Information Resources on the Care and Welfare of Rabbits


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Laboratory and Clinical Techniques



Abell, P. (1995). Novel restraint device for oral dosing of rabbits. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 34 (6): 86-87, ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Keywords: oral administration, restraint of animals, behavior, animal welfare.

Aleman, C.L.; Noa, M.; Mas, R.; Rodeiro, I.; Mesa, R.; Menendez, R.; Gamez, R.; Hernandez, C. (2000). Reference data for the principal physiological indicators in three species of laboratory animals. Laboratory Animals London 34 (4): 379-385.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Keywords: laboratory animal, mouse, strain, NMRI, dog, breed, beagle, rabbit, New Zealand, reference data, principal physiological indicators, inter laboratory comparisons, species related reference data, sex differences, hematology, organ weight to body weight ratio, serum biochemistry.

Barnett, S.W. (2001). Introduction to Animal Technology Blackwell Science Ltd.: Oxford, UK; Malden, MA, 112 p., ISBN: 0632055944.
NAL Call Number: SF406.I58 2001
Keywords: laboratory animal, care and use, scientific research, hamster, cat, dog, ferret, guineapig, marmoset, mouse, rat, rabbit, rhesus monkey, housing, environment, management, routine procedures, technology, animal welfare, breeding, caging, euthanasia, experimentation, feeding, handling, health status, hygiene, identification, laboratory safety, physical development, sexing, watering, careers, animal technology, legislation, Animals Scientific Procedures Act of 1986.

Bayans, M. (1998). Some Preferred Techniques for the Laboratory Rabbit. [Quelques Techniques Choisies Pour Le Lapin De Laboratoire.] Canadian Association of Laboratory Animals Science: Winnipeg, Canada. VHS video cassette (17 min).
NAL Call Number: Videocassette no. 2792
Abstract: This is the second video in our species specific series on laboratory techniques. Safe handling and restraint for injections, blood sampling and anesthesia with resuscitation methods are demonstrated. This training video id designed as a teaching aid to refine, replace and reduce the numbers of rabbits used for demonstration purposes. The target audience includes animal health technologists, graduate students, laboratory assistants and members of animal care and use committees. For more information go to: http://www.calas-acsal.org/.
Keywords: laboratory techniques, injections, anesthesia with resuscitation, animal welfare.

Boucher, S. (2001). Imagerie medicale chez les NAC (nouveaux animaux de compagnie): L’echographie chez les Rongeurs et chez les Lagomorphes. [Imaging in new pets: ultrasonography in Rodentia and lagomorphs.] Le Point Veterinaire 32 (214): 12-13, ISSN: 0335-4997.
NAL Call Number: SF602.P6
Keywords: pets, echography, diagnosis, French language.

Brown, S.A. (2001). The domestic rabbit: husbandry and clinical techniques. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference 15: 843-844. In the volume: Small Animal and Exotics. Part of a three volume set. Meeting held January 13-17, 2001 in Orlando, Florida.
NAL Call Number: SF605 N672
Keywords: caging, exercise, diet, tooth wearing, feed, injuries, handling, veterinary methods, nasogastric tubing, blood collection, fluid administration, catheterization, dacryocystitis.

Chatham, J.C., Blackband, S.J. (2001). Nuclear magnetic resonance spectroscopy and imaging in animal research. ILAR Journal 42 (3): 189-208, ISSN: 1084-2020.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1I43
Abstract: Nuclear magnetic resonance (NMR) spectroscopy and imaging can be used to investigate, noninvasively, a wide range of biological processes in systems as diverse as protein solutions, single cells, isolated perfused organs, and tissues in vivo. It is also possible to combine different NMR techniques enabling metabolic, anatomical, and physiological information to be obtained in the same experiment. This review provides a simple overview of the basic principles of NMR and outlines both the advantages and disadvantages of NMR spectroscopy and imaging. A few examples of potential applications of NMR spectroscopy and imaging are presented, which demonstrate the range of questions that can be asked using these techniques. The potential impact of using NMR techniques in a biomedical research program on the total number of animals required for specific investigations, as well as the number of animals used in research, are discussed. The article concludes with a personal perspective on the impact of continuing improvements in NMR technology for future applications in animal research.
Keywords: review, mice, rabbits, rats, anatomy, cross-sectional, animal welfare, laboratory animals, physiology, aplysia, cytology, magnetic resonance imaging, magnetic resonance spectroscopy, research methods, tumor cells.

Ewringmann, A.; Göbel, T. (1998). Untersuchung blutchemischer Parameter bei Heimtierkaninchen. [Examination of chemical parameters in the serum of pet rabbits.] Kleintierpraxis 43 (6): 447-448, 450-452, ISSN: 0023-2076.
Keywords: healthy pet rabbits, blood serum, blood chemistry, urea, creatinine, alkaline phosphatase, parasites, immunodiagnosis, electrolytes, enzymes, urea, creatinine, blood sugar, alkaline phosphatase, protozoal infections, Encephalitozoon cuniculi, German language.

Fehr, M. (2002). Nyulak, tengerimalacok, kisrágcsálók és hüllo k állatvédelmi követelményeknek megfelelo eutanáziája. [Euthanasia of rabbits, guineapigs, rodents and reptiles, respecting animal welfare requirements.] Magyar Állatorvosok Lapja 124 (5): 307-311, ISSN: 0025-004X.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 V644
Keywords: guineapigs, mice, rabbits, rats, reptiles, animal welfare, euthanasia, Hungarian language.

Fehr, M. (2002). Tierschutzgerechte Euthanasie bei Kaninchen, Meerschweinchen, kleinen Nagern und Reptilien. [Humane euthanasia of rabbits, rodents and reptiles.] Praktische Tierarzt 83 (2): 128-135, ISSN: 0032-681X.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 P882
Keywords: rabbits, reptiles, rodents, animal welfare, euthanasia, techniques, German language.

Forcada, F.; Lopez, M. (2000). Repeated surgical embryo recovery and embryo production in rabbits. Animal Reproduction Science 64 (1-2): 121-126, ISSN: 0378-4320.
NAL Call Number: QP251.A5
Keywords: breed, Gigante de Espana, doe, embryo, female, gonadotropin releasing hormone, corpora lutea, endocrine system, reproductive system, oviduct, intramuscular injection, repeated surgical embryo recovery, experimental method, surgical method, embryo production, ovulation.

Fukase, T. (1998). Pets. 22. Rabbits clinical (part IV). Journal of Veterinary Medicine 51 (5): 383-384, ISSN: 0447-0192.
Keywords: rabbit diseases, parasitoses, Eimeria, Passalurus ambiguus, Cheyletiella, mites, Japanese language.

Girling, S.J. (2002). Mammalian imaging and anatomy. In: BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, Meredith, A.; Redrobe, S. (Eds.), 4th ed., pp. 1-12, British Small Animal Veterinary Association: Quedgeley, UK, ISBN: 0-905214-47-1.
NAL Call Number: SF981.B78 2002
Keywords: chinchillas, ferrets, guineapigs, hamsters, rabbits, rats, rodents, anatomy, computed tomography, diagnostic techniques, laboratory animals, magnetic resonance imaging, radiography, ultrasonography.

Haffar, A. (1996). La consultation du lapin de compagnie: examen clinique, contention, prelevement. [Consultation of the pet rabbit: clinical examination, restraint.] Le Point Veterinaire 28 (178): 55-61, ISSN: 0335-4997.
NAL Call Number: SF602.P6
Keywords: pets, physiology, health, diagnosis, veterinary medicine, French language.

Halliday, L.C.; Artwohl, J.E.; Hanly, W.C.; Bunte, R.M.; Bennett, B.T. (2000). Physiologic and behavioral assessment of rabbits immunized with Freund’s complete adjuvant. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 39 (5): 8-13.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5 A23
Abstract: Although the use of Freund's Complete Adjuvant (FCA) has been discouraged for the production of polyclonal antibodies, little clinical evidence supports the belief that FCA necessarily affects the well-being of immunized rabbits. We designed the present study to determine whether immunization at multiple sites with small volumes of Freund's adjuvant affects rabbit well-being. We injected 18 female New Zealand White rabbits (six animals per group) with antigen in FCA, Freund's Incomplete Adjuvant, or physiologic saline in the following volumes and routes: 0.02 to 0.03 mL intradermally in each of 30 to 40 sites and 0.1 mL subcutaneously in each of two sites. The body weight, temperature, complete blood count, and behavior of the rabbits in the home cage, upon handling, and in an open field did not differ significantly among the immunization groups during the 7-week assessment period. Only the degree of induration around injection sites differed: as expected, FCA induced the greatest response at the injection sites, but the sites were neither ulcerative nor necrotic, nor did palpation of the sites induce any apparent discomfort to the rabbits. We conclude that FCA may be used safely and humanely in rabbits if small volumes are injected intradermally or subcutaneously in multiple sites.
Keywords: animal welfare, behavior, physiology, blood cell count, body temperature, body weight, Freund’s adjuvant, administration and dosage, adverse effects, immunology, heat shock proteins, histocytochemistry, immunization, intradermal injections, subcutaneous injections, kidney pathology, liver pathology, lung pathology, muramidase.

Hartmann, K.; Fischer, S.; Kraft, W. (1995). Heimtiere als Patienten in der Kleintierpraxis. Teil 2. Handhabung, Geschlechtsbestimmung, Blutentnahme, Medikamentenapplikation. [Small pet animals as patients in veterinary practice. Part 2. Handling, sex determination, blood collection, drug application.] Tieraerztliche Praxis 23 (1): 83-91, ISSN: 0303-6286.
Keywords: rabbits, gerbils, guineapigs, hamsters, chinchillas, pets, sampling, blood, application methods, drugs, sex, handling, German language.

Harvey, S.B.; Hatley, C.L.; Holmes, R.L.; Runner, R.R.; Tonry, L.L.; McPherson, J.C. (2001). Adaptation of a dental RadioVisioGraph unit as a laboratory animal research tool. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 40 (6) :37-40, ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5 A23
Abstract: We have adapted the RadioVisioGraph (RVG), a digital radiography system designed for dentistry, to become a versatile research tool in a small research facility. We have used this modified digital imaging system in our institution to assess bone fractures and ossification in rabbit tibias in which titanium posts were placed in close proximity to one another, to evaluate bone fill in rats with experimental cranial critical-size defects, and to ensure the proper placement of oral gavage tubes in rodents. This method provides instantaneous digital radiographs, thus not requiring a dedicated X-ray suite or film-processing equipment, and reduces scatter radiation by < or =95%. The use of this technology in a small research facility has greatly improved the quality of both the care our animals receive and the research data we obtain.
Keywords: rabbits, rats, animal welfare, bone, radiography, equipment design, injuries, dental, tibial fractures, digital.

Hauer, P.J.; Clough, N.E. (1999). Development of monoclonal antibodies suitable for use in antigen quantification potency tests for clostridial veterinary vaccines. Developments in Biological Standardization 101: 85-94, ISSN: 0301-5149.
NAL Call Number: QR180.3.D4
Abstract: The quality control testing of clostridial veterinary vaccines currently requires large numbers of animals. Alternative in vitro test methods are being investigated by researchers in industry and by regulatory authorities in many countries. Monoclonal antibodies that neutralize Clostridium perfringens alpha toxin, C. perfringens beta toxin, C. perfringens epsilon toxin, and C. sordellii lethal toxin as well as a monoclonal antibody directed against C. chauvoei flagellar antigen have been developed by the Center for Veterinary Biologics Laboratory for use in antigen quantification assays. A proposal to create an international standard collection of clostridial-specific monoclonal antibodies is made.
Keywords: mice, Inbred BALB C, rabbits, guinea pigs, animal welfare, monoclonal antibodies, therapeutic use, antigens, bacterial analysis, bacterial toxins, immunology, clostridium, veterinary, Clostridium perfringens, enzyme-linked immunosorbent assay, hybridomas, immunoassay methods.

Heard, D.J. (1995). Rabbit supportive care. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference 9: 670-671.
NAL Call Number: SF605.N672
Keywords: veterinary medicine, heart rate and rhythm, blood pressure, hypolemia, intravenous catheterization, intra-osseous catheterization, electrolytes, blood transfusion, endotoxemia, respiratory rate, arterial blood gases, endotracheal intubation, nutritional indicators, dental problems, nasogastric intubation, total parenteral nutrition, product information.

Hoffmann, J.N.; Steinhagen, S.; Kast, C.; Scheuber, H.P.; Jochum, M.; Gippner-Steppert, C.; Inthorn, D.; Schildberg, F.W.; Nolte, D. (2002). Chronic left heart catheterization for microvascular blood flow determination in the rabbit: a minimally invasive technique using specially designed port devices. The Journal of Surgical Research 102 (2): 119-25, ISSN: 0022-4804.
Abstract: This study describes a modified catheterization technique with subcutaneously implanted port catheters to be inserted in a retrograde manner across the aortic valve into the left heart ventricle through the right carotid artery to measure organ perfusion. MATERIALS AND METHODS: The specially designed arterial port catheters were implanted in New Zealand rabbits (n = 11, 3.7 +/- 0.1 kg [mean +/- SEM]) under iv anesthesia (medetomidine/ketamine) and single-shot perioperative antibiotic therapy. Hemodynamics were registered continuously during the operation via an ear artery catheter. RESULTS: Implantation of ports was performed in all animals (11/11) without major complications (mean operation time: 70 +/- 3 min). We did not observe catheter-associated arrhythmia, fall in mean arterial pressure (MAP before and post OP: 70 +/- 2 and 68 +/- 2 Torr, respectively), or change in arterial oxygen saturation (SaO2 before and post OP: 89 +/- 3 and 95 +/- 2%, respectively). With a specifically modified microsurgical insertion technique, cerebral blood supply was effectively preserved as evidenced from postmortem histological examinations, cerebral blood flow determination with fluorescent microspheres, and measurement of S-100b protein serum concentrations, a specific marker of neuronal damage. The positioning of the catheter tip in the left ventricle was found to be correct in 10/11 animals. CONCLUSIONS: Repeated and a traumatic microsphere injections into the left ventricle have become feasible by transcutaneous puncture of subcutaneous port systems over several weeks under light sedation. Hence, this new approach (i) avoids the necessity of repeated intracardiac injections and port insertions via thoracotomy, thus reducing the perioperative stress for the animals, and (ii) allows for the first time minimally invasive repetitive and chronic measurements of regional organ blood flow under various experimental settings.
Keywords: breed, New Zealand, catheterization technique, aortic valve, left heart ventricle, right carotid artery, organ perfusion, hemodynamics, perioperative stress reduction.

Kelleher, S.A. (2003). Surgical considerations. In: Scientific Proceedings Veterinary Programme: British Small Animal Veterinary Association 46th Annual Congress, Birmingham, UK, April 3-6, 2003, Coles, G.; Dobson, J.; Elliott, J.; Elwood, C. (Eds.), British Small Animal Veterinary Association: Quedgeley, UK, pp. 503-508, ISBN: 0-905214-77-3.
Keywords: abscesses, anesthesia, castration, entropion, enucleation, fracture fixation, ovariectomy, preoperative care, surgery, surgical operations, wound treatment.

Kiwull, S.H.; Kalhoff, H.; Manz, F.; Diekmann, L.; Kiwull, P. (2001). Minimal-invasive approach to study pulmonary, metabolic and renal responses to alimentary acid-base changes in conscious rabbits. European Journal of Nutrition 40 (5): 255-259, ISSN: 1436-6207.
NAL Call Number: QP141.A1E97
Keywords: carbonic anhydrase, alimentary acid base load analysis, analytical method, minimal invasive, nutritional method, physiological method, food mineral content, nutrition, rabbit chow, respiratory control.

Malley, A.D.; Hage, M.H. van der (1996). The pet rabbit in companion animal practice. 6. Necropsy procedure. Irish Veterinary Journal 49 (8): 488-490, ISSN: 0368-0762.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IR4
Keywords: pets, postmortem examinations, diagnosis, rabbit diseases.

Malley, A.D. (1996). The pet rabbit in companion animal practice. 4. Haematological and biochemical reference values. Irish Veterinary Journal 49 (6): 354-358, ISSN: 0368-0762.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IR4
Keywords: pets, hematology, blood chemistry.

Malley, A.D. (1995). The pet rabbit in companion animal practice. 2. General clinical examination. Irish Veterinary Journal 48 (9): 307-311, ISSN: 0368-0762.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IR4
Keywords: handling, restraint, small animal practice, veterinary practice, pets, fractures, lacrimal apparatus, skin, thorax, abdomen, mouth, limbs, diagnostic techniques, clinical examination.

Malley, A.D. (1996). The pet rabbit in companion animal practice. 3. Special examinations. Irish Veterinary Journal 49 (2): 112-114, ISSN: 0368-0762.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IR4
Keywords: pets, sex determination, pregnancy diagnosis, blood specimen collection, radiography, pathology.

Malley, A.D. (1996). The pet rabbit in companion animal practice. 5. The administration of medication. Irish Veterinary Journal 49 (7): 407-410, ISSN: 0368-0762.
NAL Call Number: 41.8 IR4
Keywords: pets, drug therapy, application methods, injection, topical application.

Meredith, A.; Redrobe, S. (2002). BSAVA Manual of Exotic Pets, Meredith, A.; Redrobe, S. (Eds.), 4th ed., 304 p., British Small Animal Veterinary Association: Quedgeley, UK, ISBN: 0-905214-47-1.
NAL Call Number: SF981.B78 2002
Keywords: pets, ornamental fishes, aviary birds, amphibia, birds, chinchillas, ferrets, gerbils, guineapigs, hamsters, lizards, mice, pigeons, rabbits, rats, snakes, tortoises, turtles, anesthesia, anatomy, diseases, husbandry, diagnosis, diagnostic techniques, drug therapy, euthanasia, exotics, handbooks, restraint of animals, surgical operations.

Morton, D.B.; Jennings, M.; Buckwell, A.; Ewbank, R.; Godfrey, C.; Holgate, B.; Inglis, I.; James, R.; Page, C.; Sharman, I.; Verschoyle, R.; Westall, L.; Wilson, A.B. (2001). Refining procedures for the administration of substances: Report of the BVAAWF/FRAME/RSPCA /UFAW Joint Working Group on Refinement. Laboratory Animals 35 (1): 1-41, ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Keywords: cat, dog, ferret, guineapig, hamster, mouse, primate, rabbit, rat, sheep, footpad, British Veterinary Association Animal Welfare Foundation [BVAAWF], Royal Society for the Prevention of Cruelty to Animals [RSPCA], Universities Federation for Animal Welfare [UFAW], administration route, intra articular administration, drug delivery method, intracerebral administration, intradermal administration, intramuscular administration, intranasal administration, intraperitoneal administration, intratracheal administration, intravaginal administration, intravenous administration, oral administration, osmotic minipumps, refining procedures, laboratory method, respiratory administration, subcutaneous administration, topical administration, Fund for the Replacement of Animals in Medical Experiments [FRAME], animal suffering, distress, good practice, pain, substance administration.

Mrozek, M. (1995). Microchip implant system used for animal identification in laboratory rabbits, guineapigs, woodchucks and in amphibians. Laboratory Animals London 29 (3): 339-344, ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Keywords: rabbits, guineapigs, Marmota monax.

Orcutt, C.J. (2001). Fluids and critical care in small mammals. Proceedings of the North American Veterinary Conference 15: 886-887. In the volume: Small Animal and Exotics. Part of a three volume set. Meeting held January 13-17, 2001 in Orlando, Florida.
NAL Call Number: SF605.N672
Keywords: fluid therapy, catheter placement, fluid maintenance, nutrition, pain management, gastric obstruction, endotracheal intubation.

Perdue, K.A.; Shaw, R.E.; Mage, R.G. (2000). Declawing of neonatal rabbits destined for use in animal biosafety level 4 containment studies. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 39 (3): 13-18, ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Keywords: laboratory animals, declawing, scratch prevention, human safety, Biosafety Level 4.

Quesenberry, K. (1998). Ferrets, rabbits, and rodents: basic medical management and clinical techniques. Parts I and II. In: Internal Medicine: Small Companion Animals. The T G Hungerford Course for Veterinarians. Proceedings 306, Stephen Roberts Lecture Theatre, University of Sydney, Australia, June 15 -19, 1998, Bryden, D. (Ed.), pp. 41-51. University of Sydney, Post Graduate Foundation in Veterinary Science: Sydney, Australia. ISBN: 1-875582-69-X.
NAL Call Number: SF604.R37 no. 306
Keywords: ferrets, rabbits, rodents, guineapigs, small animal practice, diagnosis, diagnostic techniques, therapy, drug therapy, clinical examination.

Thunder, R.M. (1998). A method for immobilizing the forelimbs of rabbits. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 37 (5): 94-95, ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Keywords: legs, tendons, postoperative care, casts.

Tran, H.S. (2001). A method of endoscopic endotracheal intubation in rabbits. Laboratory Animals 35 (3): 249-252, ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Keywords: laboratory mammals, endoscopy, endoscopes, trachea.

Willard, M.D.; Tvedten, H. (2004). Small Animal Clinical Diagnosis by Laboratory Methods. 4th ed., W.B. Saunders, 448 p. ISBN: 0721689035.
NAL Call Number: SF991.S59 2004
Keywords: laboratory tests, techniques, interpretation, blood count and bone marrow examination, erythrocyte, leukocyte disorders, hemostatic abnormalities, serum chemistries, point of care instruments, electrolyte and acid-based disorders, urinary disorders, endocrine, metabolic, and lipid disorders, gastrointestinal disorders, fluid accumulation disorders, respiratory disorders, immunologic disorders, reproductive disorders, neurologic disorders, infectious disease, cytology of neoplastic and inflammatory masses, diagnostic toxicology, therapeutic drug monitoring appendices, listing of referral laboratories, reference values, color illustrations, appendices, tables.

Wolvekamp, W.T.C. (1996). Radiology of exotic pets (small mammals, birds, and reptiles). Veterinary Quarterly 18 (Supp1.): S52-S54, ISSN: 0165-2176.
NAL Call Number: SF601.V46
Keywords: pets, diagnosis, radiography, poultry, rodents, mammals, birds, reptiles, guineapigs, rabbits, pigeons.

Worthley, S.G. (2000). Rapid oral endotracheal intubation with a fibre-optic scope in rabbits: a simple and reliable technique. Laboratory Animals 34 (2): 199-201. ISSN: 0023-6772.
NAL Call Number: QL55.A1L3
Keywords: animal welfare, anesthesia, inhaled anesthetics.

Yates, D.W. (1996). Comparative study of two techniques of long-term venous catheterization in rabbits: matching methods to applications. Contemporary Topics in Laboratory Animal Science 35 (3): 63-68, ISSN: 1060-0558.
NAL Call Number: SF405.5.A23
Keywords: laboratory mammals, catheterization.


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