Rats have long been recognized as a valuable biomedical research model, notably in the investigation of aging, toxicology, addiction, and common human diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In many instances, individuals conducting such research studies are charged with important responsibilities, including animal facility management, animal husbandry, veterinary care, regulatory compliance, and various experimental methodologies. With the advent of genetic manipulations and biomedical research technological advances such as bioimaging, the versatility and usefulness of the rat as an animal model has soared.
The Laboratory Rat, Second Edition captures the multiple advances in this important animal model’s husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental methodology. This edition features augmented, expanded, and novel information on biology, anesthesia, analgesia, and experimental techniques benefiting personnel working with rats—from the animal care staff to the researcher and everyone in between. The book is also extremely useful to institutional animal care and use program supporters and elements, including animal care and use committees, institutional officials, occupational health and safety professionals, veterinary technicians, and veterinarians.
Important Biological Features
Introduction
Nomenclature
Behavior
Anatomical and Physiological Features
Hematology and Clinical Chemistry
Reproduction
Husbandry
Housing
Environmental Enrichment
Nutrition
Sanitation and Sanitation Monitoring
Transportation
Quality Control
Identification and Records
Management
Overview
Select Regulatory Agencies and Compliance
Voluntary Accreditation
Occupational Health/Zoonotic Diseases
Veterinary Care
Clinical History
Physical Examination
Diagnostic Imaging
Diseases of Rats
Disease Prevention, Treatment, and Control
Detecting and Preventing Infectious Disease
Anesthesia and Analgesia
Aseptic Surgery
Euthanasia
Necropsy
Experimental Methodology
Restraint
Sampling Techniques
Compound Administration
Other Techniques
Common Research Uses of Rats
Other Rats Used in Research
Resources
Organizations
Publications
Electronic Resources
Equipment and Facilities Meetings
Technical Education
Vendors
Research Animal Diagnostic Laboratories
Research Support
Sanitation Supplies
Transportation
Veterinary and Surgical Supplies
Biography
Patrick Sharp, Jason S. Villano