Custom-made Devices Used for Rodent Restraint and Gaseous Anesthesia

Abstract

To obtain scientifically reproducible results in animal studies is challenging because inappropriate handling of animals can negatively impact the final results. This is of significance when new / graduate students are attempting animal studies for the first time. The fear expressed by some students in handling rodents makes experimental research problematic. During the course of a graduate student experience, we developed three (3) devices which were hand made and customized for their intended use in various studies. We prepared a restrainer for tail snips/ IV cannulation, a device for intraperitoneal injections and a chamber for temporary anesthesia. These restrainers consisted of recycled plastic bottles of various sizes and helped to improve the ease of handling laboratory animals. We found that these devices were useful in carrying out experimental research in rodents whilst maintaining minimal risk to the handler. The devices created an environment where students with limited experience in animal handling can perform simple procedures easily without additional assistance The fact that the risk of zoonotic infections is greatly reduced and the fear of bites and scratches is minimized, students can utilize these devices to aid in the conduct of their laboratory experiments with rodents. The devices provided a simple and effective method for blood collection, intraperitoneal and subcutaneous injections. Although good animal handling techniques is advocated, the use of these devices can reduce the risk of scratched and bites and allow novice scientists to perform experimental procedures with relative ease.