AALAS Continuing Education &AALAS Continuing Education...

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and FacilitiesUse Program and Facilities

AALAS Continuing Education &AALAS Continuing Education & Professional Development Series

• ALAT Ch. 21 – Rabbits• ALAT Ch 22 – CatsALAT Ch. 22 Cats• LATG Ch. 13 – Common Diseases

Dan Domer, DVM

4/28/10

RabbitsRabbits

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsAmerican Fuzzy Lop

American English Angora

www.arba.net

DutchNetherland Dwarf

American SableTan

American Chinchilla Dwarf Hotot Californian

Flemish Giant LilacFlorida White

Checkered GiantEnglish Lop

PalominoSatin

Silver

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and FacilitiesCinnamon

Rhinelander

RabbitsRabbits

• Oryctolagus cuniculiOryctolagus cuniculi• Breeds

– New Zealand WhiteNew Zealand White– Dutch Belted

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• Uses in researchUses in research– Atherosclerosis

Ophthalmology– Ophthalmology– Antibody production

Cancer models– Cancer models– Infectious disease

Di b t llit– Diabetes mellitus

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• AnatomyAnatomy– Ears

• Vascular• Thermoregulation

– TeethPeg teeth• Peg teeth

• Hypsodont– All teeth grow throughout life

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• AnatomyAnatomy– Skeleton vs. muscle

• Broken backs• Broken backs– Toenails

• Wild vs LaboratoryWild vs. Laboratory– Feces

• PelletsPellets• Night feces

– Vitamin B, protein

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

– “Coprophagy”

RabbitsRabbits

• AnatomyAnatomy– Urine

• Yellow to red-brown• Yellow to red-brown• Cloudy

– Intestinal bacteriaIntestinal bacteria• Transportation

stress• Diet change• antibiotics

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• ReproductionReproduction– Does

• Narrow head• Narrow head• Large dewlap• Sexingg• Induced ovulation

– Bucks• Large head• No dewlap

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

Male

Vent

V t

Female

Vent

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• ReproductionReproduction– Mating

• Doe goes to buck’s cage• Doe goes to buck s cage– Kits

• sexingsexing

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• ReproductionReproduction– Nesting

• Doe pulls her own fur to make a soft, warm bed for kits

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• RestraintRestraint– Watch the BACK and EARS!

Scruff the nape of the neck– Scruff the nape of the neck– Support the hind end

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• RestraintRestraint– Devices

• Restrainers• Restrainers• Restraint bags/cat

bags

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• BehaviorBehavior– Active

Curious– Curious– Chew cage cards

Posture– Posture• Even weight distribution• Stretch when warm• Stretch when warm

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• BehaviorBehavior– Cage protection/aggression

• Foot stomping• Foot stomping• Rearing and charging• Vocalization and urination• Actions to take:

– Toss a towel on the rabbitMi h d 2 d l» Might need a 2nd towel

– Gently take the rabbit from the cage

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• Signs of pain distress illnessSigns of pain, distress, illness– Subtle (prey animal)

Anorexia– Anorexia– Lethargy

Tooth grinding– Tooth grinding– Vocalizations

P l b– Pale mucous membranes

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• HusbandryHusbandry– 61˚-72 ˚F

• Less fur shedding• Less fur shedding– Air filters– Room cleaning– Hairballs

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• HusbandryHusbandry– Single housing

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• HusbandryHusbandry– Group housing for females or juvenile

malesmales

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• HusbandryHusbandry– Change pans under cages 3+/week

• Dried minerals “urine scale"• Dried minerals urine scale– Clean racks every 1-2 weeks

Monitor urine and feces– Monitor urine and feces– Dump old feed before adding new feed

Feed according to rabbits’ weights– Feed according to rabbits weights

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• HusbandryHusbandry– Diet

• pelleted feed• Fiber -- hay

– WaterIf the don’t drink the don’t eat• If they don’t drink, they don’t eat

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• Enrichment!Enrichment!– Carrots, kale, broccoli, other vegetables,

fruitfruit

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• Enrichment!Enrichment!– Plastic balls

Metal pendants on chains– Metal pendants on chains– Nylon chew bones

Group housing– Group housing

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• DiseasesDiseases– Pasteurellosis

• Pasteurella multocida• Pasteurella multocida• Common• Some rabbits are carriers• Spread by aerosol or contact

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• DiseasesDiseases– Pasteurellosis

• Symptoms– Discharge from nose &

eyes– Head tilt– Genital infection– Abscess

• Antibiotic success may be limited

• Prevention– Buy from Pasteurella-free

d

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

vendors

RabbitsRabbits

• DiseasesDiseases– Trichobezoar (hairball)

• Common usually asymptomatic• Common, usually asymptomatic• Cause

– too much grooming, not enough fiber?

• If causes obstruction, results in:– Anorexia

Depression– Depression– Possible death from starvation and metabolic

disturbance

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• DiseasesDiseases– Trichobezoar

• Treatment• Treatment– Mineral oil– Laxative– Roughage (fiber)– Surgery

• PreventionPrevention– More fiber

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

RabbitsRabbits

• DiseasesDiseases– Ectoparasites

• Ear mites• Ear mites– Psoroptes cuniculi

• Fleas• Fur mites

– Cheyletiella parasitovoraxListrophorus gibbus– Listrophorus gibbus

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: In a rabbit what is the mostQ: In a rabbit, what is the most common injury related to poor restraint?restraint?

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: In a rabbit what is the mostQ: In a rabbit, what is the most common injury related to poor restraint?restraint?

A A b k b k ( t th 6th d 7th• A: A broken back (at the 6th and 7th

lumbar vertebrae)

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: Which of the following is NOTQ: Which of the following is NOT associated with Pasteurellosis?

A head tilt– A. head tilt– B. nose discharge

C lameness– C. lameness– D. genital discharge

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: Which of the following is NOTQ: Which of the following is NOT associated with Pasteurellosis?

A head tilt– A. head tilt– B. nose discharge

C lameness– C. lameness– D. genital discharge

A• A:– C. lameness

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

Cats (Felis cattus)Cats (Felis cattus)

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• AnatomyAnatomy– Muscular

Agile– Agile

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• AnatomyAnatomy– Retractable

clawsclaws– Purring– Male urine odor– Male urine odor

• May persist after neuteringg

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• ReproductionReproduction– Tom

• Penis scrotum• Penis, scrotum– Queen

• VulvaVulva• Polyestrous• Induced ovulation

– Kittens• Anogenital distance

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• ReproductionReproduction– Mating

• Paired• Paired• Harem

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• ReproductionReproduction– Neuter or Spay if not breeding

• Decreased• Decreased– Spraying urine– Aggressiveness– Unwanted pregnancy– Pyometra

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• RestraintRestraint– Reassurance

• Be slow and gentle• Be slow and gentle• Acclimation can help

– Minimal restraint can be bestMinimal restraint can be best• Depends on the procedure• Assess the cat

– If agitated, may be best to wait

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• Cat bitesCat bites– Long, narrow teeth +

bacteria = infectionbacteria infection– The wound

• Clean immediatelyClean immediately• Get medical treatment

immediately

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• RestraintRestraint– Use the scruff

Lift cat while supporting hind end with– Lift cat while supporting hind end with other hand

– Gradually hold hindlimbs with thumb– Gradually hold hindlimbs with thumb and middle finger, with index finger in between

– Hold upright, facing away

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• RestraintRestraint

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• RestraintRestraint– Carrying

• Hold scruff with one hand• Hold scruff with one hand• Support cat’s chest and hind end with other

hand and arm• Hold against your hip by using elbow• Heavy gloves may be necessary for

ti tuncooperative cats• Towels can help!

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• RestraintRestraint– Canvas or Nylon bags

• zippered• zippered

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• BehaviorBehavior– Consistency is important

• People• People• Surroundings

– Fearful catsFearful cats• Crouching in back of cage• Ears pinned backp• Caution!

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• Signs of pain distress or illnessSigns of pain, distress, or illness– Unusually quiet

Stiff posture– Stiff posture– Cry, growl, hiss

Isolation from group– Isolation from group– Hunched posture

Li i– Limping– CAUTION!

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• HusbandryHusbandry– Cages

• Resting board• Litter pan

– Group housing• Various resting areas• Various resting areas• Depends on personality

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• HusbandryHusbandry– Litter pans

• Clean daily• Clean daily• May need more if urinating outside pan• Check the urine in or out of the box

– Blood? (may be infected)– Is urine present? (male obstruction)

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• DietDiet– Cats are finicky

• Variety is good• Variety is good– Flavor– Texture

– Moisture content• Dry (10-12% moisture)• Semi-moist (20-25% moisture)• Canned (70-78% moisture)

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• WaterWater– Open bowls (most common)

• Clean daily• Clean daily– Other options

• BottleBottle• Automatic water system

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• Enrichment!Enrichment!– Platforms

Shelves– Shelves– Ropes

Climbing poles– Climbing poles– Scratching

postsposts– Toys

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• Enrichment!Enrichment!– Socialized, group-housed cats

• They enjoy the socialized life• They enjoy the socialized life– Individually-housed cats

• Should still see/hear/smell other catsShould still see/hear/smell other cats

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

CatsCats

• DiseasesDiseases– Otitis Externa

• Symptoms– Head shaking– Scratching/rubbing– Ear wax

• Causes– Mites– Bacteria– Yeast

• Treatment– Clean

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

– Medicate

CatsCats

• DiseasesDiseases– Feline respiratory

complex• Symptoms

– Sneezing– Rhinitis– Conjunctivitis– Oral ulceration

• Most common causes (80-90%)

– Feline herpesvirus (viral rhinotracheitis)

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

– Feline calicivirus

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: True or False?Q: True or False?– Cats respond best when approached

gradually and gentlygradually and gently.

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: True or False?Q: True or False?– Cats respond best when approached

gradually and gentlygradually and gently.• A: True.

Gradual approach and gentle handling– Gradual approach and gentle handling, especially by a familiar person, can help things go smoothlythings go smoothly.

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: True or False?Q: True or False?– Cat urine output should be checked

twice weeklytwice weekly.

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

QuestionsQuestions

• Q: True or False?Q: True or False?– Cat urine output should be checked

twice weeklytwice weekly.• A: False.

It’s important to check urine daily for– It s important to check urine daily for detection of possible infection or obstructionobstruction.

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities

The EndThe End

Laboratory Animal Care and Use Program and Facilities