The Laboratory Rat, Volume I: Biology and Diseases focuses on the use of rats in specific areas of research, ranging from dental research to toxicology. The first part of this book retraces the biomedical history of early events and personalities involved in the establishment of rats as a leading laboratory animal. The taxonomy, genetics and inbred strains of rats are also elaborated. The next chapters illustrate the hematology, clinical biochemistry, and anatomical and physiological features of the laboratory rat. This text concludes with a description of infectious diseases that may be contracted from laboratory and/or wild rats. This volume is a good source for commercial and institutional organizations involved in producing rats for research use, specialists in laboratory animal, animal care and research technicians, as well as students in graduate and professional curricula.

This reference series will provide all researchers using laboratory animals with comprehensive practical information on the various species. Each title in the series is devoted to a particular species, and draws together all available data in a "one-stop", easily accessible source. Each has similar format, with sections on the strains available, their husbandry, and special diets. Also included are sections on gross anatomy, endocrinology, and reproduction, followed by more detailed sections on neuroanatomy, vasculature, cell biology, and histology of particular organs and structures, and a section on molecular biology. High quality illustrations are included throughout and a color plate section is provided. A glossary, list of equipment suppliers, and "Quick Reference Section" are added features. The "Quick Reference Section" brings together all tables from the text, allowing readers to find data swiftly. The first volume in The Handbook of Experimental Animals Series, The Laboratory Rat, provides researchers in academia and industry using laboratory animals with comprehensive, practical information on the species. The Laboratory Rat has been divided into eight sections dealing with:* Strains and their selection for research* Housing and maintenance* Pathogens and diseases* Breeding and reproduction* Anatomy* Physiology* Procedures, including experimental surgery* Emerging techniques, including genetic engineering and molecular technologyKey Features* Provides a valuable, comprehensive reference source for anybody working with the laboratory rat* Formatted in a two-color, user-friendly layout* Includes high-quality illustrations throughout as well as a color plate section* Glossary* Tables in the text are also arranged into one Quick Reference Section for ease of access to the data* Appendix of equipment suppliers

Anatomy and Histology of the Laboratory Rat in Toxicology and Biomedical Research presents the detailed systematic anatomy of the rat, with a focus on toxicological needs. Most large works dealing with the laboratory rat provide a chapter on anatomy, but fall far short of the detailed account in this book which also focuses on the needs of toxicologists and others who use the rat as a laboratory animal. The book includes detailed guides on dissection methods and the location of specific tissues in specific organ systems. Crucially, the book includes classic illustrations from Miss H. G. Q. Rowett, along with new color photo-micrographs. Written by two of the top authors in their fields, this book can be used as a reference guide and teaching aid for students and researchers in toxicology. In addition, veterinary/medical students, researchers who utilize animals in biomedical research, and researchers in zoology, comparative anatomy, physiology and pharmacology will find this book to be a great resource. - Illustrated with over a hundred black and white and color images to assist understanding - Contains detailed descriptions and explanations to accompany all images helping with self-study - Designed for toxicologic research for people from diverse backgrounds including biochemistry, pharmacology, physiology, immunology, and general biomedical sciences

Rats have long been recognized as a valuable biomedical research model, notably in the investigation of aging, toxicology, addiction, and common human diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In many instances, individuals conducting such research studies are charged with important responsibilities, including animal facility management, animal husbandry, veterinary care, regulatory compliance, and various experimental methodologies. With the advent of genetic manipulations and biomedical research technological advances such as bioimaging, the versatility and usefulness of the rat as an animal model has soared. The Laboratory Rat, Second Edition captures the multiple advances in this important animal model’s husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental methodology. This edition features augmented, expanded, and novel information on biology, anesthesia, analgesia, and experimental techniques benefiting personnel working with rats—from the animal care staff to the researcher and everyone in between. The book is also extremely useful to institutional animal care and use program supporters and elements, including animal care and use committees, institutional officials, occupational health and safety professionals, veterinary technicians, and veterinarians.

An All-Inclusive Guide to Surgical Techniques on Rats The design of an adequate surgical model, like the choice of the animal model itself, is extremely important for obtaining reliable valuable data. Experimental Surgical Models in the Laboratory Rat summarizes a series of techniques that were applied in the Bone Biology Laboratories, School of Medicine, Rosario National University, Argentina. Stopping just short of an exhaustive analysis of the techniques, this manual describes the basics of each surgical technique, the necessary materials, precautions to consider, the methodology to apply, and the possible results to be obtained in similar experiments. CD-ROM: 250 Illustrations of Surgery Techniques with Step-by-Step Instruction With succinct descriptions, color photographs, and easy-to-follow steps, the downloadable resources are a practical, full-color roadmap for performing various surgery techniques, such as catheterization, tracheostomy, intramuscular injection, subcutaneous injection, intraperitoneal injection, and oral intubation. This definitive work provides technical and practical data including volumes and concentrations of solutions, catheters used, equipment, and biological variables on the rat. Experimental Surgical Models in the Laboratory Rat is a complete reference for today’s biomedical sciences investigator.

In the years since the third edition of this indispensable reference was published, a great deal has been learned about the nutritional requirements of common laboratory species: rat, mouse, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, and vole. The Fourth Revised Edition presents the current expert understanding of the lipid, carbohydrate, protein, mineral, vitamin, and other nutritional needs of these animals. The extensive use of tables provides easy access to a wealth of comprehensive data and resource information. The volume also provides an expanded background discussion of general dietary considerations. In addition to a more user-friendly organization, new features in this edition include: A significantly expanded section on dietary requirements for rats, reporting substantial new findings. A new section on nutrients that are not required but that may produce beneficial results. New information on growth and reproductive performance among the most commonly used strains of rats and mice and on several hamster species. An expanded discussion of diet formulation and preparationâ€"including sample diets of both purified and natural ingredients. New information on mineral deficiency and toxicity, including warning signs. This authoritative resource will be important to researchers, laboratory technicians, and manufacturers of laboratory animal feed.

This combination manual and downloadable resources provide much-needed training on the proper handling of rats used in biomedical research. The downloadable resources include narrated video clips that demonstrate and describe each procedural technique. The manual contains handouts with color illustrations and descriptive text for each technique, including the purpose and application of the procedure, recommended skills, and necessary supplies. It can be used as a training resource and refresher for lab animal veterinarians, veterinary technicians, animal care staff, trainers, and research investigators and staff who work with rats.

Both seasoned and beginning investigators will be amazed at the range and complexity of rat behavior as described in the 43 chapters of this volume. The behavioral descriptions are closely tied to the laboratory methods from which they were derived, thus allowing the investigator to exploit both the behavior and the methods for their own research. It will also serve as an indispensable reference for other neuroscientists, psychologist, pharmacologists, geneticists, molecular biologists, zoologists, and their students and trainees.

For critical care of laboratory rodents, there is a scarcity of sources for comprehensive, feasible, and response-oriented information on clinical interventions specific to spontaneous and induced models of disease. With the more complex cases that need critical care management, many treatment approaches to veterinary emergencies cannot be applied

This is a single volume, comprehensive book sanctioned by the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine (ACLAM), covering the rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil and other rodents often used in research. This well illustrated reference includes basic biology, anatomy, physiology, behavior, infectious and noninfectious diseases, husbandry and breeding, common experimental methods, and use of the species as a research model. It is a resource for advancements in the humane and responsible care of: rabbit, guinea pig, hamster, gerbil, chinchilla, deer mouse, kangaroo rat, cotton rat, sand rat, and degu Includes up-to-date, common experimental methods. Organized by species for easy access during bench research.