Response to Protocol Review Scenario: A case for clearer communication

The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states, “Recurrent or significant problems involving experimental animal health should be communicated to the IACUC and all treatment and outcomes should be documented”¹, thus the veterinarian should report this incident to the IACUC. Clearly this scenario represents a “significant problem” that might result in the researcher requesting additional animals or might represent an underlying management concern with respect to the diet (ideally high fiber, low carbohydrate) or how health issues are communicated to the veterinary staff. Either way, the IACUC is charged with “ongoing assessment of animal care and use,” which should include regular communication with the veterinarian and the IACUC regarding adverse or unexpected events that affect animals, regardless of whether they are related to the experiment or not. At our institution, we regularly prepare a veterinary report that is shared at the IACUC meeting. This serves to keep members informed about the types of clinical concerns that can arise from experimental or management issues, and keeps the IACUC abreast of trends within the animal care program and issues that result in requests for additional animal use. It also allows for transparency within the program.

Although we might have managed this case differently, we do not feel that this represents a deviation from the concept of adequate veterinary care^1,2. This rabbit was quickly diagnosed and treated by the veterinarian based on the findings at the time and the treatment plan that was discussed with the investigator. In hindsight, more aggressive medical management of this case—oral rehydration, administration of lubricants, nutritional support and analgesics—or a more thorough examination under sedation or anesthesia before performing surgery might have yielded a better outcome. However, we feel that the veterinarian acted in accordance with the standard of veterinary care. The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals states, “If a disease or infectious agent is identified in a facility or colony the choice of therapy should be made by the veterinarian in consultation with the investigator. If the animal is to remain in the study the selected treatment plan should be sound and when possible interfere minimally with the research process”¹. Without knowing the type of study for which this rabbit was used, it is difficult to assess why the data was not salvageable. The outcome of this case was unfortunate, but we do not believe there was any wrongdoing. However, this case does highlight the need for regular and clear communication between the veterinarian and the investigator regarding diagnosis, treatment options and prognosis, and communication of the outcomes between the veterinarian and the IACUC.

Assuming the clinical care and treatment were appropriately documented in the animal's record, the USDA inspector should have no concerns when reviewing the record of this incident.

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