Teaching & Courses

• Mandatory Training
• WebCT - Basic Animal Care and Use Course
• Accessing the Course
• WebCT Log-In
• Animal Care and Use Workshops
  • Policy on Late Arrivals at Workshops
  • Auditing Workshops
  • Auditing WebCT course material
  • Competency Assessments
  • Reassessments following Hands on Sessions
  • Training Sessions
  • Workshop Descriptions
  • Skills Taught in Workshops
• Other Lectures
• Web Teaching Sites  Including ACVS sponsored Animal User Training for Non-UWO Facilities

Mandatory Training

WebCT 'Basic Animal Care and Use Course'

All individuals who work with laboratory animals, including the principal investigator, are required to take the web based 'Basic Animal Care and Use - Course.'  For more information on this requirement please see the university Policy Section 7.0.

Modules

• Ethics
• Animal Care
• Research Issues
• Occupational Health and Safety
• Health

You are able to access the course modules at your leisure and will find self study quizzes in some areas.  These are optional and are intended to help you review the material.  Once all of the modules have been completed there will be a short quiz of 20 questions.  Successful completion (70%) of the test is required.  For more information on this requirement please see the university Policy Section 7.0.

Your name must first be listed on an approved Animal Use Protocol (AUP). If you are not, the Principal Investigator (PI) must submit a 'Minor Modification' to the Animal Use Subcommittee (AUS.)

Once that information is received and processed, a Research Education staff member will automatically register you for this course as well as the relevant workshops and associated WebCT. You will then receive a registration email to inform you that you have access to the courses. If applicable, dates for hands-on workshops will be set at the same time and will be included on the email.

Before you attempt to log on for the first time

• Check your browser to ensure that it is compatible with WebCT
• Disable any cookie blockers.  Go to Tools/Options (or Internet Options)/Privacy allow cookies.  If you have other firewall protection you may have to call the Help Desk 83800 or your internet provider.
• Make a note of who you can contact if you need help.
• Check out the common problems that are encountered.

If after completing all of the above checks you still have problems logging on

• There is an online form that you can submit to ITS.
• At the bottom of the form there is a section ' Description of your Problem' be sure to indicate that you are in the Animal Care and Use Course as well as describing the problem.
• Click here for Online Form

  If you have a non-UWO email address, DO NOT forget your password.  The ITS Help Desk will be unable to help you.

Animal Care and Use Workshops: General Information

Anyone involved in the handling or monitoring of research animals is required to take all applicable workshops and/or WebCT training sessions. If you require specialized training in animal care and use skills, please email 

Ad hoc  workshops or Training Sessions composed of two or more workshops can be arranged for large groups from a single lab.  We can also provide proficiency certificates for individuals who have not attended workshops, but have considerable expertise in a given area. 

Workshops have been grouped into 'training sessions'  in order to provide sequential training for the most frequently requested information.  The training sessions and workshops are ‘hands-on’ so be prepared to participate.  You will receive information on location and of any prerequisites such as completion of a WebCT segment.  WebCT sessions and quizzes must be completed prior to attending the workshop.

1. In order to attend workshops you must be listed on an approved Animal Use Protocol (AUP) as performing animal procedures that match workshops requested.
2. Please see the section on Registering for Access to the Course.

Limited space is available for individuals who would like to audit workshops. Individuals who qualify for assessments but want to be sure that their procedures are current and technicians studying for CALAS certification may find this option attractive. The cost for auditing a half-day workshop is $10.00. This does not include any hands-on instruction.

Individuals who qualify for assessments but want to be sure that their knowledge base with regard to animal care and use is up to date and technicians studying for CALAS certification may find this option attractive. The cost for auditing each WebCT module is $10.00. This cost does not include access to the quizzes.

We will be offering regulary scheduled sessions for individuals with extensive experience in animal care and use but who have not yet completed hands on training. There will be no instruction or coaching, individuals will be asked to perform different skills and assessed on their performance. It is recommended that those interested in this route audit the appropriate WebCT Course Material and/or Workhops to ensure that their skills and procedures are in complicance with current standards. During the session participants will be asked to demonstrate skills as mandated by their Animal Use Protocols .

If you have access to Animal Care and Use Web CT these sessions will be listed on the training calendar. If you do not currently have access please contact the training coordinator at Please reserve a space at least a week in advance if you are interested in attending.

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Training Sessions

A Training Session is a group of workshops that are presented sequentially. The individual workshops build on each other to reinforce skills and provide students with expertise in some common areas of laboratory animal care and use. 

This session is for individuals who may be required to restrain, identify and monitor rodents but who will not be doing any injections or blood collection.

• Monitoring, Assessment and Intervention

• Basic Rodent Handling

These sessions are composed of the three individual workshops listed below.  This session prepares individuals for the care and monitoring of research animals along with procedures such as urine collection, injections and blood collection. Starting January 1, 2010, where hands on experience with carbon dioxide euthanasia is required a $10.00 surcharge will be added. Where physical euthanasia techniques of cervical dislocation or decapitation are required a $35.00 surcharge will be added.

• Monitoring, Assessment and Intervention

• Sterile Injection Techniques and Basic Handling

• Mouse Injections and Techniques  OR

• Rat Injections and Techniques

This session includes the workshops listed above with the addition of the workshop Anaesthesia.  Completion of this session also prepares students to anaesthetize and recover mice or rats.

For those individuals requiring training in surgical techniques the workshop Recovery Mouse or Rat Surgery Room Methodology must also be taken.

It is strongly recommended that anyone performing non-recovery surgery on mice or rats also
add this workshop to their training.

• Monitoring, Assessment and Intervention

• Sterile Injection Techniques and Basic Handling

• Rabbit Injections and Techniques

• Other Workshops such as Anaesthesia may be included.

• Post-Mortem Techniques

• Blood Collection and Intravenous Techniques
• Rodent Intubation
• Recovery Surgery Room Methodology - Non-Rodents

• Recovery Mouse or Rat Surgery Room Methodology Part I

• Recovery Mouse or Rat Surgery Room Methodology Part II

• Surgical Pack Preparation

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Workshop Descriptions

• Monitoring, Assessment and Intervention

• Sterile Injection Techniques and Basic Handling

• Mouse Injections and Techniques

• Rat Injections and Techniques

• Blood Collection and Intravenous Techniques

• Anaesthesia

• Gas Anaesthesia

• Post-Mortem Techniques

• Surgical Techniques

• Surgical Pack Preparation

• Rabbit Injections and Techniques

• Sheep

• Ad hoc Training Sessions

Monitoring, Assessment and Intervention
Pre-requisite: - None - Online Only
This is a must for anyone who will be responsible for monitoring the health of laboratory animals, especially if the animal will be undergoing surgical intervention. This session is completely on-line, with interactive information about behaviour indicating health and well being. The session will concentrate on the rodent and enables participants to recognize specific problems such as lethargy, inappetence, dehydration and other signs of a compromised animal as well as possible complications in the post-operative period. Analgesics (painkillers), fluid therapy, record keeping, surgical incision complications, physical examination, and therapies are discussed.

Basic Rodent Handling

Pre-requisite: Web CT # 9

This workshop is designed for individuals who will only be handling, monitoring or identifying rodents.  You will learn how to comfortably handle and restrain the animals along with common methods of identification.  You will also receive instruction on methods of euthanasia for rodents.

Sterile Injection Techniques and Basic Handling
Pre-requisite: Web CT #1
Workshop Time: 9-9:40 a.m.  

This course will provide you with the basics from how to draw up solutions for injection to how to pick up a mice, rats or rabbits.  Being able to perform sterile injections is essential to many research protocols.  Performing injections competently and being able to maintain adequate records are stressed.  For an introduction to handling, both animal models and live animals will be used.  Gentle, competent handling techniques will make life easier for you and your animals.  Models will be used to build confidence prior to handling actual animals.

Mouse Injections and Techniques
Pre-requisite: Web CT #3
Workshop Time: 9:40 a.m. - noon  

Individuals currently performing procedures on MICE (or who expect to within the next 8 months) should take this course. This workshop provides more advanced training to that given in Basic Injections and Handling Techniques.  You will have an opportunity to practice handling skills and injection techniques (IM, IP, SC.) Urine collection, cardiac puncture and euthanasia methods will be taught. Other procedures may be taught or demonstrated dependent on time and participant requirements.  

Rat Injection and Techniques
Pre-requisite: Web CT #4
Workshop Time: 9:40 a.m. - noon

Individuals currently performing procedures on RATS (or who expect to within the next 8 months) should take this course. This workshop provides more advanced training to that given in Basic Injections and Handling Techniques.  You will have an opportunity to practice handling skills and injection techniques (IM, IP, SC.) Urine collection, cardiac puncture and euthanasia methods will be taught. Other procedures may be taught or demonstrated dependent on time and participant requirements. 

Blood Collection and Intravenous Techniques
Pre-requisite: Web CT #4
Workshop Time: ad hoc - Please contact the training co-ordinator

This specialized session is geared toward people working with rats and mice but may be modified to meet the requirements of individuals using other species. Students will be given the opportunity to practice intravenous techniques such as intravenous injection using a needle and syringe and catheter placement. In addition, blood collection techniques from the saphenous and tail vein will be taught. Students will have the opportunity to start intravenous drips and calculate flow rates. Other procedures will be included as required by the participants. Models will be used prior to the use of live animals.

Anaesthesia
Pre-requisite: Web CT #5
Workshop Time: 1 - 3 p.m.
You will have the opportunity to observe the effects of both injectable and gaseous anaesthesia. Intubation will also be discussed. You will learn the advantages and disadvantages of different regimes and, in the anaesthetized animal, learn which reflexes can be used to assess anaesthetic depth. You will have an opportunity to anaesthetize an animal, and assess its depth properly. Whether you are anaesthetizing for an acute procedure, or a recovery procedure, this workshop is a requirement when any type of anaesthetic agents are listed on the protocol you are affiliated with.

Gas Anaesthesia
Pre-requisite: Web CT# 5a
Workshop Time: 1-3 p.m.
You will work on your own or with a partner to anaesthetize a rodent using an induction chamber and then transfer it to a mask for maintenance. You will assess anaesthetic depth during increasing anaesthetic depth and as the animal becomes 'lighter.' In addition you will monitor temperature and learn methods of providing supplemental heat.

Rodent Intubation
Prerequisite: Anaesthesia workhsop and WebCT#5a re endotracheal intubation.
Workshop Time: 1-3 p.m.
If you are required to intubate mice or rats this session will give you the opportunity to view a video and the anatomy of the laryngeal area. You will also have the opportunity to practice on deeply anaesthetized animals to ensure that you can accomplish this task withou injury to the larynx.

Recovery Mouse or Rat Surgery Room Methodology (Non-rodent species and guinea pigs as required)
Pre-requisites: Web CT #6, plus Advanced Mouse or Rat Training Session
Workshop Time: Scheduled shortly after attendance at either Mouse or Rat workshop covering anaesthesia. Usually from 10:00 am until 12:00pm

A demonstration and a 'mock up' practice session on how to prepare the animal for surgery, perform surgery, close tissues, tie knots etc.  You will also learn about surgical instruments, what they're for, and how to use them.  Discover how much easier and successful your surgeries can be!  Reduce post surgical weight loss and increase healing time.  You will have an opportunity to anaesthetize your own animal to a surgical plane, monitor is properly, practice a surgical scrub and don surgical clothes, surgical gloves as well as surgically prepare your own animal, incise and perform suturing.

Part I - This section includes organizing your surgical area, prepping the animals, surgical scrub, gloving, gowning and draping the animal.
Home Practice - You will be given a practice kit and asked to bring a completed simple interrupted and a subcuticular pattern to the final session. This will be reviewed a the workshop.
Part II - You will review draping and then practice a skin incision followed by closure using the two patterns that you practiced at home.

Surgical Pack Preparation
Pre-requisites: Web CT #10
Workshop Time: Ad hoc session; please contact teaching coordinator
This session is geared to individuals who will be responsible for preparing surgical packs or autoclave. You will learn the basics of how and autoclave works. Practical experience will be gained in: how prepare and wrap instrument packs; folding surgical gowns and the preparation of gown packs; and folding of drapes including fenestrated sheets with preparation of drape packs. Preparation of individual items will also be covered, along with autoclave indicators and the advantages / disadvantages of different wrapping materials and techniques.

Rabbit Injections and Techniques
Pre-requisites: Web CT #6
Workshop Time: Ad hoc session; please contact teaching coordinator

Obtain a blood sample from the central auricular artery and perform an intravenous injection into the lateral ear vein of a rabbit. You will learn these skills in addition to restraint, handling, subcutaneous and intramuscular injections, behaviour and husbandry.   Realistic models are used to assist in training.

Sheep

This material is presented entirely Web CT format. The material covered includes anatomy and physiology that relate to research projects, behaviour, diseases, occupational health and safety concerns and Standard Operating Procedures (SOPs).

Ad Hoc Training Sessions 

If required, we will provide specifically planned training sessions for individuals or groups involved in research projects.  The session may incorporate several workshops. Restraint, handling, development of scoring sheets, procedures, are just some of the topics that can be covered.  The cost of these sessions will depend on the material covered (workshops incorporated.) The basic cost is $35.00/hour for one student and $20.00/hour for each additional student plus materials and animal costs.

We will also provide introductory handling sessions to undergraduate classes.

For additional information please contact. 

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Veterinarians are available to provide lectures in undergraduate courses on ethics, handling, regulations, anaesthesia etc.   Power Point presentations are used.  We provide copies of handout material to the department for duplication.  This service is at no charge to the department but we do request that sufficient preparation time be given.  For additional information please contact the .

Web Teaching Sites  

Animal User Training Program:   This program is provided by the University of Western Ontario.  It provides content in compliance with the Canadian Council on Animal Care's  'Core A' as well as several pre-laboratory sessions in areas such as Lab Animal Monitoring to Techniques in the Mouse and Rat.

Blood collection using the saphenous vein:     A very useful blood collection technique

Methods of Blood Collection in the Mouse: This site outliines numerous collection methods. At Western, special approval must be obtained to use the retro-orbital method .

Techniques for blood collection in pigs:  Including pictures of the techniques

Bio methodology of Laboratory Animals: This site is provided by the University of Iowa and provides both text and picture.

The Virtual Mouse Necropsy:  Do a mouse post-mortem on line

The Virtual Frog Dissection Kit: A review of Frog Anatomy

Last updated onSeptember 29, 2010sf