of faeces
Faecal samples may be collected using a metabolic cage or, if fresh material is required, the animal should be removed...
Specific guidance for mice when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Handling Many mice will attempt to bite when restrained, so a careful approach is necessary. For many years, the technique...
Specific guidance for rats when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Handling and restraint Rats are generally docile rodents provided they are approached and handled in a gentle manner. The rat...
Specific guidance for gerbils when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Gerbils vary considerably in their response to handling and may be extremely active and difficult to catch. Although they possess...
Specific guidance for hamsters when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Hamsters can be restrained relatively easily by cupping in both hands, followed by grasping by the scruff. If the animal...
Specific guidance for rabbits when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Rabbits are especially susceptible to the effects of stress and are easily injured by careless handling. They are usually non-aggressive...
Specific guidance for guinea pigs when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Guinea pigs are docile animals, but they are easily alarmed by inexpert attempts at restraint. When frightened, the animals will...
Specific guidance for ferrets when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Ferrets vary considerably in temperament, ranging from non-aggressive pet animals to more unpredictable animals which are maintained for rabbiting. Laboratory...
Special considerations when conducting minor procedures without anaesthesia
Old Animals Old animals may resent handling, especially if chronic painful lesions such as arthritis are present. Rats, guinea pigs...