Survival Surgery in Non-USDA-Regulated Species (IACUC)
Purpose
Boston University (BU) is committed to observing Federal policies and regulations and the Association for Assessment and Accreditation of Laboratory Animal Care (AAALAC) International standards for the humane care and use of animals. The intent of this policy is to establish guidelines for performing survival surgery in non-USDA regulated species. Adherence to this policy is mandatory unless an exception has been approved by the IACUC.
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 live vertebrate animals conducted at or under the auspices of Boston University.
University Policy
All major and minor surgical procedures performed on any vertebrate animal must follow the basic rules of asepsis, gentle tissue handling, anesthetic maintenance, and proper post-operative care to: minimize pain and distress; optimize animal care and research results; and minimize variability. All survival surgeries, whether major or minor, must employ aseptic technique. Aseptic operative techniques and sterile supplies and implanted materials must be used to reduce the likelihood of infection.
- A major surgical procedure penetrates or exposes a body cavity or causes substantial impairment of physical or physiological function.
- A minor surgical procedure does not expose a body cavity and causes little or no impairment of function.
All surgeries performed on non-USDA regulated vertebrate animals should be performed in dedicated facilities or spaces, such as an ASC procedure or surgery room or an area within a laboratory dedicated for animal surgery. Exceptions to the policy, such as laboratory bench space also used for other activities, must be justified and approved in advance by the IACUC.
Performing more than one major or minor survival surgery procedure is only permitted when scientifically justified and approved by the IACUC. Sufficient time between surgeries must be provided to allow for proper recovery unless a shorter interval is scientifically justified.
The following represent examples of scientifically justified rationale for multiple surgical procedures:
- The nature of the protocol requires it to achieve the desired physical or physiological effect.
- There is no other alternative available.
- The surgical procedure is needed to create the animal model.
Cost alone is never an acceptable reason for performing multiple major survival surgical procedures.
Guidelines for Surgery
Survival surgical procedures in all animals, including species not regulated by USDA, should adhere to Halsted’s Principles of Surgery. These include:
- Gentle tissue handling
- Accurate hemostasis
- Preservation of adequate blood supply
- Strict asepsis
- No tension on tissues
- Careful approximation of tissues
- Obliteration of dead space
Aseptic surgical procedures are designed to prevent post-surgical infection due to microbial contamination at the site of incision and in the exposed tissues and organs. Aseptic technique results in decreased inflammation and, gentle tissue handling results in decreased catabolism and enhances recovery and reduces postoperative complications, Infections in animals can be subclinical but still affect the behavior and/or physiology of the animal. Prevention of infection improves the welfare of the animal and eliminates a source of uncontrolled variation in the experimental results.
For further information, please refer to Rodent: Surgery.
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 that all personnel have completed required training; and reporting any 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.
The Attending Veterinarian or his/her designee has been delegated authority to intervene on behalf of any animal for welfare purposes when appropriate and responsibility for ensuring compliance with this policy.
Definitions
Aseptic technique: Preparation of the animal subject as well as the surgeon, which includes, but is not limited to: proper gowning attire, appropriate scrub, and sterile gloves. Instruments must be properly sterilized; autoclaving and gas sterilization are common effective methods. Alcohol is not a sterilant.
Attending veterinarian: An individual who has received training or experience in the care of the species being attended and who has direct or delegated authority for activities involving animals.
Boston University Animal Science Center (BU ASC): The animal facility that oversees veterinary medical care and animal care services at BU, and actively participates in all facility design. Day-to-day care of animals and technical assistance are provided by animal caretakers.
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC): The committee that is responsible for oversight and evaluation of the entire Animal Care and Use Program and its components as described in The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition. Its oversight functions include review and approval of proposed animal use (protocol review) and of proposed significant changes to animal use; regular inspection of facilities and animal use areas; regular review of the Program; ongoing assessment of animal care and use; and establishment of a mechanism for receipt and review of concerns involving the care and use of animals at the institution.
Major surgical procedure: Penetrates or exposes a body cavity or causes substantial impairment of physical or physiological function.
Minor surgical procedure: Does not expose a body cavity and causes little or no impairment of function.
Non-USDA-regulated species: Includes but is not limited to birds bred in captivity and used in research, rats of the genus Rattus, and mice of the genus Mus bred for use in research.
Related Policies and References
Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, Eighth Edition
Review and Approval of Materials Submitted to the IACUC
Authority of the Attending Veterinarian
History
Effective Date: 10/10/2023
Next Review Date: 10/9/2026