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Copyright 2000, University of Minnesota
Board of Regents.
The University of Minnesota is an equal
opportunity educator and employer.
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 Rodent
(<50 grams) Tail Snip Guidelines
Amputation of the
distal tail is often performed as a means of obtaining
tissue for genetic monitoring in rodents. While this
procedure is momentary it involves a variety of tissues,
including bone or cartilage, blood vessels, nervous tissue
and skin. There is potential for immediate and
longer-term pain from this procedure. The distal end
of the tail is largely devoid of most of these tissues
except skin. Therefore, use of techniques that require
less than 1 cm of tail to be removed is strongly encouraged
for all age animals.
Appropriate
sedation
or local anesthesia
is also suggested.
Removal of more
than 1 cm or tail snipping in large rodents is only allowed
in exceptional cases and requires scientific justification
and PRIOR approval of the Institutional Animal Care and Use
Committee.
Examples of
alternate methodologies include PCR assays that can be
performed using blood, saliva, ear biopsy or very small tail
biopsies. Please contact an RAR
veterinarian
for consultation on these methods or on anesthetic
selection.
The information contained in this site is
intended as a reference for University of Minnesota
investigators, and animal husbandry and veterinary staff.
Drug information and dosages are derived from a variety of
sources and do not necessarily guarantee safety or efficacy.
Information obtained through this site should not be relied
upon as professional veterinary advice. Any medications
administered or procedures performed on animals should only
be performed by or under order of a qualified, licensed
veterinarian.
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