Rabbit as an Animal Model for Research

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Questions and Answers

What should researchers be familiar with when using rabbits as an animal model?

Local veterinary practices

Dietary restrictions

Breeding cycles

Experimental protocols (correct)

Why might experimentation on rabbits present challenges?

They require specialized diets

Rabbits are not widely available

They are very expensive to maintain

There are many pitfalls in handling them (correct)

Which level do rabbits rank among other animals for suitability in testing implantation of materials?

Second level

First level

Third level (correct)

Fourth level

What is the primary goal in selecting an animal model for research?

To find a model that approximates human conditions Signup and view all the answers

Which other animals are deemed suitable for implantation material testing along with rabbits?

Sheep and goats Signup and view all the answers

What is one of the essential considerations when performing research on animal models?

Background knowledge of the target species Signup and view all the answers

What should be done to the region before any surgical procedure?

Shaved and antiseptic applied Signup and view all the answers

What effect does combining xylazine with ketamine have during anesthesia?

Increased muscle relaxation and visceral analgesia Signup and view all the answers

What is the primary reason for administering analgesics to rabbits during major surgeries?

To prevent excessive pain, shock, and potential death Signup and view all the answers

What is a potential effect of analgesic agents on rabbits?

Altered gastrointestinal motility Signup and view all the answers

What method can be used to administer Ibugesic Plus syrup to a rabbit?

Holding a dropper near their mouth for them to suck Signup and view all the answers

Which local anesthetic can be given around the wound as a first dose for pain management?

Bupivacaine Signup and view all the answers

What is the recommended antibiotic for rabbits after surgery?

Enrofloxacin Signup and view all the answers

What behavior might indicate a rabbit is experiencing gastrointestinal stasis?

Lethargy and quiet behavior Signup and view all the answers

Which factor is NOT a likely cause of gastrointestinal stasis in rabbits?

Change of diet Signup and view all the answers

What is the consequence of using amoxicillin in rabbits?

It can lead to fatal diarrhea. Signup and view all the answers

What characteristic of rabbits makes them easy to handle during studies?

They are docile and non-aggressive Signup and view all the answers

What advantage do rabbits possess over larger animals in research?

They are economical to breed Signup and view all the answers

What is one key reason for using rabbits before testing implant materials in larger animal models?

They are under the small animal category Signup and view all the answers

Which strain of rabbits is commonly used in research activities?

New Zealand white strains Signup and view all the answers

Study Notes

Rabbit as an Animal Model for Experimental Research

Animal experimentation requires understanding of protocols specific to each animal model to ensure study design is appropriate.
Rabbits are frequently used for screening implant materials, preferred for their unique advantages despite being ideally suited for preliminary testing before larger animal models.

Importance of Appropriate Animal Models

Animal models should be phylogenetically similar to humans to yield more relevant research outcomes.
Various species are ranked based on their suitability for research; dogs, sheep, goats, and pigs are at the first level, while rabbits are ranked third.

Advantages of Using Rabbits

Rabbits are docile, non-aggressive, and easy to handle, making observation manageable.
Economically viable and widely bred compared to larger animals, reducing overall research costs.
Short vital cycles lead to quicker experimental results involving gestation, lactation, and puberty.
Classified as small animals, their use falls under local ethical control, simplifying the approval process versus larger animals requiring central committee clearance.
Rabbit anatomy allows for sufficient space for implant placement, facilitating investigations using larger implant sizes.

Surgical Procedures and Anesthesia

Xylazine is commonly used as an anesthetic adjunct in combination with ketamine for improved muscle relaxation and analgesia; dosage does not necessitate linear increase to achieve sedation.
Careful anatomical consideration is essential to avoid damaging ligaments and nerves during surgical procedures.

Postoperative Care and Management

Pain management protocols are crucial; analgesics like butorphanol and buprenorphine are typically administered post-surgery.
Monitoring for gastrointestinal motility is critical as anesthesia can hinder peristalsis, leading to gastrointestinal stasis or ileus, a major cause of mortality.
Sutures may be at risk due to rabbits’ tendency to chew on them; polymers such as RHealex can be applied post-surgery for wound protection.

Behavioral Observations Post-Anesthesia

Rabbits may exhibit quiet and lethargic behavior following anesthesia, indicating potential pain, medication effects, or general recovery needs.
Awareness of behavioral changes can indicate issues like gastrointestinal stasis due to factors such as stress or environment changes, which can lead to serious health crises.

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Description

Explore the unique advantages of using rabbits in experimental research. This quiz covers the importance of choosing appropriate animal models, their ranking among species, and the benefits rabbits provide in terms of handling and cost-effectiveness.