Special Procedures

Survival Surgery - AWA regulations require that survival surgeries be performed using aseptic techniques, and in non-rodent species the procedure must be done in a dedicated surgical facility. Investigators performing survival surgery must identify where this will take place. Individuals performing these procedures must be appropriately trained to perform them. Survival surgery can either be major or minor.

Major survival surgery penetrates and exposes a body cavity or produces substantial impairment of physical or physiologic functions. Minor survival surgery does not expose a major body cavity and causes little or no physical impairment. Federal regulations permit only one major survival surgery, except when scientifically justified and approved by the IACUC.

Multiple Surgical Procedures

1. The nature of the protocol requires it to achieve the desired physical or physiological effect.
2. There is no other alternative available.
3. The surgical procedure is needed to create the animal model.
4. Sufficient time between surgeries is allowed for proper recovery.
5. Written scientific justification is provided to the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) and approved.

Oocyte Removal (Multiple surgery) from Frogs  Multiple surgeries for frog oocyte removal may be approved by the IACUC provided there is adequate scientific justification. Survival surgery in frogs requires aseptic techniques including sterile instruments and gloves (sterile skin preparation is not appropriate). The committee recommends a maximum of four surgeries per frog – three survival surgeries plus one non-survival surgery (limited to 2 surgeries per side of frog) to minimize the distress experienced by any individual frog. There should be a minimum of two weeks between surgeries. If the investigator requires more than four surgeries, further justification must be provided.

Ether Use -  Its flammable and explosive properties make it hazardous to use, and the irritant properties of ether make anesthetic induction unpleasant for the animal and can produce coughing, copious bronchial and salivary secretions and occasionally, laryngospasms. For the safety of personnel and animals the use of ether is unacceptable.

Picric Acid -  Picnic acids explosive nature is among the most hazardous substances found in the laboratories and is toxic by all routes of entry (i.e., inhalation, ingestion, dermal), it's also a skin irritant and allergen and will produce toxic products on decomposition. For the safety of personnel and animals the use of picric acid is unacceptable. 

Death as an Endpoint - The use of death as an endpoint in animal experiments at MCG is strongly discouraged.  Legal, regulatory, and moral guidelines require that animal pain and distress be minimized in any experiment.  For these reasons, investigators are encouraged to euthanize animals prior to the actual death of the animal if experimental validity will not be compromised.

Rodent Enrichment - Enrichment refers to the ways the animals' behavioral needs can be met, including both physical and psychological well-being.  The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals recommends the enhancement of structural and social environments and the promotion of species-typical behavior to improve the well being of animals. It is our fundamental belief that researchers should strive for achieving quality in the lives of rats and mice.  There should be optimum standards, not minimum standards, therefore investigators who must singly house animals and feel that enrichment materials may confound their research objectives must provide scientific justification. 

Ascites Fluid Collection

PHS Policy requires the following information if experiments involve the mouse ascites method to produce antibodies:

• A description of the ascites production and collection.  Include frequencies of collection, method of collection and total number of abdominal taps;
• a scientific justification for using the ascites method
• Alternative methods you have considered that would avoid or minimize distress, discomfort and pain (including in vitro methods) and your reasons for concluding that those methods are unsuitable.  Information about alternative methods are available in the LAS office.
• Accumulation of fluid in the peritoneal cavity causes abdominal distention, discomfort and in extreme cases may even cause respiratory distress.  The investigator must tap the excess fluid frequently enough to minimize this distention.
• The animals must be observed at least three times per week for the first week after injection of the tumor cells.  Afterwards, they must be observed daily by the investigators staff.  The ascites must be drained before it becomes excessive and before respiratory distress is evident.

Ascites fluid may be collected with an 18-22 gauge hypodermic needle.  Anesthesia is not normally required if those performing the collection are experienced.  The animals should be anesthetized if new personnel are being trained.
 

Copyright 2003
Medical College of Georgia
All rights reserved.

Institutional Animal and Care Use Committee/Medical College of Georgia
Please email comments, suggestions or questions to:
IACUC@mcg.edu