CHAPTER 5 – Basic Biomethodology*

Publisher Summary This chapter describes biological methods for the laboratory worker who is about to start a rabbit experiment and progresses to more specialized research techniques that may be useful to the experienced investigator. Rabbits should always be handled firmly but gently. They are prone to kick their hind legs and can inflict the handler with painful scratches if proper precautionary measures are not taken. A rabbit should be picked up by obtaining a firm grip on the loose skin over the scruff of the neck with one hand, and using the other hand to support the animal's hindquarters and control back leg movement. It is not advisable to pick up rabbits by the loin area because this often causes violent thrashing and subsequent back injuries. There are many rabbit-restraining devices that are in common usage. The two most common devices are the rabbit-restraining board and variants of a restraint box. The rabbit board is used primarily for restraint during cardiac punctures or other manipulations involving procedures on the ventral surface of the animal. Care must be taken to prevent exciting the rabbit when it is being placed on the board. The rear legs should be secured firmly enough to prevent excessive animal movement, but not so tightly as to cause discomfort or back injuries. The head can be completely immobilized by wrapping the board with a cloth bandage.