Body Condition Scoring for Adult Zebrafish ().

Body condition scoring (BCS) is a simple, rapid, noninvasive tool used to assess body condition in animals. In this study, we developed and validated a diagram-based BCS for adult zebrafish (), a popular research model. After receiving 20 min of hands-on training regarding the scoring system, 5 people each rated 95 adult zebrafish.

An Efficient, Simple, and Noninvasive Procedure for Genotyping Aquatic and Nonaquatic Laboratory Animals.

Various animal models are indispensible in biomedical research. Increasing awareness and regulations have prompted the adaptation of more humane approaches in the use of laboratory animals. With the development of easier and faster methodologies to generate genetically altered animals, convenient and humane methods to genotype these animals are important for research involving such animals.

Effectiveness of recommended euthanasia methods in larval zebrafish (Danio rerio).

The popularity of zebrafish and its use as a model organism in biomedical research including genetics, development, and toxicology, has increased over the past 20 y and continues to grow. However, guidelines for euthanasia remain vague, and the responsibility of creating appropriate euthanasia protocols essentially falls on individual facilities. To reduce variation in experimental results among labs, a standard method of euthanasia for zebrafish would be useful.

Periorbital Mass in a Squirrel Monkey (Saimiri sciureus).

During a routine annual physical examination, a small, hard, palpable mass was discovered on the left cheek below the lateral canthus of the eye of an adult male squirrel monkey (Saimiri sciureus). Radiographs of the lesion were obtained, and the lesion was surgically removed. Histologic examination of the mass was performed.

High mortality due to Tetrahymena sp. infection in laboratory-maintained zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio).

A large colony of laboratory zebrafish (Brachydanio rerio) used in the study of early vertebrate embryogenesis began experiencing acute, unexplained mortality that approached 100% among approximately 30-day-old resident fry. The initial differential diagnosis included ammonia, nitrite, or chlorine toxicosis, as well as iatrogenically induced toxicosis associated with improper sanitation procedures of laboratory equipment. Necropsy of dead and moribund fry prior to fixation revealed swarms of ovoid-shaped, motile, ciliated protozoa with a "spiraling football" motion.