Lab Animal Unit 1

(T/F) Laboratory animal medicine is a specialized field in lab animal science and is recognized as a specialty w/in vet med

True

What does lab animal medicine emphasize?

Methods to prevent and minimize pain, discomfort, and distress in research animals

What are 4 roles of a vet tech w/in lab animal medicine?

1. Maintenance + accuracy of records

2. Maintenance of healthy animals under supervision of a DVM

3. Monitor and control environment of animals to reduce stress and disease

4. Control undesirable variables that can affect research (noise, lighting, sanitation, feed, schedules)

What is an examples of a specialty w/in NAVTA that vet techs can apply to for lab animal medicine?

Academy of Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians and Nurses (ALAVTN)

What does the Food, Drug, and Cosmetic Act cover?

Created to safeguard and protect consumer health and safety from the sale of dangerous products (enforced by FDA)

• FDA requires animal testing of products when a scientifically valid, alternative testing method is not available

What is the most common lab animal and why?

Mouse (95% of all animals used in research are rats and mice)

Mice have a 98-99% genetic match to humans

What are the primary granting agencies for biomedical research?

1. National Institutes of Health (NIH)

• Federal grants for health-related advancement of humans and animals

2. National Science Foundation (NSF)

• Encourages basic research in behavior, math, physics, medicine, biology, and other sciences

• Additional funding available from universities and colleges, state governments, industry, and private foundations

What do grants cover?

Money for the primary scientist or principal investigator’s (PI) and research team’s salaries, supplies, equipment, and purchase and care of animals for 3 years

What is the role of a PI?

Principal investigators are responsible for planning and coordinating all phases of research study

What is IACUC?

Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee

• Prior to use of animals in research, teaching, or testing, a protocol must be submitted to an institution’s IACUC

  • Justifies the use of vertebrate animals to accomplish study’s aim

  • Details procedures that will be performed

  • Describes how animals will be housed and cared for through project

• Protocol is for 3 years and must be resubmitted for full review every 3 years

What is the AWA and who does it apply to? What does it do? What animals does it apply to?

The Animal Welfare Act

• Applies to animal research institutions, universities, pharaceutical companies and affiliates, zoos, aquariums, animal dealers, animal exhibitors, auctions, etc

• Oversees/ensures the human handling, care, transport and treatment of animals; mandates environmental enrichment per NHP; mandates training of personnel; mandates a DVM be consulted; mandates IACUC; many addendums

• All warm blooded animals except birds, rats, mice, food production animals; does not cover cold blooded animals (reptiles, fish, amphibians)

What is the point of the PHS and what does it include?

Assists investigators in fulfilling their obligation to plan and conduct animal experiments in accord w/ the highest scientific, human, and ethical principles; sets standards for human euthanasia methods required for all vertebrates

NIH (National Institutes of Health) and FDA (Food and Drug Administration)

What is AALAS?

American Association for Laboratory Animal Science

• Professional non-profit organization for people involved in Lab Animal Science

• Certifies techs

• Publishes 2 journals: Lab Animal Science and Contemporary Topics in Lab Animal Science

• Annual meetings

What is AAALAC?

Association for Assessment and Accreditadtion of Lab Animal Care International

• Organization of lab animal DVMs and researchers to self-police their industry

• “Gold-standard” for industry, exceeds minimal requirements

• Most funding agencies use AAALAC accreditation as a ruler to award grants

What are the different types of animal research?

Behavorial

• Both for benefit of humans and animals

Environmental

• Effect of environment on animals

Biomedical

• Both for benefit of humans and animals

What is the definition of ethics?

Principles of honor and morality, accepted rules of conduct, or the moral principles of an individual

What are the 3 R’s?

Replacement

• Refers to replacing animals w/ a non-animal alternative that will enable collection of meaningful and valid data (use in-vitro or rat in place of dog)

Refinement

• Refers to methods that incorporate modification of a procedure to lessen animal pain and distress or enhance animal well-being (use of MRI instead of SX or necropsy)

Reduction

• Refers to using the minimal # of animals in a study while remaining consistent w/ sound scientific and statistical standards (using 1 control group w/ multiple study groups)

What are the most common causes of illness in exotics?

Husbandry and nutrition

What are some different tools required to see exotics?

Gram scale, microtainer blood tubes, incubators, mouth speculums, perches, dental intruments

(T/F) Lab animals require second to second monitoring, especially avians

True

(T/F) The origin of an animal (wild or companion kept) should be obtained in a history

True

What are the 2 specialities that RVTs can pursue in lab animal medicine?

1. Academy of Veterinary Zoological Medical Technicians

2. Academy of Veterinary Technicians in Clinical Practice

What is the most popular mammal exotic pet in the US?

The rabbit

What family are ferrets part of? What are other examples of animals in this family?

Family Mustelidae: weasel, ferret, skunk, mink, martin, otter, badger, wolverine

(T/F)

Ferrets are small carnivores with high metabolic rates

True

What is the scientific name of the European ferret?

Mustela putorius furo

What are 2 diseases ferrets are incredibly susceptible to?

1. Canine distemper

2. Human influenza

What is one unique use ferrets have had in research?

• Used for human pediatric intubation practice

• Gastritis studies

What are some behavioral traits of ferrets?

1. Carnivorous, will eat other pets, rodents, birds, reptiles

2. Playful with dogs and cats

3. Aggression between intact males

4. Can become nippy, not recommended for small children

5. Crepuscular and nocturnal

6. Chew and ingest small objects

What are the 2 most common hair coats in ferrets?

1. Fitch or sable - buff colored coat w/ black mask, limbs, and tail

• Mutations of fitch include: silver, black, cinnamon, and ginger

2. Albino - white w/ pink eyes

• As this coat matures, it becomes more yellow

What is a normal TPR for a ferret?

T: 100-104 F (37.8-40 C)

P: 200-400 BPM

R: 33-36 BPM

What is the ferret dental formula?

I (3/3), C (1/1), P (3/3), M (1/2) x2

Do ferrets have anal glands?

Yes, must be descended to be good pets

What is the ferret’s GI tract like?

Very short; simple stomach, food travels quickly

Where is the heart normally located on a ferret?

Very caudally, usually at the xiphoid

What is a common misconception concerning ferrets?

That they have a long lifespan; shorter than dogs and cats (6-8 years)

What is the correct term for an intact male ferret and neutered male ferret? Female?

Male - intact = Hob

Male - neutered = Gib

Female - intact = Jil

Female - spayed = Sprite

When do males experience puberty and when is breeding season for them? Do un-neutered males still get larger than the female?

• Puberty = 8-12 months

• Breeding season between March-August (testicles atrophy during non-breeding season)

• Intact males can become twice the size of females

What type of ovulators are female ferrets and what is one hormonal trait that has them stand out? What are some negative effects of this?

• Induced ovulators

• Continual estrous w/ high estrogen levels until bred

• Hyperestrogenism associated w/ cancers and fatal anemia

How long is a female ferret’s puberty and gestation?

Puberty = 7-10 months

Gestation = 42 days

What are baby ferrets called and at what age do they begin weaning? What age are they an adult weight? How large are litters and how often can they be had per year?

• Babies are kits (born hairless and blind)

• Litter sizes range from 2-17 kits

• Weaning at 6-8 weeks, adult weight at 4 months

• 2 litters per year

Are ferrets tolerant of high temp environments? What temps do they like and what humidity? What is their normal photoperiod?

• Temp = 39-64 F (not tolerant of high temps)

• Humidity = 40-60%

• 12:12 cycle of light/dark

  • 14 hours of light during breeding

What are some nutritional requirements for ferrets? Should food be left out?

Commercial diet

• 30% protein

• 20% fat

• Low in carbs and fiber

Food available throughout the day

What are some husbandry tips for ferrets?

• Should not have free-run of house, large cat play cage

• Litter box should have raised sides

• Hide box, old coat sleeves or sweat shirt to “tunnel”

• No access to foam or latex items since can cause FBO

How should ferrets be handled for routine procedures?

• 2 hand method

• Scuffing the nape of the neck for routine (ears, nails)

• Scruff and pull towards end of the table for vaccinations

• Do not “stretch out”

What are some places for blood collection in ferrets?

• Jugular vein (more lateral than dog/cat) - common

• Lateral saphenous

• Cephalic, very small

• Cranial vena cava - common

• Heart, not for a pet - common

What are some places for injection sites in ferrets?

SQ

• Same as dogs/cats, tough skin on dorsum and neck

IM

• Epaxial muscles, quads, semitendenosus/membranosus muscles

IP - intraperitoneal

How long should ferrets be fasted for anesthetic procedures? What injectables are not recommended? What are some things that can still be seen after being anesthetized? What should they be maintained on for iso and sevo? Oxygen rate?

• 3-6 hours

• Don’t recommend using ketamine/xylazine

• Laryngospasm like cats

• Retain strong jaw tone

• Maintain on 1-3% iso or 3-5% sevo, O2 flow at 0.5-1L/min

What analgesics are commonly used in ferrets?

Opioids and NSAIDs

Opioids

• Buprenorphine, butorphanol, and hydromorphone most common

NSAIDs

• Meloxicam is most common (SQ or oral)

What are common places for catheters in ferrets?

• IV in cephalic w/ 24G

• IO in proximal femur for ferrets in shock

(T/F) Ferrets lack detectable blood groups and can be safely transfused w/out risk for a transfusion reaction

True

What are common points on the ferret grimace scale?

1. Orbital tightening

2. Nose bulging - nose pulled down and rounds off

3. Cheek bulging

4. Ear changes - pulled back against the body and may form a pointed shape

5. Whisker retraction - pulled against the cheek/clump together

What is the name for tuberculosis in ferrets?

M. Tuberculosis

• Can obtain infection from human owners

• May have pulmonary or GI form

• Should be euthanized due to zoonosis

What are the 2 common GI bacterial diseases in ferrets?

1. Proliferating bowel disease

• Campylobacter like organism - Lawsonia intracellularis

• Chronic weight loss, intermittent diarrhea

  • TX w/ Chloramphenicol or Metro

2. Gastritis

• Helicobacter mustelae

• Common bacteria in stomach, gastritis, and ulceration

• Melena, lethargy, weight loss,

• Endoscopy

What is one example of a mycotic disease in ferrets?

Dermatophytosis (ringworm)

• Microsporum canis or Trichophyton mentagrphytes

• Transmits via direct contact or formites

• Fungal culture to DX

• Environmental decontamination is important

What is the biggest viral disease in ferrets? How is it transmitted and what are some clinical signs? What vaccine is recommended for ferrets and at what age is it given?

Canine distemper

• Extremely susceptible, mortality is 100%

• Transmission in aerosol and fomite forms

• URTI, rash in the chin and inguinal areas, hard pads, pneumonia, CNS signs

• Euthanasia recommended

• Use only vaccines for ferrets, dog vaccines not acceptable (Merial, now BI PUREVAX, canary pox vectored distemper vaccine is recommended)

  • Give at 8,11, and 14 weeks of age and annually after

What rabies vaccines are labeled for ferrets and at what age is it given?

• IMRAB-3 Rhône Merieux + Zoetic DEFENSOR 1 and 3 now approved

• Give at 12 weeks and annually after

What is another name for parvovirus in ferrets?

Aleutian Disease Virus (ADV)

• DX via PCR

• No TX, euthanize

• Transmitted via fomites, aerosol of saliva, urine, blood

What is the “green diarrhea” or “green slime” disease?

Epizootic Catarrhal Enteritis

• Severe liver inflammation, expands to intestinal tract

• Unknown cause, possibly coronavirus

• Recovered ferrets can be source of infection to others

What age range does rotavirus mainly affect in ferrets?

• Kits 2-6 weeks of age

• DX via PCR

• Mortality is high

• Clinical signs = severe diarrhea, anorexia, lethargy

What are some parasitic diseases ferrets can carry?

• Mange - sarcoptes scabiei

• Fleas

• Ear mites - otodectes cyanotis

• Roundworms (dog/cat version)

When is neoplasia started to be seen in ferrets? What is the most common neoplasia in ferrets?

• All seen in older ferrets, starting at about 4 years

• Insulinomas are most common - beta islet cell tumors that cause hypoglycemia and seizures

What is a common finding on U/S in ferrets?

Renal cysts - thought to be of no significance

What are a few common random ferret diseases?

Splenomegaly - enlarged w/ other conditions or just because

• Influenza? Stress? Neoplasia?

Cardiomyopathy

• Can be dilative (most common) or hypertrophic

• Responds to TX like w/ dogs/cats

Estrus-associated aplastic anemia

• OVH prior to first estrus advised for females not breeding

What are the 2 most common venipuncture sites in ferrets?

1. Cranial vena cava

2. Jugular vein

(T/F) The distinctive odor of the ferret comes from the anal glands.

False; comes from the sebaceous glands in the skin

What are the 3 levels that AALS accredits RVT’s?

1. Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician

2. Laboratory Animal Technician

3. Laboratory Animal Technologist

What division of government enacted the AWA?

Passed by Congress; enforced by the USDA

Which act establishes the USDA-registered facilities have an Institutional Animal Care and Use Comittee (IACUC)?

Animal Welfare Act

Which laboratory organizations set standards and certifies vet techs in the field of lab animal science?

AALAS

Which entity is not governed by the AWA?

Pet stores

• Private medical labs, zoos and aquariums, and university labs all are

Which blood collection sites in ferrets require anesthesia?

1. Jugular

2. Cranial vena cava

3. Heart

(T/F)

AWA has penalties if violated

True; warnings, fines, cease and desist, loss or suspension of license

What is the scientific name for the guinea pig? Where is it native?

Cavia porcellus

Origin: native to south america

What are the correct terms for male and female guinea pigs? Parturition? Young?

Male: Boar

Female: Sow

Parturition: Farrowing

Young: pups/pigs

What are some behavioral traits for guinea pigs?

1. Communal/social

2. Freeze/scatter when frightened

3. Dominant pig is prone to barber

4. Vocalize when excited (11 types)

(T/F)

Malocclusion of molars is common and genetic in guinea pigs

True

What is the guinea pig dental formula?

I (1/1), C (0/0), P (1/1), M (3/3) x2

What enzyme do guinea pigs lack? What vitamin is required and what can happen without?

1. Lack L-gulonolactone oxidase

2. Vitamin C is vital and must be supplemented - scurvy, swollen joints, hemorrhage in muscle, reluctance to move

(T/F)

All guinea pig teeth are open rooted

True

What can cause enterotoxemia and death in guinea pigs?

Very susceptible to Gram + antibiotics

• Penicillins, amoxicillin, macrolides, lincomycin, clindamycin, etc

• Causes enterotoxemia and death

What zoonotic disease are guinea pigs susceptible to?

M. Tuberculosis

(T/F)

Guinea pigs have a high incidence of anaphylaxis

True

What is the reproductive style of guinea pigs? Estrous cycle length? Gestation length? What is the age of puberty for females and what important topic is noted for breeding?

1. Continually polyestrous

2. Estrous = 15-17 days

3. Gestation = 59-72 days

4. Age of puberty for females = 2-3 months

• Breed before 7 months of age to prevent pelvic symphasis fusion!

(T/F)

Guinea pig young are born precocial (haired, later stage of development)

True

What age do male guinea pigs experience puberty? What is a fun fact about their testicles?

1. Puberty: 3-4 months

2. Testicles can retract into abdomen

(T/F)

Guinea pigs are susceptible to excessive heat and humidity

True

• Temp - 68-79

• Humidity = 30-70%

What upper respiratory disease are guinea pigs susceptible to that other animals like dogs and cats can carry? What is a common injury associated with guinea pig cages? Do they need to hide?

1. Bordetella bronchiseptica

2. Broken legs from wire bottom cages

3. Need hiding place

What are water and food requirements for guinea pigs?

Water = 10mL/100g weight

Food = 6g/100g weight

What 4 methods of blood collection require anesthesia in a guinea pig? What are a couple different options without anesthesia?

1. Cephalic/saphenous veins

2. Cranial vena cava

3. Femoral artery/vein

4. Cardiac

Other:

1. Toenail clip

2. Marginal ear vein

3. Gingival vein

Concerning guinea pigs, where can SQ, IM, and IV injections go? What needs to be given IP?

SQ:

• Skin over dorsum is thick, large needles

IM:

• Quadriceps

• Lumbar

IV:

• Jugular catheter

• Cephalic/saphenous veins

IP:

• Anesthetics

• Irritating substances

What are the most common guinea pig surgeries? What volatile anesthetic cannot be used?

1. Castration

2. Cesarean

• Halothane is associated w/ liver necrosis!

What are 2 methods for guinea pig euthanasia?

1. IV/IP

2. Prefilled 70% CO2 chamber

What are the 2 most important causes of respiratory disease in guinea pigs?

1. Bordetella bronchiseptica (Gram -) (bacteria)

2. Streptococcus pneumoniae (Gram +) (bacteria)

• Horizontal transmission, contamination, exposure to carriers (guinea pigs, cats, dogs, rabbits)

What is lumps in guinea pigs?

Streptococcus zooepidemicus (cervical lymphadenitis) (bacteria)

• Gram +

• Transmitted via bites/trauma to mouth

• Swollen lymphs, abscessation/rupture

What is the scientific name for Salmonella in guinea pigs? Clinical signs?

Salmonella typhymurium/S. Enteritidis (bacteria)

• Transmitted via contaminated food/water, fresh veg

• Acute and fatal septicemia, anorexia, loose stool

• Usually die and are not carriers

• ZOONOTIC

What is guinea pig inclusion conjunctivitis?

Chlamydiaphilia psittaci (bacteria)

• Transmitted via aerosol/direct, adults are carriers (endemic in colony)

• Young pigs have reddened eyes, serous-purulent discharge, and photophobia

What is Tyzzer’s disease in guinea pigs?

Clostridium pilliforme (bacteria)

• Transmission via contaminated food/water

• Acute death, watery diarrhea, rough hair

• Necropsy reveals necrotic foci in liver, necrotic intestines

What is the herpesvirus of guinea pigs? What virus can cause leukemia?

1. Cytomegalovirus (CMV)

• Not same as humans

• Clinical signs not apparent

2. Cavian Leukemia Virus

• Vertical in-utero transmission

• Lymphosarcoma, leukemia

What 2 parasitic diseases of guinea pigs are potentially zoonotic?

1. Trixacaurs cavaie

• Sarcoptic mite

2. Cryptosporidium wrairi

• GIT disease in juveniles