Compared to the jacketed telemetry animal model - animals instrumented with implanted telemetry are free of infections that result from exteriorized catheters and lead wires that are often required when using jacketed telemetry. The labor and maintenance associated with an implanted system is usually significantly less than that required of a jacketed system. Jackets must be kept clean and changed regularly and skin rashes can be a problem as moisture is trapped under the jacket. Compared to the restrained animal model - animals instrumented with telemetry are completely free to move about their home cage while measurements are obtained. Studies comparing implanted telemetry with conventional equipment while measuring animal responses to restraint have clearly shown they cause stress which usually profoundly changes the steady state physiology of the animal.
Restraint leads to elevated baseline blood pressure, heart rate and temperature.
Implanted telemetry is typically less labor intensive than the restrained animal model and telemetry can provide measurements around the clock, whereas the restrained animal model can provide data for only a few hours during the day. Click on any of the following links for additional detailed information.