3.4.1.9 Veterinary interventions during the study
A. Background & Definitions
Research animals may need veterinary intervention during the study, either because of the effects of the experiment itself, or due other causes such as accidents, aggression with conspecifics, or natural disease. Any compound used in these cases may impact the study. As discussed under item # 7, communication between veterinarian and Principal Investigator (PI) is essential, as ideally, the course of action should be coordinated between both, ensuring the effectiveness of the treatment and minimizing the impact on the research objectives.
B. Guidance & Expectations
The following topics must be recorded:
- Veterinary interventions (date, cause, course of action) and drugs used (e.g. analgesics, anesthetics, antibiotics, etc)
PLEASE DO NOT FORGET
- To maintain an effective communication channel with the veterinarian and animal care personnel, for which emergency contact details for both research and veterinary teams must be available at all times
- To evaluate the potential effects of the treatment on the outcome of the study
C. Resources
Template to describe information related to animal care and use (all items covered by Section 3.4.1) - 3.4.1 Animal care and use.docx
ARRIVE guidelines 2019 for reporting animal research
Online and other available guidance:
- Chapter 4 of the Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, NRC 2011. [1]
- Recognition and Alleviation of Pain in Laboratory Animals, NRC 2009. [2]
back to toolbox
Next item: 3.4.1.10 Surgical procedures