Neonatal Anesthesia in Mice and Rats (IACUC)

Boston University Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) Policy: Neonatal Anesthesia in Mice and Rats

Purpose

Boston University (BU) is committed to observing Federal policies and regulations and AAALAC International standards for the humane care and use of animals. This policy describes neonatal anesthesia in mice and rats.

Covered Parties

This policy is applicable to all persons responsible for conducting research, teaching, training, breeding, and related activities, hereinafter referred to collectively as “activities”, involving vertebrate animals at or under the auspices of Boston University.

University Policy

Neonates are defined as mouse or rat pups up to 10 days of age. Gas anesthesia (isoflurane) or hypothermia may be used to anesthetize neonatal rats and mice. Parenteral agents are not advisable in very young animals. Hypothermia allows less control of anesthetic depth compared to inhalant anesthesia. Hypothermia is appropriate for short, minor surgical procedures (5-15 minutes) in neonatal rats or mice up to 5 days of age. Gas anesthesia is recommended for longer, more invasive procedures and in neonates older than 5 days. Very young hairless, altricial (born with the eyes closed and with little or no down or hair, and requiring parental care) rodents function as poikilotherms and are resistant to brain damage associated with cephalic circulatory arrest. Surface cooling is effective due to their small surface area and body size. Hypothermia provides immobilization and mild analgesia (similar to local anesthesia resulting in nerve transmission blockage). For more information contact veterinary staff for assistance.

A. Neonates must be anesthetized for painful procedures and surgery.

B. Analgesia

Neonates must receive analgesia if the procedure can reasonably be expected to result in enough pain to interfere with the neonatal function of sleeping and suckling. Exceptions may be considered, if the disturbance of neonate and dam in order to administer the medication interferes more than warranted with these functions.

C. Documentation

Documentation is required for neonatal anesthesia, surgery and postoperative care. Please use the IACUC Anesthesia and Surgical Monitoring Form for Rodents or a substantially similar form.

Responsible Parties

Principal Investigators are responsible for: preparing and submitting applications; making modifications in applications in order secure IACUC approval; ensuring adherence to approved protocols; ensuring humane care and use of animals: ensuring that all personnel have completed required training; and reporting any unanticipated outcomes or adverse events to the IACUC.

The Animal Welfare Program and the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee are responsible for overseeing implementation of and ensuring compliance with this policy.

History

Effective Date: 07/05/2022
Next Review Date: 07/04/2025