TITLE: Ultrasound for Small Animal Imaging
AUTHORS: Yves Sauve

[DESCRIPTION]
<div class = "text-blocks"><div class = "text-block">To obtain anatomical images that allow for measurement of structural changes in physiology, using Vevo 770,or Vevo 2100 Visual Sonics Integrated Rail System, which includes rat/mouse handling platform.</div></div>

[STEPS]
?. A. Specific details (eg. weight, DOB, sex, strain) of animal used for experiments are recorded on each report.B. Animal Anesthesia: Place the animal in the induction chamber and set oxygen level to 1-1.5L/minute and the Isoflurane to 1% followed with increamental increases of 0.5 % to 3.0 % to induce total anesthesia for knockdown. (As indicated by pedal response)C. Re-direct the Isoflurane (anesthesia) through the hose to the mask and reset the Isoflurane level for maintenance to 1.5-2.0 % for obese animals, 1.0-1.5% for lean. Animal is immobilized during the course of the experiment with light anesthesia. Level of anesthesia is determined via pedal response.D. The animal is moved to the animal handling platform with the snout in the anaesthesia mask.E. Carefully place a small amount of corneal lubricant to each eye with the sterile cotton tip applicator.Place a drop of gel onto each ECG connector on the handling platform and contact pads with the dermatological 3M tape.F. The ECG threshold control is used to adjust the display of ECG and heart rate, respiration on screen.G. Shave the area of interest then apply depilatory cream to remove the hair from the animal.H. Remove the cream after 1 minute. Ensure all the cream is removed with a water wash and pat dry.I. Use the gel warmer to heat the gel to 37°C, so the animal’s temperature will not drop when the gel is placed on the skin.J. Place warmed ultrasound gel on the area of interest.K. Clean and disinfect the rectal probe and cover with lubricating gel. Advance temp probe slowly 3-5mm into the rectum and secure with the 3M tape.L. Attach the Scanhead to the rail system and mount above the animal. (Vevo™ Integrated Rail System II Operator Manual, 4099A Katz).M. The animal handling platform and the Scanhead are moved to attain the correct position needed for viewing area of interest.N. Observe the Vevo monitor as you use the controls to bring the area of interest into view. (Vevo™ 770 High Resolution Imaging system Operator manual, 4099A Katz).O. An imaging session takes 10-30 minutes, depending on required views, for a complete procedure.P. Physiological parameters are recorded with the images during the course of the experiment, so the animal is closely monitored throughout.Q. Remove the Ultrasound gel from the animal. Clean the shaved area with a warm damp gauze then pat area dry.R. Carefully remove the temperature probe and tape that is securing the animal to the platform.S. Turn off the anaesthetic and remove the nose from the mask.T. Weigh the animal on scale and record.U . Place the animal in an incubation chamber with O2 until complete recovery is obtained as indicated by righting reflex and ability to eat, drink and walk. (takes approx. 1-3 min).V. Clean Scanheads and ECG platform with the T-Spray disinfectant.W. Clean box, fume-hood surface, counter and weigh scales with Virkon solution and rinse with water after 10 minutes.X. Place animal into home cage after complete recovery.
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