Animal Husbandry and Care Flashcards

Which of the following signs is most consistent with pain in a mouse?

Answer: Orbital tightening and nose bulging (grimace scale)

The Mouse Grimace Scale uses facial action units such as orbital tightening and nose/cheek bulging to assess pain.

What is the correct term for the process of gradually acclimatizing animals to a new facility environment before use in studies?

Answer: Acclimation

Acclimation is the period during which animals adjust to the new environment, reducing stress-related variables in research.

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C. What disease results from dietary deficiency of this vitamin?

Answer: Scurvy

Guinea pigs lack L-gulonolactone oxidase and develop scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) without dietary supplementation.

A technician finds a rabbit in lateral recumbency with rapid breathing and a bluish tinge to the mucous membranes. This is most suggestive of:

Answer: Cyanosis indicating respiratory distress

Cyanosis (blue mucous membranes) combined with rapid breathing indicates severe respiratory distress requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Which bedding material is generally contraindicated for use with hamsters due to the risk of impaction?

Answer: Cotton fiber/fluffy bedding

Cotton fiber (fluffy) bedding can be ingested or packed into cheek pouches, causing impaction or intestinal obstruction in hamsters.

What does the acronym SPF stand for in the context of laboratory animal health status?

Answer: Specific Pathogen Free

SPF (Specific Pathogen Free) animals are defined as free from a defined list of pathogens that could interfere with research.

When performing a cage change on a mouse colony, the technician should handle mice using:

Answer: A tunnel or cupped-hand technique to minimize stress

Tunnel or cupped-hand handling has been shown to significantly reduce mouse anxiety compared to tail-only handling.