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ANIMAL RESTRAINT
Immobilization/Restraint
Restraint is the use of manual, mechanical, or chemical means
to limit some or all of an animal's normal movement for such purposes
as examination, collection of samples, and drug administration.
Typically, animals are restrained for brief periods, usually minutes,
in most research applications. Often animals can be trained, through
use of positive reinforcement, to present limbs or remain immobile
for brief procedures.
Review
If restraint devices are required, they should
be suitable in size, design, and operation to minimize discomfort
or injury to
the animal. If restraint devices are required, they need to be
reviewed by the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
(IACUC) and identified in the protocol with a description of
the device,
and the
duration
of restraint.
Prolonged Restraint
Prolonged restraint (usually an hour or longer) should be avoided
unless it is essential for achieving research objectives. Approval
by the IACUC requires scientific justification, a description of
the restraint device, the duration of restraint, monitoring procedures
and methods to minimize animal distress (e.g. acclimation to the
device).
Important guidelines for restraint
of any duration
- Restraint devices should not be used simply
as a convenience in handling or managing animals.
- When restraint devices are used, they should
be specifically designed to accomplish research goals that are
impossible or impractical to accomplish by other means or to
prevent injury to animals or personnel.
- The period of restraint should be the minimum
required to accomplish the research objectives.
- If possible, animals placed in restraint
devices should be given training to adapt to the equipment and
personnel.
- Provision should be made for observation
of the animal at appropriate intervals.
- Veterinary care should be provided if lesions
or illnesses associated with restraint are observed. The presence
of lesions, illnesses, or severe behavioral change often necessitates
temporary or permanent removal of the animal from restraint.
The policy
and guidelines are based on recommendations from The Guide for
the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, 1996 edition.
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