Standard Operating Procedures

Identification and Treatment of Common Illnesses

Updated February 6. 2013

I. Purpose
The purpose of this standard operating procedure is to describe the methods by which common illnesses are detected, evaluated, and treated.

II. Responsibility

• It is the responsibility of the Attending Veterinarian (AV) to oversee the health care program for all animals.  The AV is responsible for the prevention, diagnosis, and treatment of all health-related conditions.  Technical staff is responsible for daily animal health observations, as well as administration of treatments prescribed by the AV.
• Under certain defined conditions as described herein, trained technical staff identify and treat health conditions without prior direct assessment by the AV.  These conditions are confined to those that are considered routine in nature, and which occur commonly within the animal populations housed at the University of Montana. This ensures prompt attention to conditions that are commonly observed, and for which treatment is straightforward.Training requirements includes proficiency in the accurate identification of the disease conditions described, the ability to properly administer the prescribed treatments, and training to, and understanding of, this SOP

Common illnesses covered in this SOP include

1.  Minor fight wounds (FW) in various species that are characterized by superficial punctures, abrasions and minor lacerations

2.  Blepharoconjunctivitis (BC) observed in the 129/SvJ strain of mice

3.  Ulcerative dermatitis (UD), observed in various strains of mice, particularly those with a C57BL/6 background

4. Anal prolapse (AP) observed primarily in peri-weaning age mice

III. Procedures

General:

• All animals are observed a minimum of once daily by technical staff trained in animal care.  All health concerns are documented and reported through Laboratory Animal Resources (LAR).  Any significant, unresponsive, or unusual health complaint is brought immediately to the attention of the Attending Veterinarian for assessment.
• All treatments require prior approval from the PI.
• All treatments and observations are documented until the condition is resolved.  The health report is then placed on file in LAR.

Minor fight wounds (FW)

FW are addressed by separating animals as necessary.  FW are observed regularly until healing/resolution.  If wounds are encrusted, exuding serum, or the skin is gaping, the wound is treated a minimum of once daily with an antiseptic solution such as tamed iodine (e.g.,Betadine solution) or chlorhexidine (e.g., Nolvasan).  Typically, the FW is swabbed with antiseptic using a cotton tipped applicator or gauze sponge.  Treatment is continued until the wound is healed, usually 5-10 days.

If the area around the FW becomes swollen or infected, if healing is not steadily progressing, or if the animal demonstrates signs of depression or lethargy, the AV is consulted immediately.

Blepharoconjunctivitis (BC)

BC usually presents as swelling around the eyes with squinting (blepharospasm), ocular discharge, and reddening of the peri-ocular skin.  Treatment consists of twice daily ophthalmic antibiotic solution/drops, such as NeoPoly Gramicidin.  Ophthalmic preparations containing steroids, such as hydrocortisone, are not to be used unless specifically dictated by the AV.

Treatment should be administered until at least 48 hours following resolution of clinical signs, which is often a treatment period of 7-14 days.  Relapses may occur.  If an animal has been treated for a total duration of at least 14 days without resolution, or if signs worsen despite use of topical treatment, then systemic antibiotics may also be used, with PI approval, in addition to topical ophthalmic treatment. 

The antibiotic administered is cefovecin (Convenia®) at a dose of 25 mg/kg, given subcutaneously.  The injection is administered weekly, not to exceed two injections, one week apart.  If signs persist one week following the second injection, the AV and PI are consulted regarding a decision to continue treatment versus euthanasia.

Ulcerative dermatitis

UD usually presents as hair loss (alopecia), small scabs (excoriations) and itching (pruritis), especially around the head, neck and ears, with expansion to other parts of the body, such as the dorsum.  When UD is identified, treatment should be initiated promptly to prevent progression of the lesions. 

Immediate treatment consists of trimming the rear toenails.  Once permission for treatment is obtained from the PI, a green clay poultice maybe applied topically. 

The active ingredient of the clay is montmorillonite, which neutralizes toxins and promotes cellular regeneration.

The clay is supplied as a powder, which is diluted with cold water until a batter-like consistency is achieved.  The freshly-made poultice should be allowed to stand at room temperature for approximately one hour prior to initial application.  Once prepared, the poultice can be kept for up to 4 days.  Additional water may be added as needed.

If the affected area is weepy or moist, it may be swabbed first with iodine or chlorhexidine solution, then rinsed and patted dry.  The clay is applied (e.g., using a wooden applicator stick) over the affected areas to a thickness of approximately 5 mm (1/5 inch).  Use a fresh applicator device for each animal treated.

In other cases, instead of the clay, repeat applications of topical chlorhexidene cream may be applied directly to UD lesions, once daily for 5-8 days.

Coupled with nail trims and topical lesion treatment, a course of oral fatty acid supplementation is normally instituted, again, with PI permission.  A commercial compound for pets made of fish oil, Vitamin E, safflower oil and EFAs is applied to a few chow kibbles and placed on the floor of the cage 3 times per week for 3 weeks.  The goal is to reduce pruritus and scratching and improve skin health.

Anal prolapse

AP is observed in various species of animals.  It most often occurs during the peri-weaning period as a reflection of the various stresses associated with weaning.  With a persistent prolapse, the everted tissues of the rectum may become dehydrated, inflamed, and infected.  Therefore, prolapses should be treated to obtain rapid resolution and avoidance of these complications.

Prolapses are treated once daily for approximately 5 days with an ointment, such as A and D, or Preparation H.  These ointments will keep tissues moist, reduce swelling, and promote reduction of the prolapsed tissues.

If a prolapse does not resolve within approximately 7 days, or gets worse during treatment, the AV should be consulted.