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LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE - SERIES II
DOGS AND CATS:
Use in Research
V-9036
Jerald Silverman, DVM
Research Animal Facilities
Hahnemann University
Philadelphia, Pennsylvania
The Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science - Series II - has been developed by the Autotutorial
Committee of the
American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM): C. W. McPherson, DVM, Chair;
J. E. Harkness, DVM; J. F. Harwell, Jr., DVM; J. M. Linn, DVM; B. J. McGough, BS Medical
Communication; A. F. Moreland, DVM; G. L. Van Hoosier, Jr., DVM.
Instructional development and production assistance provided by Barbara Macfadden, BA.
The development of these programs is supported by a grant from the US Department of
Agriculture:National Agricultural Library grant 59-32U4-9-45
Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science - Series II
is produced through the
Health Sciences Center for Educational Resources
University of Washington
2 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
PRIMARY AUDIENCE Investigators and research technicians using dogs or
cats in research.
SECONDARY AUDIENCE Veterinarians and animal care technicians responsible for the
care of laboratory dogs or cats.
GOAL Introduce the viewer to the basics of the care and use of dogs
and cats in research.
OBJECTIVES Upon completion of the program you should be able to:
1. Understand the differences between random,
conditioned, and purpose-bred dogs and cats and their uses in
biomedical research.
2. Understand the basic concepts of the husbandry of dogs
and cats, particularly as influenced by laws and regulations.
3. Understand basic concepts of disease prevention and
recognition in dogs and cats.
4. Give examples of basic handling and techniques using
laboratory dogs and cats.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 3
1. Series Laboratory Animal Medicine and Science - Series II
2. Program title DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research
3. Objectives Upon completion of the program you should be able to:
understand the differences between random, conditioned, and
purpose-bred dogs and cats.
understand the basic concepts of the husbandry of dogs and
cats.
understand the basic concepts of disease prevention and
recognition.
give examples of basic handling and techniques in the laboratory
setting.
4. Section title USE IN RESEARCH
5. Giving pill to dog
The use of dogs and cats in biomedical research has
led to significant achievements in our knowledge of the
normal functioning of the mammalian body. When
used as animal models of human diseases, they have
also led to important advances in the prevention,
diagnosis, and treatment of human medical problems.
6. Uses of dogs Dogs are used in toxicological safety evaluation, cardiovascular
studies, surgical research, and many other research activities. As
animal models of human diseases, they have been used for studying
conditions such as cyclic neutropenia, glaucoma, diabetes, and
muscular dystrophy.
7. Uses of cats
Cats are frequently used for neurophysiological
research. They are also used to study toxoplasmosis,
spina bifida, leukemia, acquired immunodeficiency
syndrome, and other diseases.
4 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
8. Veterinary uses Dogs and cats are used in veterinary research to improve the health of
other animals. Almost all of the advances in clinical canine and feline
medicine, such as vaccines, surgical techniques, anesthesia
techniques, and new drugs, have come about from using laboratory
dogs and cats.
9. Annual use
This image shows the numbers of dogs and cats
used in research in 1990, compared with the
numbers used of other animals covered by the
federal Animal Welfare Act. In 1990, approximately
140,000 dogs and cats were used in the United
States for research, education, or product safety
evaluation. This is a third of the number used 15
years ago. In comparison, some 12 to 15 million dogs
and cats are euthanatized each year in animal
shelters and pounds (1).
10. Section title CATEGORIES OF DOGS AND CATS
Research dogs and cats can be placed into three general categories:
random source, conditioned, and purpose-bred.
11. Random source
Random source dogs and cats are commonly
acquired from pounds, shelters, or licensed dealers,
and their breeding and health background are
unknown. Purchasers of these animals must be
careful to ensure that the animals are legally owned
by the sellers. Although they are less expensive
initially, their breed diversity and unknown health
status can lead to disease outbreaks and poorly
reproducible research findings.
12. Uses for random source Random source animals, however, can be useful for
some short term studies, some non-survival studies, and for teaching
purposes.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 5
13. Conditioned
“Conditioned” is a general term signifying that a
random source animal has been given sufficient
veterinary and husbandry care to bring it to a status
that makes it suitable for long-term research, testing,
or education. Conditioning involves assessment of
the animal’s health status, as seen in this image,
veterinary medical care, and providing proper
nutrition and environment. Conditioning may occur at
the institution where the dog or cat will be used or at
the seller’s place of business. Conditioned dogs and
cats are usually more expensive to the investigator
than random-source animals; however, their
improved health status can lead to more reproducible
research results and a lessened risk of disease
outbreak and transmission.
14. Purpose-bred beagle
Purpose-bred dogs are those that are specifically bred
for biomedical research, most often by companies that
specialize in producing such animals. Purpose-bred
dogs can be either mixed breed or purebred. Purebred
animals have the advantage of uniform size, body
conformation, and genetic background. The beagle is a
popular purebred because of its relatively small size.
Prior to purchase by an investigator, purpose-bred
animals are usually given adequate medical care to
make them free of significant parasites and infectious
diseases. There are far fewer companies offering
purpose-bred cats.
15. Purpose-bred Purpose-bred dogs and cats are often expensive, may be less
socialized than other animals; and therefore, may require more work to
adapt them to a research setting. However, their uniform genetics,
known colony history, and improved health often make them superior
research animals.
16. Section title THE ANIMAL WELFARE ACT
The Animal Welfare Act regulates the care and use of dogs, cats, and
many other laboratory animals. It is administered by the U.S.
Department of Agriculture (USDA). Among the requirements of the
Animal Welfare Act are that dogs and cats be purchased from licensed
dealers or breeders, or be obtained from sources which are exempt
from licensing, such as city or county pounds. Dogs and cats
purchased from licensed dealers and breeders must be accompanied
by information that identifies each animal by breed, sex, weight, age,
color, and so forth.
6 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
17. Form 7006
USDA, Animal and Plant Health Inspection Service
(APHIS) Form 7006 is used to record identifying
details, although any form with the same information is
acceptable. (See Appendix.) A copy of this information
is retained by the purchaser. For all dogs and cats, the
purchaser must record this information, regardless of
the source of the animal.
18. Form 7001
Dogs and cats received from licensed dealers and
breeders must be accompanied by a health certificate,
signed no more than 10 days prior to arrival. APHIS
Form 7001 or other health certificate can be used. It
must indicate the animals are free of infectious
diseases or significant physical abnormalities. (See
Appendix.)
19. USDA tag
Each animal received from licensed dealers or
breeders must arrive with either an official USDA tag...
20. Ear tattoo
...or tattoo. At this time there is no directory of USDA-
approved tattoos. They are approved on a case-by-
case basis. In some instances, it may be difficult to
differentiate a USDA-approved tattoo from one used
in “house”, or one used to help recover lost animals.
Tattoos are most often found on the hairless part of
the ear or the inner surface of the thigh. Animal
facilities should check with the national tattoo
registries to assure that the animal is not one the
original owner is trying to recover.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 7
21. Form 7005
Accurate records must be kept that identify the animal,
indicate where and when it was acquired, and note its
ultimate disposition. APHIS Form 7005 or similar forms
can be used. (See Appendix.)
22. Cat floor space
Another of the Animal Welfare Act requirements
pertains to cage, pen, or run sizes. Each cat requires
at least 2-1/2 square feet (ca. .23 m2) of floor space.
23. 2/15/94
After February 15, 1994, cats weighing up to 4 kg will
require 3 square feet (ca. .3 m 2) of floor space, and 4
square feet (ca. .4 m2) if they weigh more than 4 kg. A
cage height requirement of at least 24 inches (ca. 61
cm) goes into effect at this time. The floor space is
exclusive of food and water pans; however, litter pans
can be included in the floor space.
24. Cat in cage
Cats must have an elevated resting perch. If a cat
cannot comfortably fit under the perch, then it is
considered as part of the floor space, and another
appropriate resting perch is required.
25. Dog floor space
8 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
The required square feet of floor space for dogs is
calculated by measuring the animal from the tip of its
nose to the base of its tail. Six inches is added to this
measurement, and the resulting number is squared
and divided by 144. In addition to required square
footage, space must permit the dog to turn about freely
and to stand, sit, and lie in a normal position.
26. Large dog cage
Dogs in legal-sized cages must be removed from their
cages and provided an opportunity to exercise. This
dog is in a cage that has more than twice the required
floor space. According to the Animal Welfare Act
regulations, the exercise requirement is waived when
the animals are housed in cages that are twice legal
size. Dogs in cages with less than twice the required
floor space must be provided with an opportunity to
exercise. Exercise is for a frequency and duration
approved by the attending veterinarian and the
institution's Animal Care and Use Committee, but
forced exercise is not acceptable. The requirement for
exercise can be modified for health or research needs,
but if modified for research needs, it must be justified
and approved by the Animal Care and Use Committee.
27. Group-housed dogs
Group-housed dogs need not be given the opportunity
for additional exercise, if they are kept in enclosures
that have the required floor space for each individual
animal. As long as there is adequate floor space, there
is no limit on the number of conditioned and
compatible animals that can be kept together.
However, only 12 nonconditioned dogs or cats can be
kept in one primary enclosure.
28. Technician walking dog
Dogs that are kept without sensory contact with other
dogs must be provided with daily positive physical
contact with humans. This contact should encourage
the exercise of the dog.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 9
29. Indoor facility
The recommended temperature for dogs and cats kept
exclusively indoors is between 65 and 85 F (18-29
Celsius), with a relative humidity of 30 to 70%. The
Animal Welfare Act does allow temperatures as low as
45 F (7 C) but for no more than 4 hours. Otherwise,
the temperature should not drop below 50 F or 10 C.
Temperatures above 85 F also cannot be exceeded
for more than 4 hours. The housing area must be
properly ventilated.
30. Outdoor facility
Most dogs commonly used in biomedical research can
be acclimated to outdoor housing in moderate
climates. There must be shelter available that can
comfortably house all of the animals in the primary
enclosure at the same time. Before housing animals
outdoors, it is advisable to consult with a veterinarian
experienced in housing laboratory animals.
31. Feeding dogs
Unless modified by experimental or medical needs,
dogs and cats must be fed an appropriate ration, at
least daily. Food containers must be sanitizable or
disposable. A mature dog eats approximately 20 to 40
g of dry dog food per kilogram of body weight. A
mature cat will consume approximately 150 g of food
per day.
32. Watering cats
Potable water must be provided at least twice daily in
sanitizable or disposable containers.
10 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
33. Cleaning runs
Primary enclosures, whether they are runs or cages,
must have excreta and food waste removed at least
daily. If runs containing dogs or cats are hosed down,
care must be taken not to wet the animals. Cages
must be sanitized at least every two weeks.
34. Ear protection
Ear protection for employees should be considered,
because the barking of dogs can potentially damage
one's hearing.
35. Section title BASIC EXAMINATION OF INCOMING ANIMALS
36. Examining hair coat
Upon arrival, each dog or cat should be given a brief
examination by a person who is familiar with the
appearance of a normal dog or cat. The coat should be
examined for general appearance, ectoparasites such
as fleas, or areas of hair loss which might indicate a
variety of disease conditions.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 11
37. Ear examination
The ears should be examined for abnormalities, such
as secretions or odors. The eyes, anus, nostrils, penis,
or vagina should also be examined for abnormalities.
38. Oral examination
Teeth and gums should be examined for any atypical
conditions.
39. Auscultation
It is desirable to auscultate the heart and lungs for
abnormal sounds. The animal's body temperature
should be measured. Any and all abnormal findings
should be brought to the attention of the attending
veterinarian.
40. Section title QUARANTINE AND CONDITIONING
Quarantining newly arrived animals helps prevent the spread of clinical
or subclinical diseases by early recognition and treatment. Newly
arrived dogs and cats should be quarantined in a separate area from
the other dogs and cats at a research facility until a conditioning period
is completed, or a veterinarian states that the animals can be
introduced to other experimental animals.
12 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
41. Length of quarantine The length of a quarantine period varies with the research needs,
the animal's health history, and whether or not laboratory tests will be
used to identify subclinical diseases before they appear clinically. As a
rule of thumb, most significant canine and feline diseases can be
detected either clinically or serologically during a 30-day quarantine
period. However, animals from known high quality sources may not
need to be quarantined as long.
42. Spraying
A dog or cat deemed acceptable after the basic
examination may still have to be conditioned. The
conditioning program takes place while the animal
remains quarantined. Although conditioning programs
may differ, topical treatment for ectoparasites is often
routinely performed.
43. Internal parasites Some commonly found internal parasites of dogs and
cats are roundworms, hookworms, whipworms,
tapeworms, and protozoa. Analyzing a fecal sample for
internal parasites is a standard conditioning practice. If
parasites are found, the animal is treated
appropriately.
44. Canine heartworms
A blood test for heartworms (Dirofilaria immitis) is
frequently performed, since the presence of
heartworms can be detrimental to animal health and to
many research projects. Heartworms are often found
in dogs, and there are medicines available to prevent
the canine disease. In rare cases, heartworms are
found in cats. Therefore, depending on research
needs, cats should also be tested for heartworms.
45. Virus testing
Feline leukemia virus and feline immunodeficiency
virus test kits are commercially available. Random
source cats are often tested for antibodies to these
viruses. Positive findings should be discussed with the
attending veterinarian.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 13
46. Brucellosis kit Many laboratories check dogs for canine brucellosis. Other diagnostic
procedures that
can be performed as required are complete blood counts, serum
biochemical determinations, and fecal cultures.
47. Vaccinations Vaccines are used to protect dogs and cats from numerous diseases. If
vaccination
does not interfere with the research project, new animals should be
vaccinated as soon as possible after the animals recover from the
stress of shipping. Empirically, this takes about 48 hours. Laboratory
dogs are often vaccinated against diseases such as canine distemper,
kennel cough or tracheobronchitis, parvovirus, canine adenovirus,
leptospirosis, and rabies.
48. Cat vaccinations Cats are often vaccinated against feline panleukopenia (feline
distemper),
rhinotracheitis, Calicivirus, pneumonitis (Chlamydia psittaci), and
occasionally, feline leukemia virus and rabies.
49. Section title TECHNIQUES
50. Carrying a cat
In order to minimize stress on dogs and cats, they must
be handled gently whenever possible, and restrained so
as to hurt neither animal nor handler. When carrying a
cat, the front legs are restrained by placing a finger
between the two front feet. The hind legs are allowed to
hang free so the cat does not have a solid surface from
which to push off.
51. Restraining a cat
An overly excited cat may be restrained by grasping it at
the scruff of the neck with one hand. With the other
hand, a finger is placed between the hind legs near the
heel or tibiotarsal area, and the cat's body is extended.
14 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
52. Holding dog
To safely sample blood from the cephalic vein, the
animal is held as shown in this image. Note the position
of the technician's left arm, which is keeping the dog's
head restrained and close to her body. This is a
common method of restraining dogs for many
procedures. Her right hand is behind the dog's elbow,
which helps prevent the dog from pulling its leg
backwards, and her right thumb is pushing down across
the cephalic vein.
53. Insertion of needle
A sharp needle is inserted into the vein with the bevel of
the needle pointing upwards. Prior to venipuncture, wet
the area with alcohol as this aids in visualization of the
vein.
54. Blood sampling
Jugular venipuncture is often used as an alternative to
cephalic venipuncture. The jugular furrow can be
palpated just lateral to the trachea. The area can be
shaved and wet with alcohol, or simply wet with alcohol.
In this image, the dog's head is directed upwards by the
technician, and the needle is directed craniad. Note that
the technician's thumb is compressing the jugular vein
immediately caudad to the needle.
55. Sampling volume A safe number of milliliters of blood that can be sampled equals
approximately one
percent of a dog or cat's body weight in grams.
56. Positioning dog
In order to position a dog for a procedure, such as an
electrocardiogram, the technician's arm is kept over the
dog's cervical area to prevent it from jumping up. She is
also holding the legs closest to the table. Most dogs lay
quietly in this position, particularly if they are accustomed
to it.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 15
57. Catheter placement prep
Aseptic technique must be used when inserting any
indwelling catheter. The area over the cephalic vein is
closely clipped. It is then washed with an antiseptic
scrub, rinsed, and as shown in this image, alcohol is
applied.
58. Flushing catheter
Prior to its insertion, the catheter is flushed with a
1:1000 heparin:saline solution to prevent blood clotting
inside the catheter.
59. Insertion of catheter
As shown in this image, care must be taken to ensure
that the catheter remains sterile during insertion.
60. Antiseptic ointment
After the catheter is inserted and advanced to its final
position, an antiseptic ointment is placed over the area
where the catheter enters the skin.
16 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
61. Securing the catheter
Padding––which is black in this image––and tape are
used to secure the catheter to the leg. Padding is
important as it helps prevent pressure, which in turn
may make the animal chew at the catheter. The
catheter is then flushed again with heparinized saline.
62. Infusion cap
Catheters are rarely left in place for more than 3 to 4
days. They are flushed with heparinized saline three to
six times a day. Flushing and injections can be
simplified by placing an infusion cap on the end of the
catheter.
63. Inserting catheter
Many research requirements, such as cardiac
catheterization, repeated blood sampling, and
measuring central venous pressure, may require the
use of a jugular catheter.
Sterility considerations are the same as with a cephalic
catheter. However, unlike a simple jugular
venipuncture where the needle is directed craniad, the
jugular catheter is inserted towards the heart. This
permits a longer length of catheter to be inserted with
less chance of bending.
64. Securing catheter
After the catheter is inserted, an antiseptic ointment is
placed over the insertion site. The front and the back
of the catheter are securely padded and taped to the
animals neck in order to help prevent movement.
V-9036 DOGS AND CATS: Use in Research 17
65. Flushing catheter
Once the catheter is padded and secured, it is flushed
with 1:1000 heparinized saline using an injection cap.
66. Summary This program has covered basic information on categories of dogs and
cats available for research, disease prevention and recognition, as well
as handling and techniques. It also presented basic concepts of
husbandry of dogs and cats, particularly as influenced by federal
regulations as defined by the Animal Welfare Act. Users of laboratory
animals must be familiar with all applicable local, state, and federal
laws and regulations. Additional information on laws and regulations is
available in program V-9052, LABORATORY ANIMALS: Laws,
Regulations and Guidelines.
67. Conclusion This image concludes the autotutorial session on the uses of dogs and
cats in research.
68. ACLAM credits
This program was developed for the
American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine.
C. W. McPherson, DVM Chair
J. E. Harkness, DVM
J. F. Harwell, Jr, DVM
J. M. Linn, DVM
B. J. McGough, BS Medical Comm.
A. F. Moreland, DVM
G. L. Van Hoosier, Jr, DVM
Instructional development, editing and production management
provided by
Barbara Macfadden, BA Health Education.
Guide production supported by Pamela Young.
The development of this program was supported by a grant from the
US Department of Agriculture: National Agricultural Library Grant 59-
32U4-9-45
69. HSCER Credits
Produced by the
Health Sciences Center for Educational Resources
University of Washington
Seattle WA 98195
1992
18 LABORATORY ANIMAL MEDICINE AND SCIENCE SERIES II
REFERENCES
1. U.S. Department of Agriculture. 1990. Animal welfare enforcement report, fiscal year 1990.
Animal and Plant
Health Inspection Service. (APHIS) 41-35-006.
ACKNOWLEDGMENTS
At The Ohio State University, Toni Gray and Kelley Norris provided the technical expertise for
restraint and catheter placement in the dog and cat. Kathleen Hopwood demonstrated basic
canine husbandry. Dr. John Bonagura provided the canine heartworms image. John Jewett was
the photographer.
The overall support of the College of Veterinary Medicine and University Laboratory Animal
Resources of The Ohio State University is appreciated.
