Texas Branch American Association for

Laboratory Animal Science

Meeting Program February 11 - 13, 2015

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Texas Branch AALAS Board & Committee Members

President Angie Hitt, BS, RLATG, CMAR, CPIA Past President Leticia McGuffey President Elect Jamie Greaver, BS, RLATG Secretary Karen Guerra, MBA, RLATG, CMAR Treasurer Brian Gibson, DVM Board Member Rusty Thomas Board Member Lindsay Holmes Board Member Adrienne Ferguson, BAS, LVT, RLATG, CMAR Board Member Ryan Bird District VII Trustee Teresa Neubauer, CMAR, RLATG District VII Trustee Karen Guerra, MBA, RLATG, CMAR Commercial Liaison Larry Ocanas Commercial Co-chair Brian Geyer Parliamentarian Lane Watkins, RLATG Historian Brian Gillman, RLATG Legislative Nicole Monts de Oca, DVM Membership Belinda Proctor, RLATG Membership Co-chair Jenni Adams Nominations/Elections Steve Sterle, LATG Publications Carrie Schultz, PhD Publications Co-chair Angelina Williams, DVM, DACLAM Technician Branch Rep Summer Boyd, MS, RVT, RLATG Long Range Planning Leticia McGuffey Awards Jennifer Volkmann, MLAS, RLATG, CMAR Awards Co-chair Pamela Huskey, RLATG, CMAR Education & Training Tressie Roark, RVT, RLATG Education & Training Co-Chair Sheri Leavitt, RLATG, CMAR ALL Coordinator Donna Schutz Webmaster Cordelia Rasa Webmaster Co-chair David Disselhorst TSBR Representative Cindy Buckmaster, PhD, CMAR, RLATG Metro Coordinators Houston / Houston / Galveston Kim Zody, RVT, RLATG & Sheri Leavitt, RLATG San Antonio Jack Simons, MS, RLATG Central Gabby Kapp Dallas / Fort Worth Katrina Donelson, RLAT West Texas Oscar Sanchez 2015 Meeting Planner Paula Rigling 2015 Local Arrangements Elizabeth Magden, DVM, MS, DACLAM 2015 Program Chair Luis Zorrilla, BS, LATG 2015 Program Co-chair Jessica Kurz, MPA, LATG, CMAR, CPIA 2015 Silent Auction 2015 Sponsorships Jody Swain, DVM, MS 2015 Sponsorships Co-chair Becky Blackwood, DVM 2015 Tech Olympics Eli Rodriguez

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Texas Branch AALAS

Lifetime Members

Alfred Broome 1986 William Hill 1986 John Jardine 1994 Gary Joiner 1995 Wayne Jordan 1991 Abe Levy 1986 Charles Thalken 1990 Bill Childers 2003 Michale Keeling 2004 J. D. McCrady 2006 Jerry Fineg 2006 U. Kristina Stephens 2006 Patty Nunez Reyez 2006

Honorary Members

Michael Feldner 1983 Archie I. Flowers 1983 Robert Rhorer 1983 Robert Young 1986 David Gemmell 1989 William Voss 1991 Marcia Teachout 1992 Kenneth Bhirdo 2004 Robert Faith 2004 Linda Stegenga 2004

Thank you for all of your contributions to Texas Branch AALAS and

the field of Lab Animal Science!

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Schedule of Events

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 8:00 - 10:00 Set up in Exhibit Hall Phoenix Central & South 9:00 - 1:00 AREA Program DeWitt Room 9:00 - 5:00 Registration Phoenix Lobby 10:00 - 12:00 Exhibit Hall Open (closed 12:00-1:00) Phoenix Central & South 10:00 - 12:00 Vendor Presentations Phoenix North 11:30 - 12:30 New Board Member Orientation 6th Floor Boardroom 12:00 - 1:00 Lunch break Lunch on Own 1:00 - 5:00 Opening Session/Scientific Sessions Phoenix North 3:00 - 3:30 Break Phoenix Central & South 1:00 - 5:00 Exhibit Hall Open Phoenix Central & South 1:00 - 5:00 Silent Auction Bidding and Battle of the Baskets Phoenix Central & South 1:00 - 5:00 Poster session Phoenix Central & South (3:00-4:00 Authors must be present for judging) 6:00 - 9:00 Evening Social Phoenix Central & South

Thursday, February 12, 2015

7:30 - 9:00 Continental Breakfast Phoenix Central & South 7:30 - 10:30 Exhibit Hall Open (closed 10:30-11:30 & 12:00-2:00) Phoenix Central & South 7:30 - 5:00 Registration Phoenix Lobby 8:00 - 10:00 Scientific Sessions Phoenix North 8:00 - 3:30 Silent Auction Bidding Phoenix Central & South 8:00 - 10:30 Battle of the Baskets Phoenix Central & South 10:00 - 10:30 Break Phoenix Central & South 10:30 - 11:30 KEYNOTE SPEAKER Phoenix North 11:30 - 12:00 Break Phoenix Central & South 11:30 - 12:00 Exhibit Hall Open Phoenix Central & South 12:00 - 2:00 Awards Banquet & Luncheon Phoenix North 2:00 - 5:00 Exhibit Hall Open Phoenix Central & South 2:00 - 3:35 Scientific Sessions Phoenix North 3:45 Silent Auction Closes Phoenix Central & South 3:35 - 4:00 Break Phoenix Central & South 4:00 - 4:40 Scientific Sessions Phoenix North

Friday, February 13, 2015

7:00 - 9:00 Continental Breakfast Hotel Lobby 7:45 Pick up for travel to UT Facility Tour 8:00 - 9:00 Registration 8:00 - 12:00 “Sew You Learned to Tie a Knot… But Did You?” 4th Floor Meeting Room

(Suture Lab) 8:00 - 12:00 Tour of University of Texas Facility 9:00 - 11:00 Round Table Discussions 5th Floor Meeting Room 12:00 - 2:00 TBAALAS Board Meeting DeWitt Room

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Scientific Session List of Speakers *denotes award eligible

Wednesday, February 11, 2015 Moderator: Karen Guerra Phoenix North 10:00 Pat Sikes (Charles River) Reducing Aggression in Mice 10:15 Steve Robbins (Steris) Chemical Handling & Application 10:30 Laura Trepanier (JAX) Genetic Stability in Mouse Colonies 10:45 Chris Rodgers (Harlan) Laboratory Animal Diet, Bedding and Enrichment: Increasing Vivarium

Efficiency and Reducing Research Variables 11:00 David FitzMiller (Kent Sci) Right-Sizing Small Animal Anesthesia 11:15 Karena Thek (BioServ) How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck, if a Woodchuck Could

Chuck Wood? 11:30 Richard Cluck (Tecniplast) Ergonomics in the Work Place 11:45 TBD Moderator: Jamie Greaver Phoenix North 1:00 Angie Hitt Welcome/Opening Remarks Ann Turner AALAS Update 1:30 Jamie Greaver To Trance or Not to Trance: Benefits Versus Risks of Tonic Immobility

in Rabbits 1:50 Andrew T. Pesek, Jr. *Evolution of MD Anderson’s Rodent Bench-top Anesthesia Units 2:05 Melissa Wren The Impact of Colored Enrichment Devices on Laboratory Animal

Physiology & Metabolism 2:25 Christopher Southern *Using Staff to Achieve Sustainability in Cagewash 2:45 Sheri Levitt *More Work? Really? Thanks, IACUC!!! 3:00 BREAK Refreshments in Exhibit Hall Moderator: Jessica Kurz Phoenix North 3:30 Igor Smiljcic *Improving The Rack Washer and Cage Processing Safety Program in a

Large Animal Care Program 3:45 Michelle Ladouceur-Wodzak *Hi-Intensity Focus Ultrasound: A Non-Invasive Tool for Localized

Drug Delivery and Tissue Ablation 4:15 Matt Schmit *Environmental Enrichment in the Management of Captive Psittacines 5:00 End of session Thursday, February 12, 2015 Moderator: Luis Zorrilla Phoenix North 8:30 Marcel Perret-Gentil Handy Dandy Tips to Improve Rodent Surgical Outcomes 9:30 Stephanie Cormier Startup of a Germ-Free Facility: Complexities and Difficulties Along the

Way 10:00 BREAK Refreshments in Exhibit Hall 10:30 Keynote – Dr. Dani McVety The Human Animal Bond and Beyond: The Science of Death, The

Art of Euthanasia, and Reversing Compassion Fatigue 11:30 BREAK 12:00 Awards Banquet & Luncheon Phoenix North

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Moderator: David Disselhorst Phoenix North

2:00 Elizabeth Magden Acupuncture, Needles & Chi, Oh My! The Science of Acupuncture &

It’s Use in Laboratory Animal Medicine 3:00 Daveeta Levy Is There More to C. Bovis? 3:20 Lemenique Wafer Environmental Influence on the Fecundity & Fertility of Zebrafish 3:35 BREAK Refreshments in Exhibit Hall 4:00 Christina Du Novel Swine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa 4:20 Courtney Sands Duodenal Adenocarcinoma with Secondary Bile and Pancreatic Duct

Obstruction in a Geriatric Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) 4:40 End of session Friday, February 13, 2015 WORKSHOPS 8:00-12:00 “Sew You Learned to Tie a Knot… But Did You?” (Suture Lab) Robertson Room 8:00-12:00 Tour of University of Texas Facility Round Table Discussions Moderator: Jessica Kurz DeZavala Room 9:00-10:00 Lessons Learned: Animal Facility Renovations/Construction Panel: John Donaho, Glen Otto, David Lopez, Oscar Sanchez 10:00-11:00 Leadership: What’s It All About? Panel: Karen Guerra, David Disselhorst, Egeenee Daniels 11:00 End of session

KEYNOTE SPEAKER sponsored by

The Human Animal Bond and Beyond: The Science of Death, The Art of Euthanasia, and Reversing Compassion Fatigue

February 12th 10:30 AM

Dani McVety, DVM is a hospice veterinarian, and co-founder of Lap of Love, the largest network of veterinarians dedicated solely to end-of-life veterinary care. With a deep love for the human-animal bond, Dr. McVety enjoys just about anything that has to do with pets! She frequently writes and speaks for professional and lay audiences on end-of-life veterinary topics in hopes of empowering both parties to seek the highest standards of care. Dr. McVety and Lap of Love have been featured on numerous local, national, and professional media outlets including ABC, Fox 13, University of Florida Alumni Magazine, DVM Newsmagazine, and many more. She proudly graduated from the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and is the youngest recipient of the college’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award (2013).

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Poster Abstracts *denotes award eligible

Innovative Device for Fast, Safe and Efficient Way of Transferring Birds Rico Cabuco, Gerri Gay, Julie Wood*, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Houston, TX The zebra finch is a small songbird indigenous to Australia and Indonesia that has become a model system for many types of behavioral studies. The Animal Resource Center (ARC) at UT Southwestern Medical Center has ongoing research projects involving zebra finches. During husbandry practices within the finch colony, the ARC has come across some challenges regarding the process of transferring birds between cages. It was common practice to hand catch birds individually in order to transfer them to a new cage. In cages containing multiple birds, this practice was stressful to the birds and presented a possibility of injury or escape. This practice was also time-consuming for the husbandry staff. A technician designed and constructed a tunnel device that provided a safe and efficient way of transferring birds. The tunnel device was created using the same materials, PVC coated wire mesh, as the original cage material. Hooks were added on both ends to secure and lock the device on the cage. The addition of this device resulted in many benefits to both the birds and the animal handlers. Increasing Survival Rate of Pup in the Sand Rat (Psammoys Obesus) Krysten Vera, RLAT*, Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX Successful breeding is essential when trying to develop a new animal colony for research; particularly in an animal species that little is known about. The Hebrew University in Jerusalem published that they had approximately 69% of newborns survive to reach the weaning phase. We tried two different approaches to see which method would produce the highest survival rate of pups. In the first method, we left the male in the breeder box with the female until after the female gave birth. This is similar to the method used at the Hebrew University. In the second method, the males were removed from the breeder box prior to the female giving birth. To ensure conception, females were weighed weekly. Once the females gained approximately 10-25 grams in a 1-2 week time frame, it was assumed the conception was achieved. By removing the male at the earlier stage, we increased our survival rate for pups from 86% to 94%. Argulus japonicus in Goldfish (Carassius auruatus) Lemnique Wafer, DVM, Jesse C. Whitney, V. Behrana Jensen University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX Argulus species in the family Argulidae, also known as the fish lice or fish louse, are members of a group of branchiuran parasites and are known to parasitize both marine and freshwater fishes. They are not commonly found in laboratory animal settings, but are important to identify as they can cause severe clinical signs. During rounds at our facility, the branchiuran parasite Argulus japonicus was identified and collected from the caudal and anal fins of three goldfish (Carassius auruatus).These goldfish were asymptomatic and after manual removal of the Argulus japonicus, no further cases were noted. As soon as any Argulus species are identified, management and treatment are recommended as soon as possible, because infections can rapidly escalate. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs for the control and treatment of Argulus. Diflubenzuron (Dimilin®, Chemtura) and other compounds with a similar mechanism of action such as, lufenuron (Program®, Novartis Animal Health) have been used with success. Good biosecurity, including screening and quarantine of incoming fish and continuous observation of all fish is the best way to avoid an Argulus infestation. Going Green Not What You Think Cynthia Evans, BS, RLATG, Tonya Betts, Teresa Neubauer, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX Producing a consistent and abundant supply of wheat grass (Triticum aestivum) for our locust colony is important to both their health and reproductive capability. Growing this grass has posed a number of challenges, including reduced germination and mold growth, after planting. We examined our own handling and storage methods to insure seed quality at time of planting. A number of questions were formulated to focus on our internal processes. These included: 1) Why was mold growing on seeds planted on top of the soil? 2) Were seeds being stored at correct temperatures in our facilities? 3) Were new saucers providing adequate drainage and air circulation? We found that storage conditions, including temperature and humidity, can have an effect on seed performance. Additional methods for mold control were also implemented to optimize grass growth and supply. We now produce enough grass to keep our locusts healthy and reproductive.

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Development of a Behavioral Assessment "Wellness" Program for Captive Geriatric Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) Emily Mocarski, BA, RLATG*, Susan Pavonetti, Dr. Steven Schapiro, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX The aging demographic of captive chimpanzees, particularly in a laboratory setting, compels new approaches for their care and well-being. Several chronic illness cases in our geriatric population have required the assistance of the care staff for increased daily observations to identify any behavioral changes in these particular animals. Clearly, the need for more frequent and detailed observation of our geriatric colony will be increasing over time. Therefore, we developed a behavioral assessment “wellness” program by compiling an ethogram of 17 behaviors to provide an activity profile of all chimpanzees over 35 years of age. While care staff complete daily routines (feeding, cleaning, health checks, etc.), they scan the group and mark any behaviors of interest that are observed. This program has been beneficial in training care staff to more closely monitor the chimpanzees for small changes in daily behavior that could be indicative of clinical changes. It also allows us to establish a baseline behavioral profile for all geriatric chimpanzees from the data collected. This baseline profile can be utilized in our formal quality of life assessment program to identify behavioral deviations that would promote discussion of the necessity for the humane euthanasia of an animal. Specialized Care for Geriatric Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes) Jennifer P. Bridges*, Janye M. Gilbert, Susan P. Lambeth, Steve J. Schapiro UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX Providing care for geriatric chimpanzees is a growing need in captive populations. Utilizing a behavioral management approach, we incorporated socialization, positive reinforcement training, and enrichment to provide specialized care for two geriatric chimpanzees with different ailments. One chimpanzee has limited mobility on the right side from a stroke. The other has advanced arthritis in the shoulders and back. Both have gained significant weight due to decreased mobility. To start, we formed a new social group with these two chimpanzees. To address decreased mobility and increased weight gain, multiple feeding baskets were placed at various heights on their enclosure, requiring the animals to stand or climb during each feeding. Additionally, the animal’s caloric intake was lowered from 2000 to 1600 calories by reducing the amount of biscuits and replacing them with lower calorie items without sacrificing necessary nutrients and protein. Each animal was trained to voluntarily enter a transport box and weighed monthly for 7 months. Each animal lost between 4-5kg. Subjectively, we noticed increased mobility, though no data were formally collected to confirm this impression. Providing individualized care utilizing behavioral management techniques can be an effective way to affect weight and mobility in geriatric chimpanzees. Bed-r'Tea for Mice and Me! Kourtney Sumrall, BS, RLATG*, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX Providing enrichment in the form of nesting materials to mice is an essential part of fulfilling their natural instincts and needs to construct a shelter. Building nests reduce stress and provides a haven for the mice to retreat to and seek shelter and warmth while under laboratory conditions. A commonly used nesting material provided in research environments is compressed cotton squares or “nestlets”. Prepackaged Envrio-dri® material or “tea bags”, along with compressed kraft paper disks or Bed-r’Nests™ are perceived to be superior to the nestlets as they are made out of materials that mimic the feeling of items used to build nests in natural environments, such as twigs and grass. The use of these products also eliminates a common issue seen in nude mice where cotton fibers collect into the eye inhibiting vision and causing discomfort. Tea bags and Bed-r’Nests™ are also efficient and easy to add in a cage, eliminating the need to measure nesting material by hand. The premeasured form allows for a uniform amount of material to be added per cage. This decreases costs associated with over filling cages and allows for a superior health check by providing a less obstructed view. By providing optimal enrichment, the facility, researchers, and mice can benefit. Duodenal Adenocarcinoma with Secondary Bile and Pancreatic Duct Obstruction in a Geriatric Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) Courtney Sands, DVM, Julia L. Goldman, Roger E. Price, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX Intestinal adenocarcinomas in Rhesus macaques are relatively common findings, especially in older individuals. The most common locations of these tumors occur at the ileocecal junction and colon, and typically show clinical signs of weight loss, anorexia, decreased stool production, and intermittent diarrhea. In this case a 28-year-old intact male Rhesus macaque presented for jaundice and lethargy. Blood work revealed increased liver enzymes, increased cholesterol & bilirubin and a decreased total protein. Due to poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. On necropsy, a severely distended and tortuous bile duct was seen. Other significant findings included an enlarged and firm liver, and a 1.5-inch mass incorporating the duodenum, pancreas, and biliary tract. Histological examination of the tissues revealed a duodenal adenocarcinoma, which occurred near the entrance into the duodenum of the pancreatic and common bile duct. This partial to complete occlusion of the bile duct led to the uncommon clinical signs exhibited in this patient.

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Determining Anthelmintic Resistance in Laboratory Sheep Using FECRT Albert Trent Singleton, AAS, RALAT*, Chris Suckow, DVM, DACLAM University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, Galveston, TX The aims of this study were to determine the anthelmintic resistance levels of laboratory sheep to commonly used agents using the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) and to select the most efficacious anthelmintic to add as part of our sheep conditioning SOP. Sheep parasite burden and anthelmintic resistance can vary greatly depending on vendor husbandry practices. A large parasite burden can cause multiple problems with sheep, including anemia and other hematologic changes which could result in certain sheep needing to be excluded from a study. Therefore using the McMaster Technique and FECRT, four different products at the manufacturer’s recommended dosing (ivermectin 0.002 mg/kg, moxidecin 0.2 mg/kg, levamisole 8.0 mg/kg, and albendazole 7.5 mg/kg) were evaluated for efficacy. The results of this study in 40 female adult Merino sheep will help us choose which product is most efficacious to reduce parasite burden and help prepare our sheep for research. In conclusion, we will present which anthelmintic demonstrated the greatest fecal egg count reduction. Our ultimate goal is to optimize our sheep conditioning program so we can provide better research subjects to our researchers. Team Approach to Improving Rodent Survival Surgery Adrienne Duran, BAS, LVT, RLATG, CMAR*, William Norton, Grant Fuhrman, RVT, RLAT, Katherine Naff, DVM, DACLAM, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX MD Anderson’s Houston Campus is home to a diverse animal research program that encompasses over 700 animal use protocols and 200 principle investigators. The majority of animal research conducted at Houston is performed in mouse and rat models, and a substantial proportion of this research requires rodent survival surgery. Historically, 100% of rodent survival surgery at MD Anderson-Houston is conducted by research faculty or staff, with operators trained by more experienced research personnel. While researcher-to-researcher training is ideal for teaching protocol-specific surgical procedures, this paradigm may be less effective for teaching foundational principles of aseptic technique, intraoperative care, and post-operative analgesia. The Dept. of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (DVMS) identified the gap between laboratory-based surgical training and accepted best practices for rodent survival surgery as potential OLAW compliance and animal welfare concerns. In response, DMVS developed a 3-pronged approach for identifying and addressing investigator knowledge gaps in basic principles of surgery and patient care. This approach entails semi-annual rodent survival surgery record reviews by the IACUC veterinarian; observation of surgery and completion of surgery checklists by DVMS personnel; and free hands-on training through nonsurvival surgery wet labs organized and taught by DVMS veterinarians and technologists. Unlike some research programs of comparable size, MD Anderson does not have a formal post-approval monitoring program, nor is there an institutional requirement for a veterinary-supervised training program or competency assessment in rodent survival surgery. Despite these limitations, we feel that our collegial approach to training and oversight has reduced the number of surgery-related adverse animal events since it was first implemented two years ago. A New Look at Rabbit Husbandry and Environmental Enrichment Elysia Fulcher BA, LVT, RLAT*, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX The Guide’s recent revisions regarding rabbit housing recommendations prompted our staff to reevaluate our rabbit housing and environmental enrichment practices. Our first objective was to allow our rabbits’ greater freedom of movement and less restricted vertical space by successfully pairing or group housing them in dog runs instead of individually housing them in the traditional rack caging system. Our second objective was to use our new housing enclosure to provide our rabbits with safe, fun-filled, stimulating environmental enrichment. The third objective was to use the facilities and materials we already had available to accomplish our new housing and enrichment ideas. We utilized an unused dog room with empty runs, and set the runs up with hiding boxes, a litter pan, food, water, balls, hanging bells, and bunny blocks. Then, we added groups of rabbits divided by sex and monitored their compatibility carefully. The new housing was extremely successful allowing the rabbits to exhibit their natural social behavior and to display their natural curiosity with the new toys and environment. In conclusion, rabbits can be successfully, easily, and happily housed in pairs or in groups by working with the materials you already have.

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Best Types of Enrichment /Toys for Laboratory Rats Dionne Nichols, ALAT*, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX The purpose of this experiment is to determine which type of enrichment is better utilized and enjoyed by laboratory rats. Various forms of environmental enrichment were placed in several rat cages and monitored on a weekly basis. Observations were recorded daily, before and after photos were taken of the enrichment to check utilization at the end of each week. Cedar Chewing sticks and The Jolly Poly Ball (ball with holes) and Bio-tunnels (cardboard tubes) in the animal cages the rats seem to have maintained the animals' interest. However with the Nyla bones (various flavors tested) which at the time was our current enrichment, the mice tended to show little to no interest with the bones showed no significant signs of chewing This experiment may show that laboratory rats may actually prefer certain forms of enrichment over others, and in the process perhaps leading into increased social interaction with cage mates possibly minimizing barbering and aggression amongst cage mates.

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Vendor Presentation Abstracts Wednesday, February 11th

Reducing Aggression in Mice Pat Sikes, MS, Christina Winnicker, DVM, Charles River Laboratories Mice fight! Male mice fight more! What does aggression mean and how can we lessen it and its impact on research and animal welfare? Aggression is defined as behavior directed toward another that elicits an aggressive or defensive response by the recipient. If the behavior is elicited toward humans, a likely cause is fear. Normal dominance behavior between males in the wild is usually mitigated by escape or appeasement. Wild mice do fight and they are injured, but they are rarely killed by other mice. In cages, dominance-related behavior can escalate to injury or killing because there is no way to escape. Aggressive mouse strains in common use include SJL, BALB/c, and FVB. Although some consider C57BL/6 mice to be aggressive, in general they are not when compared to other mouse strains. However, they may appear to be more aggressive because they are the most commonly used in research and thus there are many of them to observe. Male mice in the laboratory fight over territory, resources and dominance rank. Female mice can be aggressive toward each other and their mates, but this is usually related to defense of the nest and of pups. Strategies for mitigating aggression include maintaining stable social groups from a young age with no periods of individual housing, elimination of enrichment items that may be a protected resource and the cleaning of olfactory stimuli in the cage, with the exception of transferring nesting material. Strategies for mitigating fear-driven aggression resulting in jumpiness or difficulty in handling include acclimation of the animals to human handling and research procedures, as well as decreasing the stress associated with handling through the use of transfer items such as tubes or cups rather than handling by the tail or scruff. Chemical Handling & Application Steven Robbins, Steris Corporation The use of cleaning and disinfectant chemistries is a critical aspect of insuring an animal population’s health and wellness. Many of these chemicals require special handling and application techniques to insure that they meet their efficacy claims. The improper use, handling, and application of these chemicals can also pose health risks and reduce productivity in a facility. This presentation will provide general guidelines and best practices that will address many of the common issues associated with chemical handling and application. Genetic Stability in Mouse Colonies Laura Trepanier, Jackson Laboratories. This presentation will go over the basics of genetic stability in mouse colonies. It will include critical factors that affect strain phenotypes: strain background, environmental factors, and genetic drift; how quickly sub-strains can develop and their research implications; and best practices to maintain a genetically consistent mouse colony Laboratory Animal Diet, Bedding and Enrichment: Increasing Vivarium Efficiency and Reducing Research Variables Chris Rogers, Harlan Laboratories TBD Laboratory Animal Diet, Bedding and Enrichment: Increasing Vivarium Efficiency and Reducing Research Variables David FitzMiller, Kent Scientific Corporation An anesthesia system designed to accommodate the physiological characteristics of small animals, including rats and mice, has the potential to provide great practical value to the life science research community. Small animal surgery requires an investment in equipment and time. The task of anesthetizing research subjects is complicated by the equipment itself, which is designed for use on larger species, such as humans or horses. Laboratory animal anesthesia is governed by societal concerns to minimize harmful exposure to the research subjects and to the people performing the surgery. Today’s economy puts pressure on laboratories to conserve time and resources while maintaining successful research. A miniaturized anesthesia system designed to administer inhalant anesthetics to small animals can address those challenges by providing the following advantages: 1) improved laboratory safety by minimizing exposure to anesthetic gas; 2) precision anesthetic dosing resulting in faster, more efficient performance of procedures, and reducing morbidity rates; and 3) reduction of expense by using less anesthetic, eliminating outside calibration services, improving laboratory space utilization, and increasing successful outcomes.

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How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck if a Woodchuck Could Chuck Wood? Karena Thek, MBA, CMAR, Bio-Serv Come to the presentation to find out! Ha! Learn more about woodchucks as a research model. Ergonomics in the Work Place Richard Cluck, Tecniplast, USA This presentation focuses on ergonomic issues that lab animal facilities face on a daily basis, such as cage changing, working in hoods, handling animals and working in washrooms. Ergonomics and the financial aspects of ergonomics that affect our industry will be defined. Lastly, solutions that assist us in alleviating or mitigating the effects of these ergonomic issues will be presented. This presentation is generic in scope and uses solutions by a number of different facilities and vendors.

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Platform Presentation Abstracts

*denotes award eligible

Wednesday, February 11th

To Trance or Not to Trace: The Benefits verse the Risks of Tonic Immobility in Rabbits Jamie Greaver, BS, RLATG, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX Trancing or Tonic Immobility (TI) is a transitory and reversible state of paralysis which some animals enter as the result of external stimuli. Often called animal hypnosis, this behavior is associated with the fear and stress response to predation and may function as a way to deter predators. In a veterinary setting rabbits often need to be restrained for minor procedures, such as nail clipping, physical examination, and clinical evaluation. TI can be an effective method of restraint without anesthesia, particularly for a fractious or fearful rabbit. However, every activity, including TI, has inherent levels of benefits and risks. Research has shown that after recovering from a state of TI, rabbits show an increased heart rate, respiratory rate, and corticosteroid levels, indicating a stressful state. Whether the stress following a period of TI outweighs the risks of a rabbit having a prolonged struggle against having nails clipped or being examined should be thoroughly thought out and discussed with a veterinarian. Evolution of MD Anderson’s rodent bench-top anesthesia units Andrew T. Pesek, Jr., BS, RLATG, CMAR*, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX We successfully worked with MD Anderson’s in-house cabinet shop to develop a simple sketch into a working rodent anesthesia unit using hardware store off-the-shelf parts. This presentation will review design, scale model, prototype, testing, and final product. The original units were designed to sit on fixed procedure room bench-top down draft openings for anesthetic gas scavenging via building exhaust. In newer facilities, the basic anesthesia unit gas scavenging apparatus was modified to use a stand-alone closed cabinet charcoal filtration system. Further modifications of the gas scavenging allowed connection directly to building exhaust, allowing for flexibility to use the anesthesia unit in any room with exhaust connection capability. The Impact of Colored Enrichment Devices on Laboratory Animal Physiology and Metabolism Melissa A. Wren, DVM, Robert T. Dauchy, BA, CMAR, RLATG, Steven M. Hill, PhD, David E. Blask, PhD, MD Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA Light, via the circadian neurohormone melatonin signal, entrains the master biological clock located in the suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the brain and influences every major biological rhythm and impacts the health and wellbeing of all mammals. The Guide endorses enrichment strategies to improve animal health and wellbeing. Previous studies using tinted laboratory cages demonstrated significant disruptions of metabolic and endocrine parameters in rats. We examined the effects of colored enrichment devices (CEO's) on daily circadian plasma melatonin and physiologic parameters. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6/group) were maintained on a lighting regimen 12L(300 lux; lights on 0600 h):12D in standard rodent cages containing either red (A), amber (A), opaque (0), or clear (C) tubing. Percent time spent within the CEO's during week 2 was significantly (P < 0.05) longer R>A>O>C compared to week 4 with A >A>C>O. Plasma melatonin was low in the light phase (>10.0 ± 0.2 pg/ml; mean± 1 SE) in all groups, but markedly higher during dark phase (0400 h) in A (213 ± 74 pg/ml), compared to R>C>O. Results show tinted CEO's significantly altered circadian rhythms of plasma measures of metabolism and physiology in rats. Using Staff to Achieve Sustainability in Cagewash Chris Southern, CMAR, LATG*, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX Personnel in cage wash no longer simply use a hose and bucket to sanitize animal housing and equipment. Most facilities today have a large rack washer, a sterilizer, and maybe a tunnel washer, each with biological, chemical, and physical hazards. Training to properly use the machines and work safely is clearly of paramount concern. Thus, working as a cage washer is challenging in terms of safety, equipment, and regulatory compliance while performing repetitive, awkward, sometimes heavy, and fairly routine tasks. The speakers will address managing specific topics of various cagewash operations that are actually more complex than they appear. Targeted for facility directors to cagewash staff the audience will learn about opportunities to support staff that want to stay in cagewash; what type of qualifications are needed in staff working in an automated facility; how automation is used to promote safety and efficiency; the ergonomic risk factors and management techniques to promote ongoing personnel health and safety; and the expectations of inspectors and reviewers to balance and satisfy practicality.

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More Work? Really? Thanks IACUC!!! Sheri Leavitt, BS, RLATG, CMAR*, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX At UTMB-Galveston, the Laboratory Biosafety Training Program (LBTP) has established courses for ABSL2 and ABSL3 users. The 8th Edition of the Guide states: "The institution should provide appropriate education and training o members of research teams-including principal investigators, study directors, research technicians, postdoctoral fellows, students, and visiting scientist -to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise for the specific animal procedures proposed and the species used" (Conarello and Shepard 2007, The Guide pg. 16). In 2012, the IACUC tasked the LBTP with developing a mandatory ABSL2 course for all new and existing users to ensure that all personnel working in an ABSL2 facility have a uniform understanding and knowledge of ABSL2 principles and practices. To satisfy the IACUC mandate, all participants that completed the training course received a course completion certificate that was also provided to the IACUC and is maintained in the LBTP database. Improving the Rack Washer and Cage Processing Safety Program in a Large Animal Care Program Igor Smiljcic, RLAT*, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX The Animal Resource Center (ARC) at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) is a large program that operates seven cagewash facilities with a variety of brands of cagewash equipment with varying ages. Recently the department performed a review of AAALACi’s new position statement on safety requirements for walk-in cage/rack washers and bulk sterilizers. AAALACi has identified three key factors that must be considered when developing the safety plan for cage wash equipment: 1) ease of egress, 2) a de-energizing mechanism, and 3) personnel training. The possibility of entrapment must be eliminated, and in the case of cage/rack washers an emergency shut- off mechanism must be easily accessible. The ARC examined the safety features on the current cagewash equipment and determined that additional safety improvements could be made to the existing cagewash equipment as well as other types of equipment such as walk-in coolers/freezers, dump stations, VHP chambers, and sterilizers. Several challenges were encountered when trying to modify and standardize safety features to existing equipment. To enhance each piece of equipment it took extensive research and some creative thinking. We will outline the safety improvements that were made, new safety signage that was posted, and how the personnel safety training was heightened. High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: A Non-InvasiveTool for Localized Drug Delivery and Tissue Ablation Michelle Ladouceur-Wodzak, CMAR, RLATG, RVT, LVT*, Robert Staruch, Chenchen Bing, Rajiv Chopra UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive therapy modality that concentrates ultrasound waves from outside the body into a focal spot several centimeters beneath the intact skin. Similar to a beam of light through a magnifying glass, high pressures or intense heat can be generated at the focus of an ultrasound beam where energy is highly concentrated, and not outside the focus where energy is low. HIFU is considered noninvasive because unlike radiation, the effects of ultrasound are non-ionizing. For accurate treatment guidance, MRI can be used to define target regions and to monitor heating in real-time by continuously acquiring images of temperature changes in the body. This combination of HIFU with MRI guidance makes HIFU a truly noninvasive alternative to surgical intervention. Case studies for two exciting applications of HIFU will be presented in small and large animal models: localized drug delivery in the brain and localized thermal ablation. Environmental Enrichment in the Management of Captive Psittacines Matthew Schmit, BSc, RLAT*, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX This presentation introduces the concept of Environmental Enrichment and how to apply it to keeping parrots .n provides techniques and enrichment activities that can be utilized by parrots in private aviculture, zoo and laboratory settings. Additionally, many of the activities can be utilized by other species of small and large animals, including primates. It breaks the sometimes complex and overwhelming concept of Environmental Enrichment into simple ideas and includes many pictures of examples.

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Thursday, February 13th Handy Dandy Tips to Improve Rodent Surgical Outcomes Marcel Perret-Gentil, DVM, MS, University of Texas as San Antonio, San Antonio, TX It is those simple tips that are often missed in rodent surgery that could help in minimizing post-surgical complications including mortality. The presenter will use his years of experience to provide multiple, simple, practical and time proven tips on improving overall surgical outcomes in rodents. The presentation will place great emphasis on practical solutions with many images to help participants retain the information presented and apply to their rodent surgery programs. This presentation is designed for individuals who have minimal, moderate and advanced rodent surgery experience to help them improve surgical and experimental outcomes. Startup of a Germ Free Facility: Complexities and Difficulties Along the Way Stephanie Cormier, RLAT, CMAR*, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX Starting a new germ free facility can be challenging due to both limited resources and limited detailed information. Some of the major difficulties include learning the new technology, establishing standard operating procedures, deciding on type of equipment to be used, establishing a budget and hiring/training new staff. To start the facility, extensive “trial and error” testing was performed to define procedures for daily maintenance and sterility testing. Through this research, standard operating procedures were established and put into place. Once we established the cost of equipment and frequency of equipment change out, along with staffing needs, our budget was established along with our per diem rates. Researchers utilizing the germ free facility have completed several successful projects in experimental isolators and in our BSL2 housing space. Due to the success of our breeding program and germ free practices, we can now continue to provide germfree and gnotobiotic research opportunities to our research staff with very limited turnaround time. KEYNOTE SPEAKER The Human Animal Bond and Beyond: The Science of Death, The Art of Euthanasia, and Reversing Compassion Fatigue Dani McVety, DVM, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice Veterinary medicine is the only health care profession licensed to end life. Euthanasia is not only a necessary, essential, and permanent part of our job, but also an art form that requires immense personal focus, unparalleled empathy, and a unique form of compassion in varying situations. Treating this most important part of our profession with honor, dignity, and professionalism is perhaps the best way we can combat feelings of compassion fatigue. In the end, death is not a failure of medicine but the natural progression of biology. Acupuncture, Needles & Chi, Oh My! The Science of Acupuncture & It’s Use in Laboratory Animal Medicine Elizabeth Magden, DVM, MS, DACLAM, cVMA, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX Five thousand years ago, acupuncture was first used as a blood-letting therapy. Since then techniques have been greatly refined, and today acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile needles into defined acupuncture points that stimulate physiologic processes through neural signaling. In the late 1990's both the NIH and WHO issued statements in support of acupuncture, and since then, thousands of additional scientific studies have shown the benefits of acupuncture treatment. The use of acupuncture has recently been introduced in laboratory animal medicine, and has been used on a variety of species. We have used acupuncture in nonhuman primates to successfully treat arthritis-related pain, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, and to enhance wound healing. Acupuncture has also been used in rodents and rabbits to treat a variety of conditions. Acupuncture may be a good treatment option for pain relief in studies that preclude the use of pharmaceutical intervention. However, acupuncture does alter physiologic processes in the body, and care should be taken to ensure these alterations do not adversely affect the research. Given the benefits of this noninvasive therapy, acupuncture should be considered along with traditional western medical techniques when treating laboratory animals.

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Is There More to C. bovis? Daveeta Levy, DVM, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX Corynebacterium bovis (C. bovis) is a bacterial organism that causes hyperkeratotic dermatitis, especially in immunodeficient mice. It is known to form gross clinical signs of red, scaly skin. This is a case of an unusual, systemic form of C. bovis causing arthritic malformations. An 8 month old, athymic nude, female mouse (Mus musculus) was observed to have severe arthritic malformations in all carpi and tarsi. Additionally, on physical exam, the body condition score was 2/5 with red, scaly skin. The mouse had previously been orthotopically injected, in the pancreas, with cells derived from a human pancreatic tumor and showed no signs of distress postoperatively. The mouse was humanely euthanized and necropsied. Additional diagnostic tests included a CBC, serum chemistry, and bacterial culture of the synovial fluid. Histological evaluation revealed an infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells encompassing the majority of the organs in the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and joints. Synovial fluid analysis revealed a positive culture for C. bovis, however the gram stain was unremarkable. The clinical diagnosis was an immune-mediated polyarthritis that strongly suggests Corynebacterium bovis as a contributing factor; association with this disease has not been previously described in literature. Recognition of this condition and its etiology is important in colony management of laboratory mice. Environmental Influence on the Fecundity and Fertility of Zebrafish (Danio rerio) Lemnique Wafer, DVM, Jesse Whitney, V. Behrana Jensen, Thomas Gomez, Rene Flores, Bradford S. Goodwin Jr. University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become a popular vertebrate model for behavior and biomedical research. Although many research projects depend on maximization of production of zebrafish embryos and fry, only a limited amount of literature has been published investigating the effects of environmental enrichment on their fertility and fecundity. We propose that zebrafish in a breeding tank with substrate will show greater fertility and fecundity than those in a bare tank. Substrates examined in this study include plastic plants and plastic grass. Based on our initial observations, zebrafish with substrate in their micro-environment appear to have greater embryo production. Our eventual goal is to identify specific environmental substrates that maximize breeding efficiency and successful hatching in zebrafish. Findings will also help determine the feasibility and importance of environmental enrichment in this particular species, a growing area of importance in laboratory animal medicine and biomedical research. Novel Swine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa Christina Du, DVM, MS, Baylor Scott & White, Temple, TX Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited progressive disease that eventually leads to total blindness. The most common human phenotype, P23H rhodopsin is an autosomal dominant mutation that may show clinical signs during the teenage years. Night blindness, then peripheral blindness and lastly tunnel vision blindness are usually seen during the progression of the disease. There is no cure, but recent development of a P23H rhodopsin transgenic swine model may help bridge the gap between blindness and sight. The pig is an ideal model for RP since it has similar anatomy to the human eye in size and structure. Like humans, the pig has dominant rods in periphery and dominant cones in the macula. Using ERG and multimodal diagnostic imaging (Spectralis), we hope to follow the disease progression in transgenic and wild-type pigs and compare the progression to humans. This presentation looks at the challenges of husbandry, anesthesia and data collection of this wonderful new model for retinitis pigmentosa. Duodenal Adenocarcinoma with Secondary Bile and Pancreatic Duct Obstruction in a Geriatric Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta) Courtney Sands, DVM, Julia L. Goldman, Roger E. Price, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX Intestinal adenocarcinomas in Rhesus macaques are relatively common findings, especially in older individuals. The most common locations of these tumors occur at the ileocecal junction and colon, and typically show clinical signs of weight loss, anorexia, decreased stool production, and intermittent diarrhea. In this case a 28-year-old intact male Rhesus macaque presented for jaundice and lethargy. Blood work revealed increased liver enzymes, increased cholesterol & bilirubin and a decreased total protein. Due to poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. On necropsy, a severely distended and tortuous bile duct was seen. Other significant findings included an enlarged and firm liver, and a 1.5-inch mass incorporating the duodenum, pancreas, and biliary tract. Histological examination of the tissues revealed a duodenal adenocarcinoma, which occurred near the entrance into the duodenum of the pancreatic and common bile duct. This partial to complete occlusion of the bile duct led to the uncommon clinical signs exhibited in this patient.

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Friday, February 13th Workshop Abstracts

Sew You Learned to Tie a Knot… But Did You? Marcel Perret-Gentil, DVM, MS and Luis Zorrilla, BS, LATG, University of Texas-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX Rough tissue handling and prolonged tissue exposure to room air increases surgical trauma. This in turn affects post-operative recovery and data outcome. During this workshop, participants will learn commonly used suture and knot-tying techniques, among other things. The workshop will focus on appropriate hand-eye coordination to quickly improve surgical skills. Participants will have an opportunity to learn techniques that will lead to gentle handling while completing suturing tasks at incredible speeds. A variety of training tools, including a newly developed state the art inanimate mouse model, to practice suturing will be introduced. These suturing tools aid in the development and instruction of basic and advanced surgical skills. These affordable and portable products are perfect for beginners just learning or experts who need to further refine complex suturing techniques. In this workshop, participants will first be provided with an overview of basic suturing principles. Participants will have an opportunity to practice and improve their suturing skills at each station. Common errors and complications will be introduced and addressed. This workshop is designed for individuals who have minimal or no suturing skills, but is also a great opportunity to upgrade skills for those with considerable experience.

Round Table Discussion Abstract

Lessons Learned: Animal Facility Renovations/Construction Panel: John Donaho, Glen Otto, David Lopez, Oscar Sanchez Building or renovating an animal facility is a daunting task. Aside from meeting all regulations and guidelines for quality animal care and use and employee safety, a facility project also requires you to accommodate the types of research your institution is doing now, and plan for what it may be doing years from now. This round table platform will hear from panelists who have had recent experience with animal facility design and renovation. They will provide personal experiences and input on planning and managing successful facility projects, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Audience participation encouraged. Leadership: What’s It All About? Panel: Karen Guerra, David Disselhorst, Egeenee Daniels In recent years, we have seen a pressing need within the laboratory animal community for a focus on management and leadership. Accordingly, with the emergence of organizations such as ILAM and LAMA, there has been a renewed importance placed on the development of strong leaders, managers and supervisors in lab animal programs. This round table platform will hear from panelists who have had varied leadership experiences in lab animal, ranging in focus from training to employee management and development. Based on personal experience, they will provide suggestions/tools to improve your leadership/management style, project management and communication skills or approaches. Audience participation encouraged.

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Silent Auction Information

Be sure to stop by the table to see what treasures you can bid on!

Bidding is open from 1:00-5:00 on Wednesday and 8:00-3:30 on Thursday.

Pick up your treasures from 4:00-5:00 on Thursday in Phoenix Central & South.

Battle of the Baskets A Friendly Competition Between Metro Areas

Each of the Metro Areas will have a basket full of items on display near the Silent Auction table in Phoenix Central & South. You will be able to purchase raffle tickets and place

them in the specific basket for which you would like to ‘vote.’ The basket with the most number of raffle tickets will be declared the WINNER. This Metro area will get to hold the

title “Winner of the Battle of the Baskets” for the entire year!

Wednesday 1:00 – 5:00 PM

Thursday 8:00 - 10:30 AM

The goal of the Silent Auction & the Battle of the Baskets is to generate funds for the Technician Assistance Award. This award helps Texas Branch AALAS send a well-deserving technician to the

National AALAS meeting.

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Awards Banquet

Immediately following the keynote speaker on Thursday, please take a short break and then join us at noon in Phoenix North for the Awards Banquet. Lunch will be served.

Keynote Speaker: 10:30-11:30

Break: 11:30-12:00

Lunch and Awards: 12:00 – 2:00

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SOCIAL EVENT

COME DRESSED IN YOUR BEST “WEIRD SCIENCE” THEMED ATTIRE!

Prizes awarded for best outfits. Don’t miss our laboratory photo booth with fun props & disguises! Grab a questionnaire, interview your colleagues, and make new friends…prizes go to the most social participants! Enjoy some delicious food and consumable potions (cash bar).

WHEN: Wednesday, February 11, 6:00 – 9:00 pm

WHERE: Phoenix Central & South

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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors: Current as of 1/9/15

Audio/Visual

Edstrom Industries, Inc. SoBran, Inc.

Awards Alternative Design

Harlan LGL

Total MRO Program Printing

Charles River Laboratories Getinge USA

Thoren Caging Systems

Meeting Bags Animal Care Systems

Allentown Inc. Lynx Product Group

LABEX of MA

Technician Olympics Anderson Bedding Products

Keynote Speaker Tecniplast, USA

Session Break Ancare Corporation

Innovive, Inc.

Suture Workshop Kent Scientific

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DOUBLE TREE AUSTIN CONFERENCE CENTER

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Vendor Booths Current as of 1/9/15

Allentown, Inc. Harlan Laboratories PJ Murphy Forest Products

Ancare Corporation Innovive, Inc. Purina LabDiet

Animal Care Systems InterMetro Industries Corp.

Quip Laboratories, Inc

Art's Way Scientific, Inc.

Kent Scientific Corporation

Rocky Mountain Lab Supply

a-tune software Inc. Lab Products, Inc. SMC-Roe

BetterBuilt Lab Supply Superior Laboratory Services, Inc

Biomedical Solutions, Inc.

Labex of MA, Inc. TOPAZ Technologies, LLC

CEDAR CREEK AME LGL Animal Care Products, Inc.

Tecniplast

Charles River Lovelace Intelligent Systems

The Andersons Bedding Products

Dudick, Inc Lynx Product Group The Jackson Laboratory

EDSTROM INDUSTRIES

MedWaste Solutions, Inc.

Thoren Caging Systems

ENV Services, Inc. Oak Hill Genetics Total MRO

Getinge USA Pharmacal Research Laboratories, Inc

Transnetyx, Inc.

Veterinary Anesthesia Systems Inc.

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Program Printing Courtesy Of: