Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals - Office of ...

114 GUIdE FOR ThE CARE ANd USE OF LAbORATORy ANIMALSprogram‘s requirements, which will vary by institution, species used, andthe nature of the animal use. To be effective in providing clinical care, theveterinarian should be familiar with the species and various uses of animalsin the institutional research, teaching, testing, or production programs andhave access to medical and experimental treatment records.Medical ManagementThere should be a timely and accurate method for communication ofany abnormalities in or concerns about animal health, behavior, and wellbeingto the veterinarian or the veterinarian’s designee. The responsibilityfor communicating these concerns rests with all those involved with animalcare and use. Reports should be triaged to ensure that animals most in needreceive priority attention, and the veterinarian or veterinarian’s designeeshould perform an objective assessment of the animal(s) to determine anappropriate course of action.Well-planned experiments with clearly delineated scientific and humaneendpoints will help to ensure that a contingency plan is in place for problemsthat may arise during the study (see Chapter 2, Experimental andHumane Endpoints). For animals on research protocols, the veterinarian orveterinarian’s designee should make every effort to discuss any problemswith the principal investigator or project director to jointly determine themost appropriate course of treatment or action. Standard operating procedures(SOPs) may be developed for recurrent health conditions to expeditetreatment. Recurrent or significant problems involving experimental animalhealth should be communicated to the IACUC, and all treatments and outcomesshould be documented (USDA 1997).Emergency CareProcedures must be in place to provide for emergency veterinary careboth during and outside of regularly scheduled hours. Such proceduresmust enable animal care and research staff to make timely reports of animalinjury, illness, or death. A veterinarian or the veterinarian’s designee mustbe available to expeditiously assess the animal’s condition, treat the animal,investigate an unexpected death, or advise on euthanasia. In the case of apressing health problem, if the responsible person (e.g., investigator) is notavailable or if the investigator and veterinary staff cannot reach consensuson treatment, the veterinarian must have the authority, delegated by senioradministration (see Chapter 2, Institutional Official and Attending Veterinarian)and the IACUC, to treat the animal, remove it from the experiment,institute appropriate measures to relieve severe pain or distress, or performeuthanasia if necessary.