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Questions and Answers
What should be the primary approach when handling a guinea pig to avoid frightening the animal?
What should be the primary approach when handling a guinea pig to avoid frightening the animal?
How are intraperitoneal injections administered to a guinea pig?
How are intraperitoneal injections administered to a guinea pig?
What is the recommended method for restraining a rabbit during injection?
What is the recommended method for restraining a rabbit during injection?
Which of the following describes the ideal way to approach a rabbit?
Which of the following describes the ideal way to approach a rabbit?
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When restraining a rabbit, where should the handler’s hand be positioned?
When restraining a rabbit, where should the handler’s hand be positioned?
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What is the primary reason for using the intramuscular route of injection?
What is the primary reason for using the intramuscular route of injection?
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What is the correct method for restraining a mouse for injection?
What is the correct method for restraining a mouse for injection?
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Which site is most suitable for subcutaneous injections?
Which site is most suitable for subcutaneous injections?
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Where should intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections be administered in mice?
Where should intraperitoneal (i.p.) injections be administered in mice?
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For intravenous injections in rabbits, where should the injection be made?
For intravenous injections in rabbits, where should the injection be made?
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What is a common use for intradermal injections?
What is a common use for intradermal injections?
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What technique should be used to handle and restrain a rat to prevent bites?
What technique should be used to handle and restrain a rat to prevent bites?
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Why is it important to use a small needle and volume for injections in mice?
Why is it important to use a small needle and volume for injections in mice?
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Why should handlers never restrain gerbils by the tail?
Why should handlers never restrain gerbils by the tail?
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How should a hamster be initially restrained for handling?
How should a hamster be initially restrained for handling?
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Which injection type is administered into the scruff of the neck?
Which injection type is administered into the scruff of the neck?
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What should be done before attempting to restrain a gerbil?
What should be done before attempting to restrain a gerbil?
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What should a handler do if a mouse attempts to jump away during handling?
What should a handler do if a mouse attempts to jump away during handling?
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What is the primary reason for being cautious when handling mice?
What is the primary reason for being cautious when handling mice?
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What is a key consideration when injecting small mammals?
What is a key consideration when injecting small mammals?
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What area is appropriate for intramuscular injections in mice?
What area is appropriate for intramuscular injections in mice?
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What is the primary consideration when handling animals in a laboratory setting?
What is the primary consideration when handling animals in a laboratory setting?
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Which principle is NOT recommended for animal handling?
Which principle is NOT recommended for animal handling?
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What technique should be employed to minimize stress for the animal before handling?
What technique should be employed to minimize stress for the animal before handling?
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What is the recommended method for drug administration primarily used to study chronic effects?
What is the recommended method for drug administration primarily used to study chronic effects?
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Which of the following is a common route for drug administration in laboratory animals?
Which of the following is a common route for drug administration in laboratory animals?
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What should be avoided when administering drugs through oral administration?
What should be avoided when administering drugs through oral administration?
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When performing intraperitoneal injections, where should the needle NOT be injected?
When performing intraperitoneal injections, where should the needle NOT be injected?
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What is a critical aspect of animal handling that helps prevent injuries to both the animal and the handler?
What is a critical aspect of animal handling that helps prevent injuries to both the animal and the handler?
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Study Notes
Animal Handling Protocol
- The primary concern in handling animals is their welfare.
- Handling techniques for small mammals vary slightly by species, but general principles remain consistent.
- A firm yet gentle approach is recommended when handling all small mammals.
- This protocol outlines techniques for handling rodents, rabbits, and ferrets.
- These techniques help minimize stress in animals and the risk of injuries to the handler.
- Animals should be aware of the handler's presence before restraint, especially if asleep, to minimize stress and injury risk.
General Principles
- Wear gloves and a laboratory coat.
- Acclimate animals for 3–6 days before experimentation.
- Be familiar with animal handling procedures.
- Avoid making noise around the animals.
- Handle animals gently but firmly.
- Use an assistant if needed.
- Return animals to their cages immediately after handling.
Drug Administration Techniques
- Oral: Primarily for studying chronic drug effects. Occasionally for immediate effects. Used in rats and mice, employing a feeding needle slowly pushed into the mouth.
- Intraperitoneal (I.P.): Commonly used in laboratories. The needle is inserted firmly into the abdominal cavity. Avoid injecting in the liver, spleen, intestine, and urinary bladder.
- Intramuscular (I.M.): The drug is directly injected into the muscle mass, allowing for a wider distribution. Used for prolonged effect and commonly injected into thigh or buttock muscles.
- Subcutaneous (S.C.): Used with non-irritating drugs, commonly injected into loose skin, particularly in the back.
- Intravenous (I.V.): Injection varies by species. In rabbits, the marginal vein of the ear is a common site.
- Intradermal: Small volumes of drugs (0.1–0.25ml) are directly injected under the skin. This method is often used for sensitivity tests and in some animals to inject drugs that are injected within the skin.
Handling and Restraint
- Gerbils: Remove exercise wheels, cover structures, and other cage furnishings before handling gerbils to improve animal control. Never restrain gerbils by their tails. Use one or two hands to cup the gerbil
- Hamsters: Place the animal in the palm of one hand. Restraint by the scruff starting with the skin near the front of the shoulders is also an option. The scruff can be grasped between the thumb and index finger while maintaining grip on the tail.
- Rats: Gently grasp the animal by its shoulders. Place a thumb under the jaw to prevent bites and support hind limbs appropriately. Restraint should be firm but not tight.
- Mice: Place the animal on a surface (e.g., cage top). Gentle traction on the tail allows the mouse to grip the surface; grasp mice by the tail (preferably the proximal third) and lift clear of the cage.
- Guinea Pigs: Handle quickly and smoothly to prevent fright. Place the thumb underneath the jaw and support the hindquarters with the other hand.
- Rabbits: Approach rabbits calmly and confidently; rabbits are susceptible to stress. Firmly restrain the rabbit by the scruff with the other hand positioned to support the hindquarters. The rabbit's head can be tucked under the handler's arm, and the back and hindquarters supported by the handler's arms. Rabbits may also be restrained by wrapping using a drape or towel
Additional Points
- Small needles and volumes are essential for subcutaneous, intramuscular, and intraperitoneal injections.
- Care must be taken in handling small animals due to their reduced size and vulnerability to injury, especially when handling during injections.
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Description
Test your knowledge on animal handling protocols, focusing on the welfare of small mammals such as rodents, rabbits, and ferrets. Learn the essential techniques to minimize stress and ensure safety for both animals and handlers. This quiz covers handling methods, acclimation, and drug administration techniques.
