The Laboratory Rat

Laboratory animals, including rats, provide indispensable disease models. As such, the humane care and use of these animals is integral in the pursuit of good scientific research. The second edition of this bestseller presents thoroughly expanded and updated sections to include relevant information and detailed common procedures on laboratory rats. It features more than 70 full-color illustrations to provide clarity to and supplement the text discussions. The book serves as a valuable, handy reference for investigators, technicians, caretakers, and veterinarians, from experienced individuals to the novice.

Rats have long been recognized as a valuable biomedical research model, notably in the investigation of aging, toxicology, addiction, and common human diseases such as diabetes and hypertension. In many instances, individuals conducting such research studies are charged with important responsibilities, including animal facility management, animal husbandry, veterinary care, regulatory compliance, and various experimental methodologies. With the advent of genetic manipulations and biomedical research technological advances such as bioimaging, the versatility and usefulness of the rat as an animal model has soared.

The Laboratory Rat, Second Edition captures the multiple advances in this important animal model’s husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental methodology. This edition features augmented, expanded, and novel information on biology, anesthesia, analgesia, and experimental techniques benefiting personnel working with rats—from the animal care staff to the researcher and everyone in between. The book is also extremely useful to institutional animal care and use program supporters and elements, including animal care and use committees, institutional officials, occupational health and safety professionals, veterinary technicians, and veterinarians.