Evaluation of Active Warming and Surgical Draping for Perioperative Thermal Support in Laboratory Mice.

Surgical procedures are commonly performed using mice but can have major effects on their core body temperature, including development of hypothermia. In this study, we evaluated active perioperative warming with and without surgical draping with adherent plastic wrap to refine practices, improve animal welfare, and optimize research experiments. Mice were randomized into treatment groups ( = 6; 8 CD1 mice per group).

Localized alopecia and suppression of hypothalamic-pituitary-adrenal (HPA) axis in dogs following treatment with difluprednate 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion (Durezol®).

Background: Despite the common use of topical ophthalmic corticosteroids in dogs, detailed reports on systemic and dermatologic adverse effects are limited.

Results: Nine purpose-bred research Beagles were treated with difluprednate 0.05% ophthalmic emulsion in one or both eyes 2-3 times daily.

Using Waterless Alcohol-based Antiseptic for Skin Preparation and Active Thermal Support in Laboratory Rats.

Rodents are frequently used for models that require surgical procedures. At our institution, laboratory rats are increasingly preferred for investigations of neurologic disorders, cardiovascular interventions, and assessment and treatment of addictive and depressive behaviors. For these types of studies, surgical preparations of the head and neck areas are necessary for catheterization and instrumentation.

Treatment of Chytridiomycosis in Laboratory Axolotls () and Rough-skinned Newts ().

Chytridiomycosis is an infectious disease of amphibians caused by the fungal species and and has been implicated in the population decline of amphibian species worldwide. This case report describes a successful treatment protocol for chytridiomycosis in laboratory-maintained colonies of axolotls () and rough-skinned newts (). Over 12 mo, axolotls ( = 12) in a laboratory-reared colony developed multifocal erythematous dermatitis, mainly on the distal limbs and tails.

Comparison of Aqueous and Alcohol-based Agents for Presurgical Skin Preparation Methods in Mice.

Preparing the skin of rodents for surgery often involves multiple applications of antiseptic agents. However, fewer applications may achieve the same antiseptic outcome. We evaluated the antimicrobial efficacy and effects on intraoperative body temperature of various surgical scrub agents, including novel waterless alcohol-based (WAB) options.

Characterization of enteropathogenic and Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli in cattle and deer in a shared agroecosystem.

Shiga toxin-producing Escherichia coli (STEC) is an important foodborne pathogen. Cattle are suggested to be an important reservoir for STEC; however, these pathogens have also been isolated from other livestock and wildlife. In this study we sought to investigate transmission of STEC, enterohemorrhagic E.