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 04/07/2010

New Animal Use Protocol Application Reference

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AUS POLICIES


Animal Use Protocols are required for all new projects, including pilot studies, and four-year full renewals of existing projects using mammals, fish, and chick embryos in research and/or teaching.

To view Animal Use Subcommittee - AUS - policy detail pertaining to the use of animals in research and teaching, link to AUS Policies

AUS REVIEW PROCESSES

For complete details pertaining to the Protocol Review Process, including Pre-Meeting Review, submission and review time frames, reference the Protocol Review Process web page.

ANIMAL USE PROTOCOL HOME PAGE LOCATION - During the pre-submission review process, the Animal Use Protocol will be located under the ALERTS - UNFINISHED PROTOCOLS section on the eSirius Home Page. Once submitted to the AUS Office via eSirius, the Animal Use Protocol will be located under the ALERTS - NEW PROTOCOLS section.

NEW PROTOCOL WORKFLOW STATUS - The Work Flow Status indicates which group is currently reviewing your protocol. When the Work Flow Status indicates 'PI', the Principal Investigator, or designate must respond to reviewer questions.

 

 

FORM COMPLETION

PROTOCOL NUMBER - After completing this page by clicking 'Start New Protocol Application', the Animal Use Protocol is assigned a number. Once approved, the Animal Use Protocol is valid for a maximum of 4 years to the last day of the month of the initial approval, subject to yearly renewals.

AUTHORIZED PERSONNEL - Before submission for review, the Animal Use Protocol must be completed in its entirety by the researcher, instructor - normally a faculty member - or a previously authorized PI designate.

PI DESIGNATE - A PI designate may only have access to eSirius protocol application forms and processes if the following conditions apply:
  1. PI Designate's role has been submitted to the AUS office via the Protocol Personnel and eSirius System Access Form located on the AUS Forms web page.
  2. PI Designate is listed as a 'Primary Contact' on the Principal Investigator's Animal Use Protocol.

INCOMPLETE FORM -

  • If unable to complete and submit this application during one session, click on the 'Save & Return Home' button. (See below)
  • Unfinished Animal Use Protocols are located under the ALERTS - INCOMPLETE PROTOCOLS section of your eSirius Home Page.
  • To return to the last saved web page of an incomplete protocol, click on the assigned protocol number hyperlink within the 'Unfinished Protocols' section of the eSirius Home Page.
For Form Completion details, link to the AUS Forms web page.

 

FORM NAVIGATION
The following navigation buttons are located at the bottom of most web pages:

SAVE & CONTINUE - Use this button to proceed in sequential order through the Animal Use Protocol. An 'Error(s) Detected' warning will appear if the page has incomplete elements. (See below)

CLEAR PAGE REVISIONS - Use this button to delete current page revisions and return to previously saved page data.

SAVE & RETURN HOME - Use this button to save page revisions, and then return to the eSirius Home Page.

Other Navigation Tools:

TABLE OF CONTENTS - Use this to navigate to non-consecutive web pages. This method should only be used after the form has been completed up to and including all required Species Information web pages.

ERROR(S) DETECTED - All fields having a red asterisk '*' must be completed before proceeding to the next web page. In addition, some fields are conditionally required, i.e. "If 'Yes' to Q.2, Q.3 is required." When an Error(s) Detected web page appears, use the web browser's 'Back' button to return to the previous web page. Complete the missing page fields, and then use the Save & Continue button to proceed.

QUICK FIND WEB PAGE UTILITY - To quickly locate a specific word on any web page, use the computer keyboard 'F3' key to activate the Find utility. Enter the required name in the Find field, then click Next or Enter.

For Form Navigation details, link to the AUS Forms web page.

 

PROTOCOL TITLE & PROJECT TYPE

  • Protocol Title -An accurately spelled Protocol Title;
  • Protocol Application Type - Pick from the droplist to identify the type of protocol application. For more Protocol Type detail, link to AUS Policies.
    • A New Protocol is a stand alone protocol having no direct connection to a previously approved protocol;
    • A Full Renewal is a continuation of an expired protocol following FOUR protocol years;
    • A Pilot Protocol involves up to 10 animals of any species (or up to 20 animals for recipient/donor studies). Once animals have been used, a Post-Pilot Full Protocol is required.
    • A Post-Pilot Full Protocol is required when pilot protocols have been completed (Required when maximum approved animal numbers were used within Pilot Protocol).
  • Previous Protocol Number - If this is a Full Renewal, or a Post-Pilot Full Protocol please provide the associated previous protocol number.
  • Pilot or Full Renewal Previous Protocol Progress Report Summary - If this is a Post-Pilot Full Protocol or a Full Renewal, please provide a progress summary report associated with the previous related submission. Information taken directly from a grant submission is not suitable.

 


SCIENTIFIC PEER REVIEW REQUIREMENTS

"When evidence of good peer review is absent," the AUS must, in accordance with CCAC policy "solicit two reviews of the objectives, hypotheses, methods and contributions of the project by knowledgeable scientists who do not collaborate with the investigator." http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GDLINES/PROTOCOL/PROTGDE.HTM

  • Approved Agency Funding - Approved funding awards "associated with competitive funding applications to agencies with adequate peer review processes generally do not require review for scientific merit". In this instance, the Principal Investigator may provide an approved Grant Number on web page 5.1.1 Funding Agency Detail, and respond to Questions 1 & 2 above.
  • Unconfirmed or Non-approved Agency Funding -The PI with unconfirmed or non-approved funding awards may attach the agency funding score and/or source assessment below and request that it be considered by the ACVS Director as having adequate scientific peer review. (See below)
  • Funding From Sources Other Than A Funding Agency -"Projects approved and funded by some agencies or organizations, or from internal funds may have been subjected to little or no peer review...When evidence of good peer review is absent," the AUS is required to request internal peer review. Consequently, any protocol lacking a confirmed regulated agency funding award, or a related agency funding assessment/score submission attachment below will automatically be sent for internal peer review by the assigned AUS AO.

For CCAC scientific peer review expectations, link to CCAC Policy on the Importance of Independent Peer Review of the Scientific Merit of Animal-Based Research Projects (2000).

SAMPLE PAGE - Click on the Animal Use Scientific Objectives Sample Page to view a completed example of this web page.

 

PURPOSE OF ANIMAL USE DEFINITIONS

  • PAU 0 - BREEDING COLONY/STOCK Refers to animals held in breeding colonies that have not been assigned to a particular research, teaching or testing protocol.
  • PAU 1 - FUNDAMENTAL RESEARCH Refers to studies involving research of a fundamental nature in sciences relating to essential structure or function that focuses on expanding biological knowledge and increasing our understanding of biological processes. Some examples are studies designed to understand...
    • ...the cellular and/or molecular basis of inflammatory reactions or other basic physiological or biochemical reactions;
    • ...one or some of the various facets of the role played by a hormone or other compound produced by mammals;
    • ...the behaviour of various species;
    • ...the population dynamics of various species.
  • PAU 2 - MEDICAL OR VETERINARY RESEARCH Refers to studies involving research that focuses on the understanding, treatment, diagnosis or prevention of diseases or disorders in humans or animals. Some examples are studies designed to...
    • ...develop an animal model for a specific type of cancer or disease;
    • ...determine antibodies most likely to contribute positively to a specific cancer therapy;
    • ...determine which molecule within a particular class of compounds is the most likely to contribute to maintaing stable blood glucose levels in diabetic animals;
  • PAU 3 - REGULATORY TESTING Refers to studies involving regulatory testing of products mandated by governmental bodies in order to approve their use in humans or animals. Some examples are studies designed to undertake...
    • ...safety testing;
    • ...regulatory toxicology;
    • ...vaccine efficacy trials;
    • ...testing new therapeutic compounds, if data will be used in Investigational New Drug Application (IND), or New Drug Submission (NDS);
  • PAU 4 - DRUG/PRODUCT DEVELOPMENT - Refers to studies involving research that focuses on the development of novel pharmaceuticals and/or potential therapies for humans or animals before regulatory testing is carried out. Some examples are studies designed to...
    • ...investigate the role and effects of a specific drug or immunotherapy candidate for cancer;
    • ...develop physical devices to assist heart function;
    • ...develop artificial organs;
  • PAU 5 - EDUCATION OR TRAINING Refers to studies involving the use of animals to demonstrate biological procedures, to expose students to experimental methods, and/or to train individuals in procedures required in their professions.
For detailed examples, link to Page 15, Appendix D - Purpose of Animal Use - within Interpretation Bulletin no.1-1 - Animal Use Data Form



ANIMAL GROUPS AND PROCEDURES TIMELINES OVERVIEW

Please include the following overview information per animal group:

  • Group Type - Identify each group according to its type: experimental, teaching, breeding, sub-group, control, sham.
  • Group Unique Identifier - Identify each individual experimental, teaching and/or breeding group using a unique identifier, e.g. Groups 1,2,3, or Groups A,B,C.
  • Animal Number Estimate Per Group - Provide an estimate of the number of animals required for each experimental/teaching group, e.g. first year's projection X 4 years. It is understood that projects involving large numbers of mice may have difficulty in determining exact animal numbers per group.
  • Events per Group - List the major animal procedures, manipulations, treatments, e.g. injections, surgery, imaging, in chronological order. Do not provide procedural or narrative detail.
  • Time Frames and Intervals - Include Recovery & Rest Periods Per Group
  • Final Disposition - Experimental Endpoint e.g. euthanasia, donated



PROCEDURES NARRATIVE - PROCEDURE-SPECIFIC DETAIL

Anesthesia

  1. Identify Anesthesia TYPE(s), e.g. injectible, gasDescribe Anesthetic REGIME, including pre-anesthetic, induction, and maintenanceIs fasting - food or water - involved? If yes, provide justification, and duration detail.Provide LENGTH of TIME Animal Is AnesthetizedFor Animals Receiving MULTIPLE ANESTHETIC EVENTS, list the FREQUENCY, TOTAL NUMBER and TIME INTERVALS between anesthetic events. If Neuromuscular Blocking Agents (NBA) will be used, describe MONITORING provided to ensure adequate depth with NBA(s).
  2. If ARTIFICIAL VENTILATION Is Used, Provide RESPIRATION RATE, TIDAL VOLUME, and PEAK EXPIRATORY PRESSUREProvide RESPIRATION RATE, TIDAL VOLUME, and PEAK EXPIRATORY PRESSURE.


Antibody Production

  1. Antibody Production TYPE - Monoclonal, PolyclonalADJUVANT Used - Complete Freund's Adjuvant, Incomplete Freund's Adjuvant, Pristane, Titre MaxVOLUMEInjection SITE(s) & RoutesDescribe the associated blood collection regimeFrequency &/or Time Between BoostsProvide Time Between BoostsWill SOP 370-Antibody Production/Rabbits/Polyclonal be followed?Will SOP372-Antibody Production/Mice/Ascites Model be followed?
  2. If 'Yes' to 8 or 9, And CHANGES Are Planned To Either SOP, DETAIL CHANGES


Blood/Tissue Collection

  1. LIST All SAMPLES COLLECTED Involving the LIVE ANIMAL in this Project, i.e. muscle, nerve, blood, skin, embryos, urine, feces, liver, spleen.
  2. If BLOOD COLLECTION Is Performed, List Collection Sites Used
    3. i.e. Arterial Puncture; Cardiac Puncture; Cutaneous Nick; Retro-orbital Puncture; Vena Puncture
  3. Collection VOLUMECollection FREQUENCY & TIME BETWEEN CollectionIf ANESTHETIC Used, Provide 'Anesthesia-Non-Surgical' Procedure elementsIs fasting - food or water - involved? If yes, provide justification, duration and frequency detail.If BLOOD Collection Is Used, Will SOP 360-Blood Collection/Volumes/Multiple Species be followed?
  4. If 'YES' to Q 7, and CHANGES Are Planned to SOP-360, Provide CHANGE DETAIL


Genotyping

  1. Will SOP 341 - Genotyping and Identification be followed?If CHANGES Are Planned To This SOP, or if it will NOT be followed, Provide JUSTIFICATION & CHANGE DETAIL
  2. Identify TISSUE COLLECTION Method, i.e. Ear Notch, Tail Clip, Toe Clip < 8 Days Old NOTE: Toe Clipping on Animals Beyond 8 Days of Age is Not Permitted

Surgery

  1. Provide Anesthesia detail, as described above.Provide a SURGERY PROCEDURAL OUTLINE from pre-op through to post-op for this specific surgery, including timelines, anesthetic regime, monitoring, drug administration, wound closure, and suture removal.
  2. Will SOP 343-Surgical Prep/Rodent/Recovery Surgery be followed?



AUTHORIZED ANIMAL NUMBER DETERMINATION

Use Q.1 to provide an estimate of the total numbers for the species listed below required to cover the entire Animal Use Protocol. NOTE: Requests for AUS authorization of additional animal numbers may be submitted via a Protocol Modification form any time during the life of the Animal Use Protocol.

ANIMAL USE DETERMINATION - The CCAC requires that all weaned animals be counted as used against authorized animal numbers, as follows:
  • Weaned and/or Ordered Animals - All weaned animals are counted as used against a protocol at the point of requisition request and/or weaning. Conversely, unweaned rats or mice will not be counted as 'used.'
  • Vendor-Donated Additional Animals - Extra animals sent by vendors are counted as used upon delivery.
  • Additional Animals from Non-Commercial Sources - Animals transferred to an Animal Use Protocol from a non-commercial source, e.g. transfer of animals between citywide Animal Use Protocols, are counted as used on the receiving protocol upon transfer. If animals were previously used while under the source citywide protocol, animal use will be counted on both the source and receiving protocols.
Yearly Authorized Balance Determination - eSirius has been created to carry forward the unused animal balance at each annual renewal. Consequently, at annual renewal, the unused authorized animal numbers - plus all authorized animal number increases via Protocol Modifications - will be used as the default authorized number for subsequent Protocol Renewal Years.

Declining Authorized Animal Number Balance Example -
Original Animal Use Protocol authorized mice = 100;
40 mice used during Protocol Year 1;
Annual Renewal to Protocol Year 2 - Authorized mice = 60 (100 originally authorized - 40 used in Year 1).




CCAC'S 3 R'S JUSTIFICATION REQUIREMENTS

Animal Choice Justification - State why a less sentient species is not appropriate, and describe the searches conducted for replacement, including databases, keywords, and date(s) searched. Include the following elements:
  • Replacement Alternatives - Replacement alternatives refers to methods which avoid or replace the use of animals in an area where animals would otherwise have been used. This includes both absolute replacements (i.e. replacing animals with inanimate systems, such as computer programs) and relative replacements (i.e. replacing more sentient animals such as vertebrates, with animals that current scientific evidence indicates have a significantly lower potential for pain perception, such as some invertebrates).
  • Animal Model Selection - Please describe the characteristics of the animal model - structural, behavioural, physiological, biochemical, other - that make the species/strain appropriate.

Animal Number Justification - While addressing the CCAC requirement for reduction and refinement, as defined below, justify the animal number for the species listed above required for this Animal Use Protocol.
  • Reduction of Animal Use Numbers - Reduction means a decrease in the number of animals used previously with no loss of useful information. This may be achieved by reducing the number of variables through data sharing, good experimental design, by using genetically homogeneous animals or by ensuring that the conditions of the experiment are rigorously controlled.
  • Refinement of Experimental Technique - Refinement alternatives refers to the modification of husbandry or experimental procedures to minimize pain and distress, and to enhance the welfare of an animal used in science from the time it is born until its death. The establishment of early endpoints for intervention in a study that has the potential to cause pain or distress is an example of refinement.

For detailed CCAC guidelines go to Canadian Council on Animal Care web site and/or Three R's information, link to the CCAC - The Three R's Search Guide microsite.

Approved numbers may not be exceeded without an amendment that offers justification for the increase.



ANIMAL SOURCE TYPES

  • Commercial - AUS-approved commercial animal supplier, e.g. Charles River Laboratories, Jackson Labs
  • Non-Commercial - Non-commercial, non-profit citywide or external institutions or sources, as follows:
    • Different Citywide Protocol Number - Animals sourced from one Citywide protocol number to another is considered to be a Protocol Transfer, which requires completion of additional fields below for authorization by an ACVS veterinarian.
    • External Institution - An institution not affiliated with Western and not having AUS authorized protocols.
  • Field - Animals sourced from the wild, e.g. B.C. Salmon, Chickadees.

CCAC REQUIREMENTS FOR ANIMALS SOURCED FROM OTHER PROTOCOLS

The CCAC requires AUS approval for the transfer of previously used animals between protocols. As stated by the CCAC, the only eligible animals for protocol transfer are those that are "healthy and are not suffering from procedures previously conducted on them." Previously used animals requiring AUS approval via this form section are those involved in experimental, teaching or testing procedures on the source protocol with the exception of
  • The Following 'Previously Used' Animals
    • Retired Breeders
    • Mothers shipped with pups (pups used for experiments only)
  • All Previously Unused Animals Including
    • Weaned animals not used on source protocol
    • Surplus animals not used on source protocol


EXTERNAL ANIMAL TRANSFER TO CITYWIDE ANIMAL CARE FACILITIES

Although animal transfers may be performed in advance of training, involved research staff must complete any outstanding CCAC-mandated animal and/or facility-specific (e.g. Barrier, Facility Orientation) training in advance of animal use. Link to Veterinary Services Teaching & Courses web page for more animal training information.



HOLDING PERIOD & EXEMPTIONS

The CCAC states, "A minimum adjustment period of two days is required after shipping for immune function, corticosterone levels and other physiological parameters to stabilize (Small, 1984; Toth and January, 1990). Additionally, SOP 310-03 states: "Animals arriving at any of the animal facilities in London are required to undergo a 72 hour Holding Period to allow them to acclimatize to the stresses of transportation and to adjust to a new environment. During this period no experimental procedures may be performed."

Exempted animals are those immediately euthanized for tissues and not held in an animal housing facility, or protocols for which AUS permission for deviation from the SOP has been provided.

QUARANTINE

Refers to a period of containment for animals with unconfirmed or suspect health status. Animals acquired from External Facilities are judged on a case-by-case basis. Since each separate animal facility has its own health status, contact the Facility Manager for specific quarantine requirements.




ENVIRONMENTAL ENRICHMENT

The CCAC defines environmental enrichment as "additions to an animal's environment with which it can interact." The social needs of animals used in research, teaching, or testing should be given equal consideration with environmental factors such as lighting, heating, ventilation and containment.


ANIMAL CAGING/HOUSING REQUIREMENTS

The CCAC states, "Most animals should not be housed singly unless required by medical condition, aggression, or the dictates of the study. Singly housed animals should have some degree of social contact with others of their own kind. For most species, at the very least there should be potential visual contact. Olfactory and auditory contact with other animals is also usually desirable.

Protocols which involve single housing must describe proposed measures for meeting the social requirements of the isolated animal (e.g., where appropriate, increased positive human contact). Investigators must justify any deviations from the CCAC guidelines before an Animal Care Committee (ACC) and receive its approval, before any study can begin."1




ANIMAL TRANSFERS - FACILITY MANAGER AUTHORIZATION

Citywide animal holding facility managers must authorize the return of animals transported for any reason to another citywide site, e.g. imaging, surgery. Additionally, animal transfers between citywide sites require advance authorization by the destination Animal Holding Facility Manager. Contact the specific Citywide Animal Holding Facility Manager to request their Standard Operating Procedures, and review the SOPs listed below relating to animal transfers into and/or between facilities. For other information pertaining to citywide facilities animal transfers, link to Animal Care Facilities.



MONITORING & ENDPOINTS

CCAC Endpoint Guidelines

The CCAC states, "In experiments involving animals, any actual or potential pain, distress, or discomfort should be minimized or alleviated by choosing the earliest endpoint that is compatible with the scientific objectives of the research. Selection of this endpoint by the investigator should involve consultation with the laboratory animal veterinarian and the animal care committee."

Recommended Procedures For Selecting an Appropriate Endpoint

The animal in a moribund state may be past suffering (and actually comatose). A moribund animal is one that is close to death and may be comatose or unresponsive to stimuli, exhibit dyspnea or other severe breathing problems, hypothermia, prostration, etc. However, before the animal gets to the point of being moribund, detailed observations of the animal can help to set an earlier endpoint and thereby reduce the actual cost to the animal, in terms of pain and/or distress. There are several considerations in defining an appropriate endpoint in a given experiment. These all depend on an objective determination of any deviations from an animal's "normal" state, followed by a correlation of these changes with degrees of discomfort, pain and/or distress. Some of these considerations are:
  • making the appropriate observations of the animals (of their behavior, physiology, etc.);
  • assigning objective values to the observations of animal behavior and physiology;
  • determining which observations are the most significant indicators of pain and/or distress in the specific circumstances of the research;
  • determining which observations are the most significant predictors of further deterioration in the animal's condition, and then identifying the earliest point at which those signs appear;
  • meeting the scientific demands for an objectively measured and significant endpoint;
  • clearly defining the information/data being sought in the experiments.
  • Making the Appropriate Observations of the Animal -Morton & Griffiths (1985) laid the groundwork for developing a set of observations for assessing pain, distress and discomfort in laboratory animals, based on evaluating five aspects of an animal's condition:
    • changes in body weight (and related changes in food and water intake);
    • external physical appearance;
    • measurable clinical signs (e.g., changes in heart rate, in respiratory rate, and in their nature);
    • changes in unprovoked behavior; and,
    • behavioral responses to external stimuli.


NON-HAZARDOUS DRUG/AGENT TYPES

Non-hazardous Drugs/Agents are categorized according to their type, as follows:
  • Analgesic, Anti-Inflammator A drug given to reduce pain without resulting in loss of consciousness. List includes acetaminophen, the non-steroidal anti-inflammatory drugs (NSAIDs), narcotic drugs such as morphine, and synthetic drugs with narcotic properties.
  • Anesthetic, Sedative - Agents used to induce anesthesia or sedation including gaseous inhalation agents, injectable drugs, topical and local anesthetics. Complete web page 10.2 - Procedures Narrative (see 'Anesthetic' Procedure-Specific Information at the bottom of page) and/or web page 11.12.5A Surgery Information
  • Antibiotic, Antihelminthic - Includes drugs used to treat infections from bacterial, fungal, protozoal, helminth, or viral agents.
  • Antigen, Antibody - Includes products given to elicit an immune response in animals when administered by systemic or inhalation routes. Antibodies include proteins produced by plants or animals in response to an antigenic challenge.
  • Cardiovascular - Products administered to animals whose primary route of action is on the cardiovascular system. Including drugs whose action is directed at the heart, peripheral vascular system and major vessels.
  • Chemotherapy - Drug used specifically to treat a malignancy including adjuvant drugs used in combination.
  • Euthanasia Drug - Drug delivered to an animal to terminate its life, including barbiturates or an overdose of anesthetic agents. Also, complete web page 11.13.1 Euthanasia Methods Information.
  • Fluid Therapy - Solution used to deliver water, electrolytes, or calories in vivo.
  • Hormone - Endocrine agents or products that block or induce production of endocrine agents including chemicals with hormone-like effect.
  • Immune Modulator - Product which alters the immune response.
  • Metabolic - Enzymes and/or agents that interrupt the action of enzymes, compounds found in normal body tissues, salts and electrolytes.
  • Nervous System - Chemicals that exert their effect through the central, peripheral or autonomic nervous system including agonists and antagonists of receptors involved in these systems.
  • Test Agent or Drug - A product which is under development as a therapeutic agent, but for which full information on toxicity, pharmacokinetics, or metabolic pathways is not available. Also, add a procedure for Drug/Agent Testing on web page 10.2 Procedures Narrative.


SURGICAL TRAINING

CCAC SURGICAL TRAINING GUIDELINE - The CCAC states, "All persons performing surgical techniques should have demonstrated ability in the surgical procedures required...Adequate training and practice will help minimize anesthetic and surgical time and contribute to faster recovery of the animal...It cannot be assumed...that prior human surgical experience will result in good experimental animal surgery because there are significant differences in both anesthesia and surgical technique."2

CCAC SURGICAL GUIDELINE EXCERPTS
The following excerpts provide other surgery detail. For complete CCAC guidelines pertaining to animal surgery standards, link to Chapter IX - Standards for Experimental Animal Surgery.
  • SURGICAL LOCATION - All areas where surgery is performed must be approved by the AUS. The CCAC states, "Ideally ALL recovery surgery should be performed in a suite especially designed for this purpose...At no time should surgery be performed in an animal housing room. Major (invasive) surgery in rodents, including stereotaxic surgery, should be performed in a dedicated surgery room."3
  • PRE-OPERATIVE PLANNING & ANIMAL PREPARATION - Section C of CCAC's Standards for Experimental Animal Surgery states, "It is recommended that pre-operative care, operative technique and post-operative care practices be developed in consultation with a veterinarian...to ensure that there is adequate veterinary care for the animal, including appropriate anesthesia and analgesia."4
    • Acclimatization - Acclimatization is required in order to facilitate animal adjustment to new surgical environments and devices.
    • Surgical Records - Surgical records should be kept for all experimental animals. The degree of detail depends upon the species and procedures involved.
    • Fasting - Species-specific pre-operative fasting times are listed. CCAC states, "It is unnecessary to withhold food and water from rodents, or rabbits except in special circumstances."5
    • Monitoring - CCAC states, "During surgery, it is important that the physiological condition of the animal be monitored and kept stable...These observations should be recorded in the animal's surgery record. It is essential that the animal be clinically examined at least twice per day in the immediate post-operative period."6
    • Anesthesia - CCAC states, "All surgical procedures are to be carried out under anesthesia...it is the responsibility of the surgeon and anesthetist to ensure that this animal is spared discomfort during the entire peri-operative period. This includes the period during the induction of the anesthesia, for the entire surgical period and for the post-surgical recovery period. In no case is it acceptable to use muscle paralytics without appropriate anesthetics."7 For CCAC Anesthesia detail, link to CCAC Guide, Vol.1, XI. Anesthesia.
    • Multiple Major Surgeries - Multiple survival surgeries using single animals are strongly discouraged by the CCAC, and are not permitted in order to save money. AUS approval will only be granted with adequate scientific justification.
  • POST-OPERATIVE RECOVERY & SUPPORT - Section C of CCAC's Standards for Experimental Animal Surgery states, "The goal of the surgery team must be to minimize any pain or distress...every attempt must be made to relieve pain with appropriate use of analgesics and good nursing care. Investigators must consult with a veterinarian to set up an analgesic regime for ALL species of animals used."8
    • Recovery Monitoring - CCAC states,"Under no circumstances should any animal be allowed to recover unattended."9
    • Recovery Stabilization & Return to Housing Location - CCAC states, "When normal eating and drinking behaviour has resumed, and physiological parameters have been stabilized or are within expected limits, the animal may be removed from intensive care to more standardized husbandry. However, the animal must continue to be monitored carefully."10


1,3-10 CCAC IX. STANDARDS FOR EXPERIMENTAL ANIMAL SURGERY. Retrieved May 2009 from http://www.ccac.ca/en/CCAC_Programs/Guidelines_Policies/GUIDES/ENGLISH/V1_93/CHAP/CHIX.HTM

2 http://www.ccac.ca/en/ccac_programs/guidelines_policies/guides/english/V1_93/APPEN/APPXVII.HTM


CCAC GUIDELINES ON THE CARE AND USE OF WILDLIFE

"Experimental procedures involving the capture, handling and release of wild animals are of special concern: lack of conditioning results in high degrees of stress in captured wild animals; therefore, the necessity for capture, handling and/or administration of drugs or other compounds must be clearly established. Detailed descriptions of all pursuit, capture, handling and chemical restraint procedures, and explanations of their appropriateness, are essential. Criteria used to assess suitability for release must be clearly stated. Provision for recovery, treatment, or euthanasia of injured animals and disposal of carcasses must be specified."

For complete CCAC guidelines concerning wildlife, link to Guidelines on the Care and Use of Wildlife.

 

CCAC TRAINING REQUIREMENTS

CCAC Mandated Training Requirements - All personnel working with live animals require CCAC mandated training including the 'Basic Animal Care & Use Web-CT Course' and related hands-on 'Workshops '. Completion of the 'Basic Animal Care & Use Web-CT Course' is mandatory for ALL personnel, including the Principal Investigator. The Animal Use Subcommittee will be informed of all personnel with incomplete training beyond 1 month of notice.
For more information on this requirement please see Western's Policy Section 7.10.

Workshop Enrolment Detail - The 'Workshop' requirements are determined by the species and procedures associated with each individual listed below. All personnel listed below will be contacted directly via the email address listed below for auto-enrolment in all 'Workshop' requirements. Previous hands-on 'Workshops' attended at another research institution may be accepted; please submit training documentation with this form. For additional training requirement detail and associated costs, go to Veterinary Services Teaching & Courses.

Adding Additional Contacts - In order to add additional contact(s) to this Animal Use Protocol, please select the 'Add Contact' button below and enter contact name into Add Person > Name Search Field in order to link to web page '15.1 Personnel Information'.

NOTE for PIs: Click on the link for your name under the 'Name' field below in order to link to web page '15.1 Personnel Information'.

Personnel Information - Use web page '15.1 Personnel Information' to enter all information pertaining to the selected contact including 'Updated Personnel Information' and 'Animal Experience & Canadian Training History'. The 'Individuals Live Animal Activities' section allows for you to select all procedures/activities involving the selected contact on this Animal Use Protocol. This information will determine the selections available on web page '15.2 Personnel Protocol Related Activities.'

Personnel Protocol Related Activities - Use web page '15.2 Personnel Protocol Related Activities' to further describe all pertinent information related to each procedure selected in web page '15.1 Personnel Information'.