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Handling and Restraint
Publication Name:
Current Protocols in Immunology
Unit Number:
Unit 1.3
DOI:
10.1002/0471142735.im0103s73
Online Posting Date:
July, 2006 Abstract
For the safety of the handler and the animal, proper methods for handling and restraining laboratory animals should be followed. Improper handling can result in increased stress and injury to the animal. In addition, the handler risks injury from bite wounds or scratches inflicted when the animal becomes fearful or anxious. By using sure, direct movements with a determined attitude, the animal can be easily handled and restrained. Animals can be restrained either manually or in a plastic restrainer. The protocols in this unit describe handling and manual restraint of mice, rats, hamsters, and rabbits. Alternate protocols describe restraint using the plastic restrainer.
Keywords: handling; rat; mouse; hamster; rabbit; restrainer; safety
Table of Contents
- Unit Introduction
- Basic Protocol 1: Mouse Handling and Manual Restraint
- Basic Protocol 2: Rat Handling and Manual Restraint
- Basic Protocol 3: Hamster Handling and Manual Restraint
- Alternate Protocol 1: Rodent Restrainers
- Basic Protocol 4: Rabbit Handling and Manual Restraint
- Alternate Protocol 2: Rabbit Restrainers
- Commentary
- Literature Cited
- Figures
Figures
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Figure 1.3.1Mouse handling and manual restraint. Apply slight, rearward traction on the tail (A). Grasp skin behind ears with thumb and index finger (B). Transfer the tail from the preferred hand to beneath the little finger of the hand holding the scruff of the neck (C). -
Figure 1.3.2Rat handling and manual restraint. Grasp around the thorax with the thumb and middle finger behind the front two legs (A). Grasp the loose skin on the back of the neck with thumb and index finger (B). -
Figure 1.3.3Hamster handling and manual restraint. Place hand palm down over hamster (A). Grasp the loose skin over the neck and back, pulling the skin taut over the thorax and abdomen (B). -
Figure 1.3.4Rodent restrainers. With animal under control as described for handling and manual restraint, place the head at opening of the box while maintaining tension on the tail. Allow animal to crawl in and place the securing block appropriately. -
Figure 1.3.5Method for grasping and holding a rabbit. -
Figure 1.3.6Rabbit manual restraint. Holding the rabbit firmly by the skin on the nape of the neck and by the hind legs, position it on its back for intraperitoneal injection. -
Figure 1.3.7Rabbit restrainer. The rabbit is secured with back brace behind its hind quarters and the neck brace in place.
Literature Cited
| Literature Cited | |
| Fox, J.G., Anderson, L.C., Loew, F.M., and Quimby, F.W. (eds.). 2002. Laboratory Animal Medicine, 2nd ed., pp. 179-180. Academic Press, San Diego. | |
| Poole, T.B. (ed.). 1999. The UFAW Handbook on the Care and Management of Laboratory Animals, 7th ed., pp. 325-326. Blackwell Science Ltd., Oxford. | |
| Suckow, M.A. and Douglas, F.A. 1997. The Laboratory Rabbit, pp. 71-74. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. | |
| Suckow, M.A., Danneman, P., and Brayton, C. 2001. The Laboratory Mouse, p. 113. CRC Press, Boca Raton, Fla. | |
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