Download Guidelines for the use and application of rodent end point score sheet

Guidelines for the Use and Application of Rodent End Point Score-sheet
The accompanying score sheet is designed as a basic or generic scoring system for the
scoring of rodents. The sheets are designed to make the scoring system as objective as
possible and list the cardinal clinical signs that are observable and measurable and should
be used as a starting point for any invasive procedure.
Score sheets should be created specifically for each scientific procedure. Additional criteria
must be added to each scoresheet to reflect the possible clinical outcomes and
complications of the technique. As an example, techniques associated with the kidney
should include criteria for kidney function (urine output, renal enzymes) together with
criteria designed to score septicaemia (temp, hydration, white cell counts). A few examples
are given below:
Liver
Abdominal pain
Liver enzymes
Jaundice
Tumours
Size of cutaneous tumours (max 1cm3)
Spread of metastasis (imaging, muscle wasting)
Ulceration or abscessation of tumour
Further Reading
Humane Endpoints for Animals Used in Biomedical Research and Testing (2000) ILAR Journal V41(2)
http://www.olis.oecd.org/olis/2000doc.nsf/4f7adc214b91a685c12569fa005d0ee7/c125692700623b74c12569
bb005aa3d5/$FILE/00087372.pdf
Recognition and Alleviation of Distress in Laboratory Animals (2008) Committee on Recognition and Alleviation
of Distress in Laboratory Animals, National Research Council ISBN: 0-309-10818-7, 132 pages,
http://www.nap.edu/catalog/11931.html
Olfert ED, Goodson DL (2000) Humane endpoints for infectious disease animal models ILAR J 41:99-104
Paster EV, Villines KA, Dickman DL (2004) Endpoints for mouse abdominal tumour models: refinement of
current criteria. Comp Med 59:234-241.
Ray MA.; Johnston NA.; Verhulst ST, Rita A.and Toth LA. (2010) Identification of Markers for Imminent Death in
Mice used in Longevity and Aging Research JAASLAS 49:3 282-288(7)