Experimental Procedures

Question 1

(trans)dermal application

Answer 1

• drug in solution applied directly on (shaven) skin or mucous membrane
• not accurate, variability in skin penetration &risk of rubbing, licking

Question 2

enteral administration of compounds

Answer 2

• oral administration to the gastrointestinal tract
• e.g. through food & drinking water
• not possible with unpalatable substances

Question 3

Types of injections

Answer 3

• intracutaneous (intradermal)
• subcutaneous
• intramuscular
• intraperitoneal
• intravenous

Question 4

Attention to features of injection techniques:

Answer 4

• width (gauge) of needle
• sterility
• max volume of injection
• air bubbles
• injected fluids must be brought to room temp (cold fluids are painful)
• IP inj risk of damaging internal organs
• high or low pH fluids should be diluted in saline
• large amounts of fluid should be adminstered IV, IP or orally

Question 5

Maximum volume of blood to be collected

Answer 5

• total volume is constant at ca. 8% of body weight for most animals
• > 10% of blood volume sample weight can lead to hypovolaemia and cardiovascular failure (shock)
• rule of thumb: max 8ml/kg of bodyweight

Question 6

Suturing techniques

Answer 6

• interrupted stitch vs continuous stitch (continuous is faster but not recommended for larger wounds as rupture can result in the entire stitch unravelling)