Table 8 Monitoring sheet for animals with tumors causing locomotor signs

From: OBSERVE: guidelines for the refinement of rodent cancer models

Parameter

Outcome

Actions to be taken

Abnormal gait: lameness

Abnormal gait caused by tumor location (e.g., mammary or edema due to lymph blockage)

Increase general monitoring frequency to 1 time per day. Adding easy to reach food may prevent weight loss

Intermittent use of affected limb, protective pose or tip-toed walk caused by pain or inflammation

Provide analgesiaa

Persistent lameness despite analgesia

Humane killing

No weight bearing (no use of affected limb)

Humane killing

  1. Assess 3 times per week; increase if necessary (see actions to be taken). aIn consultation with the facility veterinarian.
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