Laboratory Animal Medicine and Case Studies

Introduction

Amanda Fisher, DVM, MSc presented this virtual Lunch & Learn for the University of Arizona College of Veterinary Medicine Zoo, Exotics, Wildlife, Aquatics Club as part of the Lafeber Company Student Program.

Abstract

This presentation provides an overview of clinical medicine in six commonly encountered laboratory animal species:  mice, rats, guinea pigs, rabbits, nonhuman primates, and zebrafish. Through a series of clinical case studies, viewers are introduced to species-specific anatomy and physiology, husbandry considerations, the unique role each species plays in biomedical research, and common clinical diseases. Cases presented include mouse malocclusion, rat mammary fibroadenoma, guinea pig ulcerative pododermatitis, gastrointestinal obstruction with secondary gastrointestinal stasis in the rabbit, intestinal amyloidosis in rhesus macaques, and gas bubble disease in zebrafish. Diagnostic approaches, treatment options, and preventive strategies are explored while differences between laboratory animal medicine and companion animal practice are highlighted. The presentation also reviews regulatory standards for laboratory animal care, research housing, environmental enrichment, and pathogen surveillance.

Outline

I. Introduction

• Overview of laboratory animal medicine
• Goals of the presentation
• Importance of comparative medicine
• Relevance to laboratory animal and companion exotic animal practice

II. Mouse

A. Research significance

• Role in biomedical research
• Housing and husbandry
• Regulatory considerations

B. Species biology

• Thermoregulation
• Water metabolism
• Dentition
• Social behavior

C. Clinical case: Malocclusion

• Clinical presentation
• Diagnosis
• Causes
• Treatment and long-term management

III. Rat

A. Research significance

• Advantages as a biomedical model
• Housing and husbandry

B. Species biology

• Digestive anatomy
• Harderian glands
• Mammary anatomy

C. Clinical case: Mammary fibroadenoma

• Clinical presentation
• Diagnosis
• Surgical management
• Rodent anesthesia considerations

IV. Guinea pig

A. Research significance

• Historical contributions
• Current research applications
• Housing and regulatory oversight

B. Species biology

• Vitamin C dependence
• Reproductive considerations
• Auditory anatomy
• Feeding behavior

C. Clinical case: Ulcerative pododermatitis (bumblefoot)

• Clinical signs
• Predisposing factors
• Prevention
• Medical and surgical treatment

V. Rabbit

A. Research significance

• Antibody production
• Cardiovascular and papillomavirus research

B. Species biology

• Dentition
• Gastrointestinal physiology
• Cecotrophy
• Skeletal fragility

C. Clinical case: Small intestinal obstruction with secondary gastrointestinal stasis

• Clinical presentation
• Diagnostic evaluation
• Differential diagnoses
• Medical and surgical management

VI. Nonhuman primates

A. Research significance

• Translational medicine
• Biomedical discoveries

B. Housing and welfare

• Social housing
• Behavioral enrichment
• Disease surveillance

C. Species biology

• Old World vs. New World primates
• Comparative genomics

D. Clinical case: Intestinal amyloidosis

• Clinical presentation
• Diagnostic workup
• Histopathology
• Prognosis

VII. Zebrafish

A. Research significance

• Emerging disease models
• Genetics and developmental biology

B. Housing and husbandry

• Water quality
• Environmental enrichment

C. Species biology

• Shoaling behavior
• Embryonic development
• Poikilothermy

D. Clinical case: Gas bubble disease

• Clinical presentation
• Pathophysiology
• Diagnosis
• Treatment
• Prevention

VIII. Conclusions

• Comparative approach to laboratory animal medicine
• Integration of species biology with clinical practice
• Importance of husbandry, preventive medicine, and early disease recognition
• Clinical lessons applicable to both research and companion exotic animal practice

Webinar recording

Post-test

Take the brief post-test to earn 1 hour of continuing education credit. With a passing grade, you will receive a continuing education certificate in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval.

RACE approval

This program is approved by the American Association of Veterinary State Boards (AAVSB) Registry of Approved Continuing Education (RACE) for 1 hour of continuing education credit for veterinarians and veterinary technicians in jurisdictions that recognize AAVSB RACE approval.

References