Basic Surgery Training for Laboratory Animals

Surgical procedures are commonplace in laboratory animal research for various purposes, including the study of diseases, drug development, and understanding biological processes. Conducting surgery on laboratory animals requires precision, care, and adherence to ethical guidelines to ensure the welfare of the animals involved. This course will provide an hands on experience of basic surgery skills on laboratory animals, emphasizing essential techniques and considerations to promote successful outcomes and animal well-being.

Why to attend this course?

Basic surgery training for laboratory animals is essential for researchers and laboratory personnel involved in animal research. By adhering to ethical guidelines, mastering surgical techniques, and prioritizing animal welfare, researchers can conduct successful surgical procedures while promoting the well-being of the animals involved. Continuous education, training, and adherence to best practices are vital for maintaining high standards of surgical competency and animal care in laboratory settings.

Course Content:

Understanding Ethical Guidelines:

Familiarize with local, national, and international regulations governing the use of animals in research.

Ensure compliance with Institutional Animal Ethics committee (IAEC) guidelines and protocols.

Prioritize animal welfare and minimize pain and distress through appropriate anesthesia, analgesia, and post-operative care.

Preoperative Preparation:

It will cover thorough preoperative planning, including surgical site preparation, selection of appropriate instruments and materials, and ensuring sterile conditions.

Administer preoperative analgesia and anesthesia tailored to the species and procedure to minimize pain and distress.

Methods to check the health status of the animal and assess any pre-existing conditions that may impact the surgery.

Surgical Techniques:

Master basic surgical techniques, including aseptic technique, tissue handling, and hemostasis (control of bleeding).

Practice proper instrument handling and suturing techniques to achieve precise and secure wound closure.

Consider species-specific anatomical differences and adjust surgical approaches accordingly.

Anesthesia and Pain Management:

Types of anesthesia tailored to the species, age, and health status of the animal, ensuring appropriate depth and duration of anesthesia.

Monitor vital signs throughout the procedure and adjust anesthesia levels as needed to maintain physiological stability.

Implement post-operative pain management protocols to alleviate discomfort and promote recovery.

Postoperative Care:

Provide guidelines for appropriate postoperative care, including monitoring for signs of pain, distress, and complications

Maintain a comfortable recovery environment with access to food, water, and appropriate temperature and humidity levels.

Routes of administering postoperative analgesia and antibiotics as prescribed, and monitor wound healing closely.

Record Keeping and Reporting:

Maintain detailed records of surgical procedures, including preoperative assessments, intraoperative observations, and postoperative care.

Document any adverse events, complications, or unexpected outcomes promptly and report them according to institutional protocols.

Use standardized reporting formats to facilitate communication and ensure transparency in research practices.

2. Basic Training on Laboratory Animal Handling and Care

Proper handling and care of laboratory animals are fundamental aspects of conducting research involving live subjects. This training module aims to provide essential guidelines and techniques for safely and ethically handling and caring for laboratory animals. In a practical course on laboratory animal handling and administration, it’s crucial to cover various routes of administration to ensure the safe and effective delivery of substances such as drugs, fluids, or experimental compounds. By following these principles, researchers can ensure the welfare and well-being of the animals while maintaining the integrity and reliability of their research outcomes.

Why to attend this course?

Basic training on laboratory animal handling and care is essential for researchers, laboratory personnel, and animal caretakers involved in animal research. Throughout the practical course, we will emphasize the importance of proper technique, dose calculation, animal welfare considerations, and adherence to institutional protocols and ethical guidelines. Encourage hands-on practice under supervision to develop proficiency and confidence in administering substances via various routes in laboratory animals. By adhering to ethical principles, implementing best practices in animal husbandry, and prioritizing animal welfare, researchers can ensure the health, well-being, and quality of life of laboratory animals while achieving reliable and reproducible research outcomes. Continuous education, training, and collaboration with veterinary professionals are essential for maintaining high standards of animal care and research integrity in laboratory settings.

Course Content:

Understanding Ethical and Regulatory Framework:

Familiarize with local, national, and international regulations governing the use of animals in research, including Institutional Animal Ethics committee (IAEC) guidelines.

Understanding the principles of the 3Rs (Replacement, Reduction, Refinement) to minimize the use of animals and optimize experimental procedures.

Importance of animal welfare and well-being in all aspects of animal handling and care.

Safe Handling Techniques:

Practical learning about proper techniques for capturing, restraining, and handling laboratory animals (Rat, Mice, Guinea Pig, Rabbit) to minimize stress and injury to both animals and handlers.

Use appropriate equipment and tools, such as gloves, goggles, and handling devices, to ensure safety and prevent the transmission of zoonotic diseases

Consider species-specific behaviors and characteristics when handling different types of laboratory animals.

Routes of administration commonly used in Laboratory Animals:

Oral Gavage Administration:

Description: Administering substances via the oral route involves delivering them directly into the animal's stomach.

Practical Technique: Hands on practical on oral gavage (with appropriate gavage needles) appropriate for species specific.

Ensuring proper dosing and monitor for signs of aspiration or adverse effects.

Certification:

Upon successful completion of the course and assessments, participants will receive a certificate in Basic Surgery Training for Laboratory Animals, indicating proficiency in anaesthesia, preoperative care, analgesia and postoperative care in laboratory animal research field.

Basic Surgery Training for Laboratory Animals