ALAT Chapter 32 Less Common Species Used in Research Dondrae Coble, DVM, DACLAM January 8, 2014
Outline Ferrets Horses Reptiles Other species
Ferrets
Research Uses Animal models Viral and respiratory diseases Dental research Birth defects Peptic ulcers Safety testing of drugs and chemicals Males are most often used as research animals Potential for persistent estrus in females
Taxonomy & Coloration Mustela putorius furo Order = Carnivora Fitch Albino
QUESTION Which of the following animals belong to the same family (Mustelidae) as ferrets? a. b. Otter Weasel c. Mink
Anatomy & Physiology Biological data
Anatomy & Physiology Body weight changes Weight loss during mating season (March to August) Weight gain during the fall
Anatomy & Physiology Musky odor Body temperature when sleeping
Sexing & Reproduction Match the following: Male ferret =? Female ferret =? Young ferret =? Choices = Kits, Hobs, Jills Induced ovulators (similar to rabbits) Hob Jill Kits
Handling & Restraint Regular handling is necessary Utilize caution w/ new shipments or jills w/ kits
Handling Techniques
Identification Methods Microchips Tattoos Ear Tags
Behavior Social and playful Prefer to be housed in groups or pairs Escape artists Unique behaviors Difficulty waking from sleep Shivering when awakening Vocalizations Kits make a cheeping sound when hungry Older ferrets chuckle or hiss when excited & screech when stressed
Pain, Distress, & Illness Arched back = normal Straight back = illness, neurological disease or fatigue
Husbandry & Diet Preferable temperature Between 13 C & 18 C (55 F & 65 F) Sensitive to heat Rooms should be < 27 C (80 F) Shed twice per year
Husbandry & Diet Cat or rabbit cages
Husbandry & Diet Bedding DO NOT use cedar or pine chips!!! Respiratory tract irritation Non-aromatic wood chips are acceptable.
Husbandry & Diet High protein diet (>35%) Short digestive tract (must eat frequently) Hypoglycemia (low blood glucose) is possible with fasting or restriction Susceptible to hairballs
Enrichment Tubes, boxes, & paper bags
Euthanasia Sedation or anesthesia followed by a barbiturate Death must be verified
Horses
Taxonomy & Research Uses Equus caballus = scientific name Blood collection Serums, antiserums, & antitoxins Exercise and reproductive physiology Racetrack horse medicine
Regulatory Oversight No regulatory oversight for horses typically used in agricultural practices Horses in biomedical research are covered under AWA and AWR, & PHS policy IACUC approval is required The Ag Guide provides recommendations for the care of horses
Anatomy & Physiology Herbivores Small stomach but lengthy intestinal tract CANNOT vomit Unable to see directly in front or back Excellent hearing
Question Match the following: Female horse of breeding age =? Non-castrated male of breeding age =? Castrated male =? Male or female horse <1 year of age =? Choices= Gelding, Foal, Mare, Stallion
Sexing & Reproduction Seasonally polyestrous Estrous cycles every 21 days during part of the year (usually late fall) Controlled by length of daylight Shorter days = nonsexual receptive stage (anestrous)
Handling & Restraint Utilize caution!!! Prone to kick
Handling & Restraint Initial approach at a 45 angle at either shoulder (preferably the left side) Maintain constant physical contact Stand on the same side of the horse performing research manipulations Chemical restraint can be used if approved by the veterinarian
Identification Tag, collar, tattoo, microchip, freeze or heat brand
Behavior Group of horses = herd Social hierarchy Dominated by an older mare (except breeding season) Nonaggressive but frighten easily Disposition is detectable by head carriage, ear position, and eye appearance
Pain, Distress, or Illness Loss of appetite Isolation from the herd Bellowing or grunting noises Repeatedly getting up and down Discharge from the eyes, nose, or genital region Changes in defecation & urination
Husbandry & Diet Stalls or crates Allow visual and auditory contact with other horses Contact bedding (straw or shavings) Horses kept indoors Sufficient ventilation Opportunity for exercise The Ag Guide has specific exercise recommendations Horses kept outdoors Access for shelter from weather extremes
Husbandry & Diet Frequent small feedings Mature horses can remain on grass or hay alone Concentrated feed (grain) is necessary in cold weather
Environmental Enrichment Group housing Human contact Food treats
Euthanasia IV injection of barbiturates IV injection potassium chloride w/ general anesthesia Penetrating captive bolt by trained personnel
Reptiles
Taxonomy & Research Uses Class = Reptilia (tortoises, turtles, crocodiles, alligators, snakes, & lizards) Pharmacology (snake venom enzymes) Anatomical studies (fangs) Comparative physiology studies (adaptations from cold and dry to hot and humid) Research is covered by the PHS Policy and the Guide
Question Does OSU currently have protocols utilizing animals under the class Reptilia?
Anatomy & Physiology Ectothermic Warmth obtained from an external source
Anatomy & Physiology Born alive or hatch from an egg Scales, keratinized ridges or a shell Skin is shed Sickness or inadequate humidity can cause shedding problems Cloaca Birds and amphibians
Sexing and Reproduction Male vs. Female??? Often difficult Turtles may have different markings
Handling and Restraint Snakes Hook Venomous must be posted
Handling and Restraint Lizards Monitor for breathing difficulty when grasping small lizards Do not grasp by the tail alone
Handling and Restraint Turtles can be picked up by the shell Except for snapping and soft-shell turtles
Identification Photographs Natural markings Ventral scale clipping Shell notching Microchips
Pain, Distress, or Illness Potential causes of distress: Excess handling, improper temp., humidity, or lighting, overcrowding, unsanitary conditions, or lack of a hiding place. Poor appetite can be an indication of distress Salmonella is common Hand washing after handling is recommended
Husbandry & Diet Species dependent Cages, temperature, humidity, lighting Cages should not be placed near air ducts because of potential desiccation! Some species require UV light radiation Snakes require a minimum of 1 square meter of space per meter of animal length Hiding places should be provided Regularly washed & autoclaved
Husbandry & Diet Butcher s wrap paper = a bedding of choice Floor covering should be 5 10 cm deep for burrowing species Diet varies based on species Snakes are carnivorous Technicians must monitor animals when feeding live rodents Most lizards are insectivorous Freshwater turtles are carnivorous
Enrichment Social housing is preferable for turtles
Euthanasia Overdose of barbiturates Inhalant anesthetics and CO2 are acceptable for appropriate species
Other Species
Questions???