The observer must be capable of recognizing signs of distress and able to take appropriate actions when indicated. It is ultimately the investigator's responsibility to monitor the animals' health, and to ensure that animals with abdominal distension can continue to reach food and water. Allow fluid to drain into a suitable sterile collection tube. This can best be accomplished by restraining the animal in one hand, positioned about 45 degrees from horizontal, while holding the collection tube in the other hand. Anesthesia or sedation can be used to minimize the pain and distress of the procedure.
Halothane administered by inhalation is the anesthetic of choice.
There is an increased risk of anesthetic death if the abdominal enlargement due to ascites is sufficient to compromise respiration. Ascites production is debilitating to the animal due to peritoneal inflammation, growth of the hybridoma and associated accumulation of fluid. The general condition of implanted animals should be assessed following each tap, observing especially for loss of weight. Two abdominal taps will usually prove sufficient, as, in many instances, little additional fluid will be produced after the second tap. A maximum of three abdominal taps may be collected if the animal shows no signs of inordinate distress or debilitation from the procedure.