In order to assess if the full effect of anaesthesia has taken effect, the rat’s pedal reflex will be tested. Essentially, after a given period of time (approximately 5-10 minutes) after administration of anesthesia, the foot of the rat will be pinched. If the animal flinches or responds with a sudden jerk, the anesthesia has not fully taken effect and additional time or dosage is required to put the animal under. If there is no response, the animal is ready for surgery.
Approximately 3-5 rats would be necessary to set aside from experimental testing in order to practice handling and performing the surgical incision necessary for proper exposure of the heart. Approximately 20-30 rats will be utilized in experimental testing of the ability of …show more content…
If an animal loses depth of anesthesia during the middle of surgery, additional partial dosage of anesthetic will be administered IP. Throughout the duration of the procedure respiratory rate will be monitored by observing the rise and fall of the animal’s chest region. Since rats become unable to regulate body temperature and can become hypothermic when under anesthesia, they must be placed on a heat pad throughout the duration of surgery (Office of Animal Resources IACUC, …show more content…
Following IACUC guidelines for proper rodent euthanasia, a lethal overdose of CO2, isoflurane, chemical anaesthetic can be administered. The type of agent used for lethal overdose mainly depends on cost and efficiency for all three methods are proven to induce death. After overdose, euthanasia must be confirmed to assure proper death (thus, no extreme suffering). Confirmation can happen via decapitation or extraction of heart, lungs, and/or brain (vital tissue harvest) for rodents weighing more than 500 grams, standard body weight bracket for adult rats (Office of Animal Resources IACUC, 2016). The carcasses will be disposed of following the guidelines set forth by The University of Maryland IACUC and animal research
Approximately 3-5 rats would be necessary to set aside from experimental testing in order to practice handling and performing the surgical incision necessary for proper exposure of the heart. Approximately 20-30 rats will be utilized in experimental testing of the ability of …show more content…
If an animal loses depth of anesthesia during the middle of surgery, additional partial dosage of anesthetic will be administered IP. Throughout the duration of the procedure respiratory rate will be monitored by observing the rise and fall of the animal’s chest region. Since rats become unable to regulate body temperature and can become hypothermic when under anesthesia, they must be placed on a heat pad throughout the duration of surgery (Office of Animal Resources IACUC, …show more content…
Following IACUC guidelines for proper rodent euthanasia, a lethal overdose of CO2, isoflurane, chemical anaesthetic can be administered. The type of agent used for lethal overdose mainly depends on cost and efficiency for all three methods are proven to induce death. After overdose, euthanasia must be confirmed to assure proper death (thus, no extreme suffering). Confirmation can happen via decapitation or extraction of heart, lungs, and/or brain (vital tissue harvest) for rodents weighing more than 500 grams, standard body weight bracket for adult rats (Office of Animal Resources IACUC, 2016). The carcasses will be disposed of following the guidelines set forth by The University of Maryland IACUC and animal research