January 2020
Creating a Framework for Wellness Today’s veterinary community faces challenges to wellness that require open conversations and resilient mindsets. Explore emotional, financial, and career topics driving discussions among LAS professionals.
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January/February 2020 Vol. 8 Issue 1
INSIDE THIS ISSUE...
18
Mental Health and Veterinarians
22
Studying the Connections
24
Talking It Out
28
Money Mindsets
30
AALAS Serves: Monkey Island
32
Promoting Safe Work Environments
Several unique risk factors contribute to depression, anxiety, and risk for suicide in the veterinary community.
Cross-sectional study investigates the association between euthanasia and compassion fatigue.
22
Four vets share their thoughts, experiences, and concerns on timely topics in today's veterinary community.
Explore advice and strategies to help with financial wellness and literacy.
AALAS past president Gail Thompson spent a rewarding 10 days helping with recovery efforts on Monkey Island.
30
Explore one IACUC office's plan to establish a worker protection program tracking system.
January 2020
Creating a Framework for Wellness Today’s veterinary community faces challenges to wellness that require open conversations and resilient mindsets. Explore emotional, financial and career topics driving discussions among LAS professionals.
2 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
On the cover: Elizabeth Clemmons, DVM, DACLAM is an Assistant Veterinarian at the Southwest National Primate Research Center. Photo provided by Wendy Rigby, Media and Communications Specialist with the Texas Biomedical Research Institute in San Antonio, TX.
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DEPARTMENTS 5 Publisher’s Note
38 Enrichment
6 People & Places
40 Tech Tips
Focusing on wellness
New hires, promotions, awards, memorials
10 PROfiles in LAS
DIY ideas for enrichment
Insights on techniques and tactics
53 AALAS Foundation
Updates and news
Meet Pat Sikes
12 Literature Review
54 AALAS Connection
AALAS opportunities and news
Review of a recent publication
14 Outreach
BRAD continues to expand its outreach impact
34 Career & Training
Growing through podcasts, positivity, and persistence
4 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
56 Crossword
Test your certification knowledge
58 Pet Talk
AALAS members talk about their pets
60 Ad Index
PUBLISHER’S NOTE Staff Publisher Ann Turner Associate Publisher Chris Lyons Managing Editor John Farrar
Focusing On Wellness
Associate Editor Liz Rozanski
When I was in college at Penn State, I set out on an exercise regimen with a friend. Having a buddy to keep me accountable was important. I needed to show up and put the work in because my friend was counting on me. Some people are self-motivated. When it came to exercise, my self-motivation took a back seat to the sofa. It is important to know when we need a buddy to help us along and to provide an extra boost to enhance our wellbeing. This first issue of LAS Pro for 2020 focuses on topics relevant to our veterinarian members, but it truly contains lessons for all of us. Just as I knew I needed a buddy to get moving in the gym, we all need to know when it is time to focus on our wellbeing and recharge. Whether it is taking time to relax, to exercise, to go out and have fun with family or friends, self-awareness is key to achieving wellness. And of course, wellness is more than physical. Wellness encompasses our mental health and our financial health. We should recognize when to reach out to a friend, a colleague, or an expert for advice, guidance, and encouragement. In a time when many of us are caretakers of family and friends, be sure to take care of yourself. We can’t achieve wellness without “filling the well” inside all of us. And, we often need other to help with that effort just as I needed a gym-buddy. Let’s set a goal to look for opportunities in 2020 to fill our wells. You can start by reading a few pages of this issue. I hope you find information and inspiration inside these articles. Here’s to a full and healthy 2020!
Ad Sales John Farrar Design/Production Zara Garza
Editorial Advisory Board David Bienus USAMRIID Andrew Burich Benaroya Research Institute Bob Dauchy Tulane Univ School of Medicine David DeOrnellis Champions Oncology Penny Devlin Pennsylvania State Univ College of Med Sonia Doss Duke Univ Medical Center Glenn Jackson Cornell University Jamie Naden Envigo Elizabeth Nunamaker Univ of Florida Karuna Patil Federation Bio Amy Pierce Tulane Univ School of Medicine Stacy Pritt UT Southwestern Medical Center Robin Tucker Georgetown Univ
Mission Statement Laboratory Animal Science Professional (LAS Pro) is the official magazine for American Association for Laboratory Animal Science members. LAS Pro provides a wide range of useful resources and knowledge to the association’s 13,000 laboratory animal science professionals who are involved in advancing responsible laboratory animal care and use to benefit people and animals. All signed articles, including, committee reports, news, and commentary, reflect the individual views of the authors and are not official views of AALAS. Authorization to photocopy portions for personal or internal use is granted by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science. Photocopying for purposes of resale or outside distribution is prohibited unless written approval is obtained from the AALAS Director of Communications. Copyright 2020 by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science.
Ann Turner
Publisher Executive Director American Association for Laboratory Animal Science
Laboratory Animal Science Professional (USPS 010-730) is published bimonthly by the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125. Periodicals Postage paid at Memphis, TN 38101 and additional mailing offices. POSTMASTER: Send address changes to AALAS, 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive, Memphis, TN 38125-8538.
American Association for Laboratory Animal Science 9190 Crestwyn Hills Drive Memphis, TN 38125-8538 Phone: 901-754-8620 Fax: 901-753-0046 E-mail: info@aalas.org Web: www.aalas.org
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 5
PEOPLE & PLACES
New hires, promotions, meeting updates, and memorials.
Courtney Nesline, (far right), delivered donations from RTB to the NC State Food Pantry.
•
RTB Assists with Food Pantry Collection
Research Triangle Branch (RTB) collaborated with Heritage High School FFA and NC State University’s Agriculture Resource Economics Department to hold a food drive during October and November. Donations benefitted the NC State Food Pantry. Donations helped stock the pantry which is open to students and staff in need. NC State did a recent study on their campus that showed roughly 14% of their students had low or very low food security. This means students had to either make tough choices about the amount and quality of food they were able to purchase for consuming or they had to miss meals entirely. The groups raised 268 pounds of food to donate to the food pantry. RTB collected donations from members at an event on November 7. On November 13, branch members volunteered to help receive donations and assist the pantry in preparation for a renovation the following day. RTB hopes to continue this type of event and increase total donation amounts.
•
Stanislawczyk Serves as NA3RsC 2020 President
Lisa Stanislawczyk is the incoming 2020 President for the North American 3Rs Collaborative (NA3RsC). Their new user-friendly website, www.na3rsc.org, hosts various opportunities and resources. The group hopes the site will become a hub of information and collaboration for the scientific community looking for details about the 3Rs in North America. Work6 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
The NC State Food Pantry is open to students and staff in need.
Dr. Sammy Gerb (seated right) helped event attendees discuss compassion fatigue.
Attendees shared resources and ideas from their institutions.
streams for digital biomarkers and complex in vitro models are being created and the group plans to add to the workstreams based on the membership interest. Membership for individuals is free and provides automatic registration to the newsletters, podcasts, and various other benefits. Feedback regarding the site is welcome as is content recommendations. Please send suggestions and inquiries regarding NA3RsC to lisa.stanislawczyl@bms.com.
Contact us at laspro@aalas.org. Deadline to submit is March 23. Photo selection will be determined by the graphic design team.
•
Mid-Missouri Branch Hosts Compassion Fatigue Event
The Mid-MO AALAS Branch hosted a fall event on compassion fatigue in October. The event, which drew several new members, allowed time for a meet and greet as well as snacks. Dr. Sammy Gerb’s presentation on compassion fatigue included an interactive activity where attendees grouped together to discuss ways to assist with compassion fatigue and share what various institutions have in place. With attendees working in different institutions around Mid-Missouri, different resources were described. She also shared information on where to find local help. The meeting was a great way to foster collaboration and outline fresh ideas for their individual workplaces.
•
Submit Your 2020 Tech Week Celebrations to LAS Pro
Be sure to send LAS Pro information on your Tech Week festivities. Please limit your recaps to 1-2 photos and 50-75-word descriptions. Photos must be 300 DPI jpeg or tifs. Tech Week celebrations will be featured in the May/June 2020 LAS Pro magazine. The deadline to submit is March 23. Submissions may be edited for length and clarity. Photo selection will be determined by the graphic design team.
•
LAS Pro Cover Contest
LAS Pro is looking for a cover photo that highlights the 2020 Tech Week celebrations. Please note, cover images require particular composition. Photographs must be submitted in a vertically framed shot. No more than two people should be featured. Room must be left in the image for text overlays. Photos must be sent as jpeg or tifs at 300 dpi. Questions? January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 7
PEOPLE & PLACES •
New hires, promotions, meeting updates, and memorials.
Mile High Branch Annual Meeting Update
The Mile High Branch had their annual meeting on August 28 and featured guest speaker, Morag Mackay. Also, the Raptor Education Foundation presented a talk and brought along three special guests, a Peregrine Falcon, a Great Horned Owl, and a Golden Eagle. Gail Thompson shared information about the work performed at Cayo Santiago, Puerto Rico to help restore habitat for Rhesus monkey research after Hurricane Maria in 2018. Several technicians in attendance gave presentations and talks from a local perspective about research occurring along the front range.
The Mile High Branch Board of Directors posted for a picture after a successful branch meeting.
Poster presentation winners, Chris Nestel, CVT, AAS (left) and Chris Manuel, DVM, PhD, DACLAM (right) won for their topic on “Amoxicillin Water treatment for Corynebacterium bovis Outbreak, It takes a Team!”
2019 AALAS President Morag Mackay (center) spoke at the Mile High Branch meeting in August.
IN MEMORIAM Charles Remsburg Reeder
Greg Stickrod
Clarence Remsburg Reeder, 83, of Frederick, passed away Thursday, December 5, 2019. Born in Frederick on July 14, 1936 he was a life-long resident of Frederick. He earned a Bachelor of Science degree in Animal Husbandry at the University of Maryland in 1959. He worked for the Agriculture Division of Kraft foods from 1960 to 1965. He then spent the next 40 plus years as an animal scientist with the National Cancer Institute working in lab animal production. He was the recipient of the Griffin Award given by AALAS. Clarence was an active member of the community his entire life. He is survived by his wife of 29 years, Jeanie Keller Reeder, his children, and eight grandchildren. He was preceded in death by his first wife, Karen H. Reeder.
Greg Stickrod passed away July 17, 2019. Greg was a member of AALAS and contributed time to several laboratory animal science publications. He worked as both a vendor and a facility manager. He was a poet as well as a fiction and nonfiction writer. He enjoyed trout fishing and painting. Several of his paintings decorate the walls of a local restaurant. At the time of his death he was working on his latest book and planning a trip to Alaska. One short story he published, The Fence, is available online: http://thesmokingpoet.tripod.com/id1.html.
Provided by Jackie Echelberger
8 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Provided by Amy Ingraham
Charlotte
71st AALAS NATIONAL MEETING OCTOBER 25 - 29, 2020
Join us for the 71st AALAS National Meeting in Charlotte, North Carolina. Each fall since 1950, the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science has held its annual National Meeting. During the five days of the meeting, members and nonmembers come together to enjoy the workshops, lectures, poster sessions, and exhibits. The program is designed to have topics relevant to the entire membership. Exhibitors have an opportunity to interact with AALAS members from the academic community, research institutions, government organizations, and commercial companies. The AALAS National Meeting is the largest gathering in the world of professionals concerned with the production, care, and use of laboratory animals. American Association for Laboratory Animal Science Phone: (901) 754 - 8620 Fax: (901) 753 - 0046 info@aalas.org www.aalas.org
JOIN US IN CHARLOTTE, NC OCTOBER 25 - 29, 2020
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 9
5
PRO-files in LAS
minutes with...
Pat Sikes, MS
12
Facility/Employer: Charles River Labs Job Title: Senior Business Development Manager How did you get in this field? I was a wildlife major and got my master’s in ornithology at Texas A&M University. The combination of juggling a lot of fieldwork, odd hours, and my young children encouraged me to shift my focus to biomedical research at the medical school. The first animals I worked with there were wildcaught bats. I eventually expanded my experience to include mice, rats, hamsters, rabbits, pigs, goats and more.
1
Who were your mentors? Three key mentors come to mind. Dr. Betsy Browder introduced me to the Texas Branch AALAS and the great folks in lab animal science. Dr. Steve Pakes opened the door to National AALAS and ICLAS (International Council for Laboratory Science). Valeri Lansford helped me transition to the sales world. I like to say that Valeri and I share one brain!
Getting Personal What are you looking forward to in 2020? Spending more time with my grandchildren! What companion animals do you have? Sadly none. We lost our 14 yearold Labrador, Jake, two years ago. Best binge-watching TV series? NCIS, Fixer Upper, Maine Cabin Masters What is the last book you read? The Magnolia Story by Joanna and Chip Gaines Where is your favorite vacation spot? Best vacation spots include any mountain in New Mexico or Colorado for skiing. I’m hoping to start the grandkids on the slopes in 2020. What is your favorite dessert? Anything chocolate!
What are your current interests in animal science? My current interests involve helping to promote the importance of biomedical research. Animals will help us discover the cures, or better treatments, for the diseases that still impact all of us and our pets.
2
Where do you see yourself in 5 years? In five years, I hope to be retired and enjoying my grandchildren. I currently have three grandchildren, two boys, and one girl. What is your favorite part of your job? My favorite part of my job is talking to laboratory animal caretakers, technicians, vets, managers, researchers and students about aspects of biomedical research. I enjoy sharing ways to be proud of what we do and how we help science progress. What advice do you have for others just beginning their animal science career? My best piece of advice is to meet people and listen to their stories. This helps you build a network of connections what will be invaluable! I also encourage people to get AALAS certifications and/ or advanced degrees. Education enables you to prepare for future changes and challenges.
3
What is the most rewarding aspect of your career? The most rewarding aspect of my career is helping promote better science through animal welfare. Minimally stressed animals lead to more meaningful and reproducible science. Better science and better animal welfare can lead to medical miracles for all of us. What has been the most challenging aspect of your career? Transitioning from a research technician to sales while still maintaining my love of science was a challenge. Another challenge is my hope that researchers buying animals from Charles River Labs see the value that I bring to them. I have come from their world, and I see my current career as a way to foster better and stronger biomedical research.
10 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
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January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 11
LITERATURE REVIEW
Recent publications from experts in the field
Management of Animal Care and Use Programs in Research, Education and Testing, Second Edition Reviewed by Heather Lyons Narver, VMD, DACLAM, DACAW
A
s Dr. Irving Zucker mentions in his foreword to this Second Edition of Management of Animal Care and Use Programs in Research, Education and Testing, the editors have compiled a tour de force of information for those caring about animal use in biomedical science including scientists, policymakers and legislators, and animal program management and personnel. The book is a comprehensive treatment of the laboratory animal science field, including regulatory compliance, fiscal and resource management, physical plant, and animal care. With over 800 pages organized into 36 chapters in 9 sections, few subjects are left unexplored. Since the first edition in 2002, attacks on the scientific enterprise have necessitated a banding together by those who care about scientific advancement and the people and animals who make it possible. The second edition doubles the page count and quadruples the number of contributors while maintaining highquality writing. Indeed, the work was a finalist for the 2019 AAP (Association of American Publishers) PROSE (Professional and Scholarly Excellence) Award in the biological sciences category––an outstanding achievement given that the works considered were not limited to laboratory animal science.
A prominent theme in this second edition is introduced in Section II, Developing a Collaborative Culture of Caring. The editors discuss and promote a “style of thinking” that encompasses an organizational structure led by engaged and informed leadership committed to the principles of the 3R’s (replacement, reduction, and refinement); open communication on all aspects of the animal program; recognition and fostering of the human-animal bond; abundant training opportunities; and timely and appropriate recognition of staff concerns and accomplishments. Regulatory burden has become a catchphrase in our field, and the Compliance, Assessment and Assurance section tackles the subject with aplomb. While recognizing that regulations are necessary to safeguard
the proper care and treatment of research animals, the authors caution against excessive rules that detract from research productivity without enhancing animal welfare. They urge programs to exercise performance standards and to identify and quantify the costs and benefits of regulations before adopting them. They promote assumption and mitigation of risks, rather than assuming a risk-averse philosophy that leads to excessive regulation. The Physical Plant, Environment and Housing, and Husbandry sections showcase experts in complex environmental components such as facility design and security, cage or enclosure space, and water treatment. The Animal Health and Care section includes chapters on behavioral training and surgery- aspects of animal care and use with significant impacts on animal wellbeing. As a Diplomate of the American College of Animal Welfare (ACAW), I was especially impressed by the expansive coverage of behavioral management, which is discussed in both the Culture of Care and the Veterinary Care sections. Behavioral management touches every research animal and has tremendous potential to improve welfare if handled competently. In conclusion, I recommend this updated and expanded second edition of Management of Animal Care and Use Programs in Research, Education and Testing as an indispensable addition to the libraries of all those who work in and care about our field. The Editors have succeeded in an ambitious undertaking: a comprehensive and savvy treatment of laboratory animal science. The overall message is positive, framed by gratitude for the privilege of research animal use while acknowledging the considerable concomitant responsibilities that use entails, not the least of which is educating legislators and the public. Heather Lyons Narver, VMD, DACLAM, DACAW is a Clinical Veterinarian and Staff Scientist at the National Institute of Neurological Disorders and Stroke (NINDS), National Institutes of Health in Bethesda, MD.
Weichbrod RH, Thompson (Heidbrink) GA, Norton JN, editors. 2018. Management of animal care and use programs in research, education and testing, second edition. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press Taylor & Francis Group. 12 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
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BRAD founder, Logan France (second from left) with Jack, Leila, and Briza (left to right), students from the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt.
14 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
OUT REACH
AALAS in the community
BRAD Builds the Research Advocacy Community BRAD celebrations highlight animal roles in biomedical research. By Logan France, DVM, DACLAM
D
espite overwhelming evidence highlighting the critical role of animals in understanding physiology, developing drugs and procedures, optimizing treatment protocols, and more, research community silence has fostered distrust among the public. The silence has allowed anti-research organizations to promulgate several false narratives aimed at portraying animal research as outdated and unnecessary. In response, the research community is becoming more vocal about the incredible discoveries made possible through research with animals. Biomedical Research Awareness Day (BRAD), an international outreach program led by Americans for Medical Progress, can help. BRAD seeks to increase public awareness about animal roles in biomedical research and the resulting medical advancements that benefit both humans and animals. BRAD highlights the importance of animal studies and research organizations’ commitment to providing excellent animal care. It also builds a research advocate community and highlights biomedical research and laboratory animal care and medicine careers. Since its April 2016 inaugural celebration, BRAD participation has skyrocketed. From 20 events in the U.S. the first year, in 2019 BRAD featured 200 celebrations across 9 countries. Beyond educating the public, BRAD can increase community engagement, unite an institution’s research community, boost employee morale, and allow individuals to discuss their biomedical research roles. BRAD continues to build a unified foundation of research advocates throughout the country and around the globe.
about the realities of animal research,” Jack said. “The opportunity to visit the animal facilities was quite an incredible one, and through the tour, I was able to understand how animal research is conducted. Learning about animal research through my experiences working with BRAD was extremely eye-opening and gave me a more informed perspective on animal research.” Later in the semester, the students developed presentations and activities to communicate the facts about and importance of animal research to middle and high school students. They tailored their message to the target audience and brought their program to local middle and high schools. In candid conversations as the semester ended, each student revealed they had hesitations and reservations about animal research before beginning the project. It was incredibly powerful to watch them transform into animal research advocates through BRAD. A new group of students will work on BRAD 2020.
Peer-to-Peer Education: K-12
In early 2019, I worked with three high school students, Leila, Jack, and Briza, from the School for Science and Math at Vanderbilt (SSMV). Seniors in the program complete a community-engaged research project. I mentored these students as they used BRAD to educate their peers on the critical role of animals in biomedical research and medical advancements. The students began the semester learning about animal research. They explored various sources and websites, including those of animal rights organizations, and familiarized themselves with BRAD, the program’s goals, and the available resources. The students visited Vanderbilt University Medical Center, where they toured the animal facilities, spoke with neuroscientists, attended a lab meeting, and observed a surgical procedure. “Before my involvement with BRAD, I knew very little
A BRAD event was held at Vanderbilt University Medical Center.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 15
“Learning about animal research through my experiences working with BRAD was extremely eye-opening and gave me a more informed perspective on animal research.” - Jack, BRAD participant
Peer-to-peer education is an important BRAD component. Middle school students participated in a Day of Discovery including BRAD events.
Undergraduate Outreach
Another peer education opportunity enabled BRAD to include veterinary technician students. This new audience was reached through a partnership with the Society for Laboratory Animal Veterinary Technicians (SLAVT). One SLAVT member, Mandy Bedwell, attended the Association for Veterinary Technician Educators conference. At the conference Mandy shared the program as well as careers in laboratory animal medicine. Ten veterinary technician schools participated in 2019.
BRAD Regional Champions are responsible for contacting other institutions, organizations, and businesses to share information about BRAD. Champions also serve as a regional BRAD consultant to assist others in hosting events. The goal for the BRAD Regional Champion program is to reach new audiences in hopes that every institution that conducts, supports, or has benefited from research with animals celebrates BRAD annually. Those who are interested in becoming a BRAD Regional Champion can email BRAD@amprogress. org.
BRAD Regional Champion Program
BRAD Fellow
The BRAD Regional Champion Program is for exceptional individuals seeking to advance animal research education. Created last year, the program is launching for BRAD 2020. Champions will organize BRAD events at their home institutions and bring the program to other institutions, organizations, veterinary clinics, and schools in the region. BRAD Champions, Dr. Rachelle Stammen, Dr. Sherrie Jean, and Robbie Champion piloted the program. “During my first year as a BRAD Champion, I reached out to numerous institutions and businesses throughout the state of Georgia. I shared information about BRAD and animal research in hopes they would want to host their own BRAD event,” Dr. Stammen said. “I was able to recruit one large wellknown university, one high school, and two veterinary clinics around Atlanta. My level of involvement ranged from simply providing them resources and information to hosting an event or a lunch-n-learn at their institution or business.” 16 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
BRAD Fellows have been integral to growing the program. After BRAD was developed through the AMP Michael D. Hayre Fellowship in Public Outreach, AMP added four additional fellows in 2017 and 2018. A 2018 partnership with the American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) funded an ACNP-AMP BRAD Fellow. This fellowship sought to increase the number of scientists, physicians, and other American College of Neuropsychopharmacology (ACNP) members who participated in BRAD and highlight animal roles in neuroscience and brain/behavior research. “I hope to promote community outreach and public education about the role of animals in research, help individuals in the ACNP community learn how to communicate their research with non-scientists, and provide the ACNP community with a blueprint to easily host a BRAD event at their home institutions,” said Dr. Katie Serafine, the second AMP–ACNP BRAD Fellow.
As a scientist at the University of Texas El Paso, Dr. Serafine’s research is focused on understanding the overlap between substance use disorders and metabolic syndrome. She is also passionate about educating others on the important role of animals in her research. A partnership with Americans for Medical Progress through a BRAD Fellow is open to any organizations with the goal of supporting their members in raising awareness about the role of animal studies in their work.
Onward and Upward
BRAD has demonstrated that the research community is extremely passionate about the care that research animals receive. It has highlighted the necessity of animal studies, and the need to increase openness about our work. For everyone who has embraced BRAD, planned and executed events, and shown your support for animal research – thank you! This program would not be possible without your involvement and influence, and each event is making an impact. To learn more, visit our website, BRADglobal.org. Logan France, DVM, DACLAM is an Assistant Professor and Clinical Veterinarian at the Vanderbilt University Medical Center in Nashville, TN. She also serves as the Vice-Chair for the AALAS Government Relations Committee.
BRAD champions (left to right) Sherrie Jean and Rachelle Stammen will organize events at their home institutions and other facilities in their regions.
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January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 17
FEATURE
Current topics in the vet community
Suicide Prevention and Mental Health in the Veterinary Profession
By Jennifer Weniger, PhD; Aaron Gilmore, DO; and Christopher P. Plant, MA
S
uicide is the tenth leading cause of death in the United States and the second leading cause of death among individuals 10 to 24 and 24 to 44 years old.7,8,9 In 2017, approximately 1.4 million adults attempted suicide, of which 47,173 died by suicide.7,8,9 This is particularly concerning as suicide attempts and deaths by suicide have been steadily rising over the last decade across the United States. From 1999 to 2016, among individuals 10 years of age or older, there has been an approximate 30% increase in suicide rates.23 Han and colleagues determined that in young adults, the overall prevalence of suicidal ideation, planning for suicide, and suicide attempts have considerably increased from 2009 to 2015, while only 36.2% of these suicidal young adults received mental health care.12 Suicide and the Veterinary Community
According to analyses of American Veterinary Medical Association (AVMA) records of deceased veterinarians, 3% of all recorded veterinarian deaths from 1979 to 2015 were identified as suicides. Male veterinarians were 2.1 times, and female veterinarians were 3.5 times as likely to die by suicide as compared to the general population.26 This same author noted that the most common methods of suicide among veterinarians were firearms (45% of all suicides) and pharmaceuticals (39% of all suicides). Consistent with research on sex differences in suicide methods, male veterinarians were more likely to die from self-inflicted firearm wounds, and female veterinarians were more likely to die by pharmaceutical poisoning.26 The veterinary profession is an occupation with unique risk factors that contribute to depression, anxiety, and an increased risk for suicide when compared to the general population.27, 10, 16 Veterinarians are at greater risk of suicide than other occupational groups, including dentists and medical doctors.19, 22 Specifically veterinarians are burdened with unique moral stress related to euthanizing animals,20 addressing the emotional needs of pet owners, and confronting the aftermath of animal abuse. Additional risk factors include access to lethal drugs,5 high student loan debt to income ratio,14 and working in a geographically or professionally isolated clinic. These risk factors can contribute to secondary trauma, which includes compassion fatigue. Secondary trauma is a known pathway that can lead to depression and suicide.32
18 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Known Stress Factors
Euthanasia is a known stress factor unique to veterinarians that contributes to mood disorders and suicide risk.5 The decision to euthanize may be due to a pet owner’s unwillingness to pay for treatment procedures, or owner convenience, which escalates the ethical dilemma.27,10 These decisions may contribute to secondary trauma for veterinarians who are asked to euthanize animals who could otherwise be successfully treated and live long and healthy lives. This poses a moral and ethical dilemma for the veterinarian with end of life issues and a value strain. The strain theory of suicide suggests that individuals are at increased risk for suicide when they are being asked to perform a behavior that goes against their morals and values.33 Also, veterinarians are often asked to provide emotional support to pet owners who may be upset, frustrated, or experiencing grief and loss issues related to euthanasia. They may be expected to provide emotional support to others while neglecting their own emotional needs. Veterinarians may feel a responsibility to help pet owners with these emotions, which adds more stress to their already demanding profession.27,10 Until recently, veterinary schools did not provide training for veterinary students in this area, leaving many veterinarians unable to provide such support. Given the recent concerns about suicide within the veterinary profession, schools are changing and recognizing the need for such training and support. The access to items that are used for euthanasia is a risk factor for suicide. Veterinarians have easy access to a wide variety of lethal drugs, which is a concern if the individual is struggling with suicide ideation.5 Means restriction is one of
the primary interventions that is done to help an individual reduce risk.13 An individual at risk for suicide should not have easy access to lethal drugs. Veterinarians are routinely involved in animal cruelty cases as a function of their practice. The aftermath of animal cruelty and abuse can take a toll on the emotions of animal health providers. Veterinarians often examine, treat, and perform necropsies on animals who have been abused. Witnessing this type of trauma can lead to Post Traumatic Stress Disorder (PTSD), which is a known pathway to mood disorders and can increase the risk of suicide.
Financial Stress Factors
Financial stress and debt to income ratio is a burden that many veterinarians face. The mean educational debt of all 2019 graduates from U.S. veterinary colleges was $149,877.14 “The mean inflation-adjusted student loan debt for graduating veterinarians increased at an average annual rate of 5.11% from 2002-2014 while starting salaries have decreased at a rate of 0.9% annually.”31 Williams, Benson, Bain, and Dicks (2016) posit that the debt to salary ratio for veterinarians, over the past seven years, has climbed well above what would reasonably be expected for most professional degrees. In 2019, 20% of graduates had a debt to income ratio of 4:1.14 This type of financial stress is associated with a large burden for early-career veterinarians and can persist for decades with student loan repayment programs lasting upwards of 20 to 30 years. Personalized assistance from certified financial planners and professional stress management courses and techniques can help to address some of these financial concerns. However, recent research indicates that while highly desirable, education in financial literacy does not address these student loan debt issues.
Stigma as a Factor
Geographic, professional, and social isolation are risk factors for mood disorders and can increase the risk of suicide.5, 32 The social connectedness model offers protection against suicide. The premise of the social connectedness model is that face to face interactions promote collective responsibility, positive norms, and expectations, which in turn decreases the risk for suicide.30 In addition, the CDC called for greater individual, family, and social connectedness to prevent suicide.7 Stigma is recognized as an important factor that impacts help-seeking behaviors among doctors,29 and this may apply in the veterinary profession. Seeking professional help can be viewed as a weakness within the veterinary community, thus reducing the desire for veterinarians to seek assistance. The prevalence of “impairment” and other committees associated with state and regional veterinary associations, and mandatory restrictions by licensing boards placed on veterinarians who are experiencing a crisis, also serve as deterrents. The de-stigmatization of mental illness and encouraging help-seeking behaviors among veterinarians is needed to combat depression and suicide. There are several evidenced-based screening measures that can help to indicate if someone is at risk. The P4 (P4 is a mnemonic for 4 screening questions,
past history, plan, probability, and preventive factors), ASQ (ask suicide screening questions), and PHQ-9 (patient health questionnaire) are all evidenced-based measures available online that can help to identify suicide risk. When assessing for suicide risk, it is important to ask specific and direct questions and to seek professional help. There are evidenced-based trainings that can help, such as the QPR (Question, Persuade, Refer) Institute, and ASIST (Applied Suicide Intervention Skills Training). For veterinarians, the AVMA entered into a partnership with the QPR Institute several years ago to provide free training for AVMA members, non-member veterinarians, and veterinary students. The National Institute of Mental Health (NIMH) and the American Foundation for Suicide Prevention (AFSP) are organizations that offer resources to individuals who are seeking help for mental illness and thoughts of suicide.
Early Identification
It is important to promote help-seeking behaviors and to eliminate the stigma that surrounds mental illness. The importance of early identification and treatment for individuals at risk for suicide is vital. Considering the vast majority of young adults that may be contemplating suicide do not seek out mental health treatment, it becomes particularly important for colleagues, mentors, and instructors who regularly engage with veterinarians, and graduate students, to be aware of common warning signs for suicide to provide appropriate mental health referrals. The warning signs include talking about suicide, feeling trapped or hopeless, feeling like being a burden on others, withdrawing from friends and family, increased substance use, irritability and aggression, fatigue, mood swings, depression, anxiety, insomnia, PTSD, humiliation/shame, chronic pain/ medical conditions, or a sudden change that everything is fine with no clear explanation.2 There is no question that suicide is an escalating public health concern that requires the attention of health professionals beyond the mental health field to assist in connecting those who are at risk for suicide with appropriate services. Once someone has been identified as being at risk of committing suicide, it is important that they receive some form of care right away. It may be difficult to know where to start. Psychotherapy, or talk therapy, is one option to consider that can be provided by several different professionals, including, but not limited to: psychiatrists, psychologists, licensed clinical social workers, licensed professional counselors, licensed marriage and family therapists, and psychiatric nurses. Therapy can be short term (a few sessions) or long term and focuses on providing a confidential space to share personal thoughts or feelings within a trusting relationship with the therapist.18 Cognitive Behavioral Therapy (CBT) and Dialectic Behavioral Therapy (DBT) that specifically focus on suicidal behaviors have been shown to be effective at reducing suicidal ideation and is widely available through most health insurance plans.25 Additionally, medication for mental health conditions can be used alone or in combination with therapy to address suicide risk. January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 19
Seeking Help
While medication for treatment of suicidal ideation can be prescribed by a primary care doctor, the level of medication management required for those at risk for suicide may be more appropriately managed by a psychiatric physician. The American Psychiatric Association1 describes psychiatry as a branch of medicine with specialization in mental health consisting of training to understand the complex relationship between emotional and medical illness. This unique perspective allows for the ability to provide treatment with many different modalities, including therapy and medications. Several studies have shown that treatment with antidepressant medications decreases suicidal ideation, and their prescription is inversely correlated to national and regional suicide rates.11,15 Unfortunately, some individuals may need immediate care for their suicidal thoughts and don’t have the time to contact insurance and make an appointment for therapy or psychiatry. One of the most accessible ways to get help quickly is to take advantage of crisis services, including telephone crisis lines, walk-in crisis centers, and emergency hospital services. The first step may be calling, chatting, or texting with an anonymous crisis hotline counselor, such as the National Suicide Prevention Lifeline (1-800-273-8255). In addition to identifying an individual’s level of safety, they can provide additional resources, referrals to a mental health provider, or higher level of care.24 Many communities are investing in crisis stabilization centers and walk-in clinics to provide same-day evaluations, medication, and therapeutic treatment, as well as extended observation of those deemed to be at a higher risk. Further, some communities may even have a 24- hour mobile crisis unit that can go directly to an individual struggling with suicidal ideation and provide onsite care. Anyone at immediate risk of a suicide attempt should be taken to the nearest hospital emergency department (ER) or call 911.21 During a visit to the ER, they can be assessed for medical, psychological, and social needs that often coincide with suicidal ideation. Those requiring further monitoring and stabilization may need admission to an inpatient psychiatric unit. If an individual is not in immediate risk, then employee assistance programs (EAP) who often have licensed mental health providers on staff, are another resource to provide emotional support.
Wellness and Resiliency
Although there is a vast support network for those at risk for suicide, efforts should continue to focus on improving the veterinary community’s overall wellness and resiliency. One organization of veterinarians, Not One More Vet,17 serves as a veterinarian only support group on Facebook. This group wants all veterinarians to know that they are not alone and “…aims to not only provide online peer to peer support but provide members of our profession with the education and tools they need to fight this battle.” Their website provides a regularly updated blog, workshops, lectures, crisis numbers, and referrals to therapeutic services. Additionally, as many as 36 states have created State Wellbeing Programs for Veterinary Professionals, and the AVMA provides education and 20 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
resources on their website to help start a wellbeing program in your area.3 Each program attempts to create a safe environment so that members are willing to come forward and ask for help, which is usually the hardest step.
Although there is a vast support network for those at risk for suicide, efforts should continue to focus on improving the veterinary community’s overall wellness and resiliency.
To make the step toward talking about suicide smaller, we must attempt to reduce the core issue of stigma surrounding mental health; shame. Crane et. al. found that veterinarians are predisposed to shame due to trait perfectionism and morally challenging events, such as performing convenience euthanasia.10 Shame can lead to increased levels of physical and psychological distress with eventual depression and burnout as an endpoint. Duke University School of Medicine attempted to reduce shame in their medical students by teaching a seminar on empathy and vulnerability, or what they described as “shame resilience.” Researchers found that after being vulnerable in small groups of students and faculty, students were more willing to reach out to others when they felt shame and had increased confidence overall.6 The road to wellness and resilience in the veterinary community may begin with opening up about our struggles with mental health. Jennifer Weniger, PhD is a Clinical Psychologist and Director of Clinical Training at Loma Linda University Behavioral Medicine Center, Redlands, CA. Aaron Gilmore, DO, MS is the Chief Fellow of Child and Adolescent Psychiatry at Loma Linda University, Loma Linda, CA. Christopher P. Plant, MA is a Clinical Psychology Intern at Loma Linda University School of Medicine Department of Psychiatry, Loma Linda, CA.
REFERENCES 1. American Psychiatric Association, APA (n.d.) [Internet]. 2019. What is psychiatry? [Cited 19 November 2019]. Available at from https://www.psychiatry.org/patients-families/ what-is-psychiatry. 2. American Foundation for Suicide Prevent, AFSP. [Internet]. 2019. Risk factors and warning signs. [Cited 19 November 2019] Available at: https://afsp.org/about-suicide/risk-factorsand-warning-signs/ 3. American Veterinary Medical Association, AVMA. [Internet]. 2019. State wellbeing programs for veterinary professionals. [Cited 20 November 2019]. Available at: https://www.avma.org/ Advocacy/StateAndLocal/Pages/sr-provisions-veterinary-professional-state-wellness-programs.aspx. 4. Bain B, Dicks M. 2016. Are veterinary students accumulating unreasonable amounts of debt? J Am Vet Med Assoc 249(3): 285-288.
5. Bartram D, Baldwin D. 2008. Veterinary surgeons and suicide: influences, opportunities and research directions. Vet Rec 162: 36-40. 6. Bynum WE, Adams AV, Edelman CE, Uijtdehaage S, Artino AR, Fox JW. 2019. Addressing the elephant in the room. Acad Med 94(8): 1132–1136. doi: 10.1097/ acm.0000000000002646 7. CDC (n.d.). [Internet]. 2019. Preventing suicide through connectedness. [Cited 20 November 2019]. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/violenceprevention/pdf/asap_suicide_issue3-a.pdf 8. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Internet]. 2019. Deaths: Leading causes for 2017. National Vital Statistics Reports, 68. [Cited 20 November 2019]. Available at: https://www.cdc.gov/nchs/data/nvsr/nvsr68/nvsr68_06-508.pdf 9. Centers for Disease Control and Prevention. [Internet]. 2019. Data and statistics fatal injury report for 2017. CDC’s WISQARS. [Cited 20 November 2019]. Available at: https:// www.cdc.gov/injury/wisqars/index.html 10. Crane M, Phillips J, Karin E. 2015. Trait perfectionism strengthens the negative effects of moral stressors occurring in veterinary practice. Aust Vet J 93(10): 354–360. https://doi. org/10.1111/avj.12366 11. Gibbons RD, Brown CH, Hur K, Davis J, Mann JJ. [Internet]. 2012. Suicidal thoughts and behavior with antidepressant treatment: reanalysis of the randomized placebo-controlled studies of fluoxetine and venlafaxine. [Cited 20 November 2019]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pmc/articles/PMC3367101/. 12. Han B, Compton WM, Blanco C, Colpe L, Huang L, McKeon R. 2018. National trends in the prevalence of suicidal ideation and behavior among young adults and receipt of mental health care among suicidal young adults. J Am Acad Child Adolesc Psychiatry 57: 20–27. 13. Klonsky D, May A. 2015. The three-step theory: a new theory of suicide rooted in the ideation to action framework. Int J Cogn Ther 8(2): 114-129. 14. Larkin M. 2019. Good news, bad news for educational debt, starting salaries. J Am Vet Med Assoc JAVMA news: 1-4. 15. Ludwig J, Marcotte ED, Norberg K. [Internet]. 2007. Anti-depressants and suicide. [Cited 19 November 19]. Available from: http://www.nber.org/papers/w12906. 16. Nett R, Witte T, Holzbauer S, Elchos B, Campagnolo E, Musgrave K, Carter K, Kurkjian K, Vanicek C, O’Leary D, Pride K, Funk R. 2015. Prevalence of risk factors for suicide among veterinarians-United States. CDC Morb Mort Wkly Rep 64(5): 131-132. 17. Not One More Vet, NOMV (n.d.). [Internet]. 2019. Who we are. [Cited 20 November 2019]. Available from: https://www. nomv.org/who-we-are.html. 18. Parekh R, Givon L. [Internet]. 2019. What is psychotherapy? [Cited 19 November 2019]. Available from: https://www. psychiatry.org/patients-families/psychotherapy. 19. Petersen M, Burnett C. 2008. The suicide mortality of working physicians and dentists. Occup Med 58: 25-29.
20. Rollin B. (n.d.). 2011. Euthanasia, moral stress, and chronic illness in veterinary medicine. Vet Clin North Am Small Anim Pract 41(3): 651-9. 21. Satow P, Insel T. [Internet]. 2014. National action alliance for suicide prevention research prioritization task force, a prioritized research agenda for suicide prevention: an action plan to save lives. [Cited 19 November 2019]. Available from: https:// theactionalliance.org/sites/default/files/agenda.pdf. 22. Schernhammer E. Colditz G. 2004. Suicide rates among physicians: a quantitative and gender assessment (meta-analysis). Am J Psychiatry 161: 2295-2302. 23. Stone DM, Simon TR, Fowler KA, Kegler SR, Yuan K, Holland KM, Ivey-Stephenson AZ, Crosby AE. 2018.Vital signs: trends in state suicide rates-United States 1999-2016 and circumstances contributing to suicide-27 states, 2015. MMWR Morb Mort Wkly Rep 67: 617-624. 24. Suicide Prevention Lifeline. [Internet]. 2007. Core principles and subcomponents. [Cited 19 November 2019]. Available from: https://suicidepreventionlifeline.org/wp-content/uploads/2016/08/Suicide-Risk-Assessment-Standards-1.pdf. 25. Tarrier N, Taylor K, Gooding P. [Internet]. 2008. Cognitive-behavioral interventions to reduce suicide behavior: a systematic review and meta-analysis. [Cited 19 November 2019]. Available from: https://www.ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/ pubmed/18096973. 26. Tomasi SE, Ethan FD, Edwards NT, Reddish AD, Crosby AE, Nett NJ. 2019. Suicide among veterinarians in the Unites States from 1979 through 2015. J Am Vet Med Assoc 254: 104-112. 27. Tran L, Crane M, Phillips J. 2014. The distinct role of performing euthanasia on depression and suicide in veterinarians. J Occup Health Psychol 19(2): 1-10. 28. Turecki G, Brent DA. [Internet]. 2016. Suicide and suicidal behavior. [Cited 19 November 19]. Available from: https://www. ncbi.nlm.nih.gov/pubmed/26385066. 29. White A, Shiralkar P, Hassan R, Galbraith N, Callaghan R. 2006. Barriers to mental healthcare for psychiatrists. Psych Bulletin 30: 382-384. 30. Whitlock J, Wyman P, Moore S. 2014. Connectedness and suicide prevention in adolescents: pathways and implications. Suicide Life-Threat Behav 44(3): 246-272. doi: 10.1111/ sltb.12071 31. Williams R, Benson A, Bain B, Dicks M. 2016. Factors affecting student load debt accrued by graduates of U.S. veterinary medical colleges. Paper presented at the Southern Agricultural Economics Association Annual Meeting, San Antonio, Texas, February 6-9, 2016. 32. VanOrden K, Witte R, Cukrowicz K, Braithwaite S, Selby E, Joiner T. 2010. The interpersonal theory of suicide. Psychol Rev 117(2): 575-600. 33. Zhang J. 2005. Conceptualizing a strain theory of suicide. Chinese Mental Health Journal, 19(11): 778-782.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 21
FEATURE
Current topics in the vet community
Impact of Euthanasia on Compassion Fatigue in Personnel Working in Animal Research By Naomi M. Gades, DVM, MS, MRCVS, CPIA, CMAR, DACLAM, DACVP; Krista L. Thompson, CVT, LATG; Lanyu Mi, MS; Carolyn Mead-Harvey, MS; Thomas R. Meier, DVM, MBA, DACLAM; C. Douglas Page, DVM, DACLAM; Marilyn M. Watson, LATG; Ann M. Harris; Kathleen J. Yost, PhD
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e conducted a cross-sectional study to investigate the association between euthanasia and compassion fatigue among employees working in animal research at a large academic medical center. There are several advantages to this study design, including ease and speed of collecting data, the ability to assess outcomes and risk factors for the study population; the ability to estimate prevalence of certain phenomena, the low to moderate cost of administration and data analysis; and the ability to use the data obtained to generate hypotheses for future studies. Important limitations include the inability to assess causation; although this study allowed the identification of potential risk factors, a cross-sectional study does not allow establishment of causality. Therefore, we cannot positively determine whether a presumed risk factor causes compassion fatigue. Data were collected using a web-based survey. Survey studies are susceptible to several types of bias, such as non-response bias. Non-response bias occurs when attitudes or experiences of individuals who do not complete the survey differ from those who do. Surveys are also susceptible to recall bias, where individuals may not be able to accurately or completely recall past events asked about in the questionnaire, and social desirability bias, particularly for sensitive questions for which the respondent feels there are acceptable responses based on social norms. Another important limitation of a cross-sectional survey is the inability to measure incidence.
ProQOL scores are on a T-score scale, which has a mean of 50 and a standard deviation of 10, converted from the standardized Z scores using the mean and the standard deviation of the raw scores. Higher scores indicate more of what is being measured; for example, higher scores on the compassion satisfaction domain means greater satisfaction and higher scores on the burnout domain means greater risk of burnout. Figure 1 provides a diagram of how this instrument assesses compassion satisfaction and compassion fatigue, which is further broken down into burnout and secondary trauma. The definitions of these terms within the scales are important. Compassion satisfaction is defined as the pleasure one derives from being able to do your work well. Compassion fatigue is broken into two parts: (1) burnout, which includes feeling exhausted, frustrated, angry and depressed, and (2) secondary traumatic stress, which is about work-related secondary exposure to events where an animal or another individual may have experienced an extreme or traumatic event. An example of this in animal research may be carbon dioxide euthanasia, where the animal is experiencing the event, but the individual observing the event may be experiencing secondary traumatic stress as a result. More information about the ProQOL questionnaire can be found at proqol.org.1
The Questionnaire
The Professional Quality of Life Measure Version 5 (ProQOL 5) questionnaire is a validated measure commonly used to measure the negative and positive effects of helping others who experience suffering and trauma. The questions were modified with permission from the copyright holder to refer to animal research. Scores from three domains (compassion satisfaction scale, burnout scale, and secondary traumatic stress scale) were compared between individuals who euthanized animals and those who did not, using a two-sample t-test. 22 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Figure 1. Diagram of Professional Quality of Life Measure Version 5 (ProQOL 5).
Launching the Survey
In our forthcoming publication, we will provide a complete copy of the modified ProQOL measurement tool used in our study. The following is an example of how one of the questions from each of the domains was modified. Participants were asked to select a number from 1 to 5 that honestly reflected how frequently they had experienced aspects of compassion fatigue in the past 30 days, with 1 = never; 2 = rarely; 3 = sometimes; 4 = often; and 5 = very often. For the compassion satisfaction scale, one of the edited questions stated, “I get satisfaction from being able to work with research animals.” For the burnout scale, one of the edited questions stated, “I feel trapped by my job as a member of the animal research team.” An example of an edited question for the secondary traumatic stress scale is, “I am preoccupied with one or more of my research animals I work with.” The Mayo Clinic IRB approved our study. We identified all Mayo Clinic employees working with research animals and listed on a current, active, IACUC protocol as of December 2018. The questionnaire was created as a web-based survey using Qualtrics®. The survey was emailed in early March 2019 to all eligible employees. Three reminder emails were sent to non-respondents, and survey data collection closed in April 2019. All data were de-identified before being sent to the statisticians for analysis. The overall web survey response rate was 30.9%, with a total of 414 of the 1,341 employees responding. A total of 273 self-reported in the survey that they euthanized animals and 73 self-reported that they did not. There was no difference (p=0.10) in the compassion satisfaction T-score between those who euthanized animals (mean 49.6, SD 10.0) and those who did not (mean 51.7, SD 10.1). There was a significant difference (p<0.001) in the burnout T-score with greater burnout reported by those who euthanized animals (mean 51.1, SD 9.8) compared to those who did not (mean 45.2, SD 9.3). Those who euthanized animals also reported significantly higher (p=0.04) traumatic stress T-scores (mean 50.5, SD 9.96) than those who did not (mean 47.8, SD 10.0). The effect sizes for score differences were further examined using Cohen’s D to quantify the strength of the association between compassion satisfaction, burnout, and traumatic stress scores and animal euthanasia. Effect sizes were small for compassion satisfaction and traumatic stress scores, -0.21 and 0.27, respectively, and medium for the burnout score, 0.61 (Table 1). In summary, animal research workers who euthanize animals reported significantly more burnout and traumatic stress than workers who do not, and the magnitude of the differences was greater for burnout than for traumatic stress. Going forward, we will analyze our survey data further to determine whether factors such as years of employment, animal species, or method of euthanasia are associated with feelings of burnout and traumatic stress among individuals involved in euthanasia. This information may be used to inform targeted interventions to mitigate these aspects of compassion fatigue.
Table 1. Differences in compassion satisfaction, burnout, and secondary traumatic stress between animal research workers who euthanize animals and animal research workers who do not euthanize animals.
Acknowledgments and funding: This work was supported by the Mayo Clinic Arizona Research Committee Small Grant Program.
Naomi M. Gades, DVM, MS, MRCVS, CPIA, CMAR, DACLAM, DACVP is the Staff Veterinarian in the Department of Comparative Medicine, at Mayo Clinic Arizona, Scottsdale, AZ; and holds a joint appointment in the Division of Epidemiology, Department of Health Sciences Research, at Mayo Clinic Minnesota in Rochester, MN.
Krista L. Thompson, CVT, LATG is the Training Specialist in the Department of Comparative Medicine, at Mayo Clinic Minnesota in Rochester, MN. Lanyu Mi, MS is a Biostatistician in the Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research, at Mayo Clinic Arizona in Scottsdale, AZ. Carolyn Mead-Harvey, MS is a Biostatistician in the Division of Biostatistics, Department of Health Sciences Research, at Mayo Clinic Arizona in Scottsdale, AZ.
Thomas R. Meier, DVM, MBA, DACLAM is the Chair of the Department of Comparative Medicine, at Mayo Clinic Minnesota in Rochester, MN.
C. Douglas Page, DVM, DACLAM is the Staff Veterinarian in the Department of Comparative Medicine, at Mayo Clinic Florida in Jacksonville, FL.
Marilyn M. Watson, LATG is the Animal Facility Manager in the Department of Comparative Medicine, at Mayo Clinic Minnesota in Rochester, MN. Ann M. Harris is the Associate Director of the Survey Research Center, within the Department of Health Sciences Research, at Mayo Clinic Minnesota in Rochester, MN. Kathleen J. Yost, PhD is the Director of the Survey Research Center, within the Department of Health Sciences Research, at Mayo Clinic Minnesota in Rochester, MN.
REFERENCE: 1. Stamm BH. [Internet]. 2009. Professional quality of life: compassion satisfaction and fatigue version 5 (ProQOL)./www. isu.edu/~bhstamm or www.proqol.org. [Cited 1 March 2019]. Available at: https://proqol.org/uploads/ProQOL_5_English.pdf https://proqol.org/Request_Use_Permission_WTRJ.html January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 23
FEATURE
Current topics in the vet community
Sharing Our Thoughts: A Vet Roundtable Discussion
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Four vets, four perspectives on current topics in the lab animal veterinary community.
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hen vets gather at meetings, the workplace, or after hours, current topics in that community may take center stage. Discussions may center around struggles with job satisfaction, stress, depression, and even suicide. LAS Pro asked four vets to share their thoughts on topics they felt were important and reveal common threads in their experiences. Let’s meet the participants for this vet roundtable discussion.
The Participants Elizabeth Clemmons (EC) is an Assistant Veterinarian at the Southwest National Primate Research Center of Texas Biomedical Research Institute. After first learning about laboratory animal medicine in vet school, she couldn’t imagine doing anything else and enjoys the variety of work and opportunities to make a difference in animal and human lives.
Sally Thompson-Iritani (STI) is the Director (Interim) at the Washington National Primate Research Center. Being a veterinarian was a childhood dream. She shared that while she took a winding path to her current job, she’s always valued the privilege she’s been given to care for many different types of laboratory animal species.
Diane Stockinger (DS) is an Attending Veterinarian at a CRO that specializes in nonhuman primates. She notes that her career lets her give back to the animals who have given their lives for medical advancements that have benefitted her family and herself.
Gerry Hish (GH) currently oversees an animal care program at an academic institution but began his career in a small animal practice. After realizing 11 years in that he didn’t want to own a practice, he made a career change. He enjoys lab animal medicine because of the increased welfare role he plays and the blend of clinical work and creative problem solving.
24 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
A Roundtable Discussion How does the human-animal bond and human-animal interactions affect your work?
STI: The human animal bond is at the center of why many of us are in this profession. We understand the importance of the research and want to ensure that the animal’s welfare is considered. Most of the time the human animal bond enhances the wellbeing of both the people and the animals. EC: I agree. I feel the human animal bond is inevitable and can make our work more rewarding and more challenging at the same time. DS: Challenging is a good word. The human-animal bond and interactions with the animals have a major impact on my work. As a veterinarian, I tend to bond most strongly to the animals that require a lot of veterinary intervention. These tend to be the animals that reach scientific endpoints or require humane euthanasia. Those days are tough for me and my staff. GH: The challenge comes from our capacity for compassion. The ability to develop a bond while still appreciating the importance of animal research to society, is a requisite part of being a good lab animal professional.
Have you experienced or witnessed the effects of compassion fatigue? How about compassion satisfaction?
EC: During a particularly emotionally challenging work period, I heard people around me saying negative things about their job and how it can affect their home life. I had recently read an article on the subject and it clicked that I was witnessing compassion fatigue. If I’m having a difficult day, I take a moment to visit an animal that is important to me or I find a way to positively interact with our animals, giving me instant compassion satisfaction. For example, I delivered “June” the baboon via C-section. There were several clinical challenges, but both mom and baby did well. Any time I’m close to June’s group, I take a minute to see her. It’s important to remember and take time to reflect on positive experiences. DS: Yes, on the positive experiences. I experience and witness compassion satisfaction on a regular basis. It is an awesome feeling to see animals get better due to your hard work. And it is equally satisfying to witness the pride others have when they positively contribute to an animal’s wellbeing. On the flip side, I have experienced and lost highly skilled technicians to compassion fatigue. When I left my first job after residency, I was extremely unhappy and needed a break as well as some time to decide if I wanted to stay in the field. The term compassion fatigue wasn’t used then but in retrospect, that’s what I was suffering. STI: I’ve experienced compassion fatigue while working in small animal veterinary practice and as a laboratory animal
veterinarian. And I’ve witnessed it effect colleagues. I feel a responsibility to provide the best care possible to the animals. I experience compassion fatigue when someone blatantly disregards this respect for the animals. For my colleagues, my most devastating situations have been from people that tell me of nightmares from euthanizing animals. Sometimes for rodent studies, there are large groups of animals euthanized and this has a profound impact on the care staff. I’ve also experienced compassion satisfaction by working to decrease burden on staff so they can spend more time interacting calmly with the animals. I’ve seen compassion satisfaction in my colleagues when they can interact with animals and share stories about the animals they are caring for. GH: Like Sally, I’ve experienced compassion fatigue in both practice and the lab setting. Compassion fatigue is something that affects anyone who works with animals, irrespective of the veterinary field, since we all ultimately must deal with pain and/or death. Having experienced it in both settings, I’m not sure whether one or the other is more or less likely to result in compassion fatigue but I wonder if working with animals in research environments may have a greater potential. When I’m tasked with relieving suffering in research animals, it’s usually so the animals can make it to a study timepoint, not because I’m trying to ensure a long, comfortable life for them. I think our technicians are especially susceptible to this stressor as they see the animals every day, frequently having to treat and provide daily monitoring of the animal’s condition. This is even more of an issue with large animal species as most are chronic studies that require care for months, not weeks. In these instances, it’s not just the number of animals but the stronger bonds that develop and the knowledge throughout their care that eventually we will need to euthanize. Some of these same situations provide a potential for compassion satisfaction as vet staff has the authority to step in and relieve suffering, even if by euthanasia when things have reached an endpoint. That is empowering and reminds me of why my role is important for the animals as well.
What specific resources or strategies have helped you cope with the stresses you encounter in your career? How do you stay fresh and avoid burnout?
STI: The biggest thing that has helped me cope is knowing there is a shared bond and kinship between people in our profession. I’m able to see us out there moving our field forward and looking for better ways to care for and interact with the animals. That helps me deal with stress and stay fresh. I also have a healthy menagerie of furry critters at home that provide me solace in challenging times. GH: Like Sally said, talking with peers and coworkers, that bond and kinship, is probably the most valuable resource or strategy I use on a regular basis. It can help lift me a bit when I’m feeling the weight of my work. We all probably experience the same emotions and frustrations with about the same frequency and I really do think that it helps to share. I think that January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 25
commiserating can be helpful when controlled and viewed as a tool to empathize. DS: I agree, talking about these things with my colleagues so that we can support each other, especially when non-work-related items need to take a priority in our lives is also important. For me, dealing with stress becomes a problem when I allow work challenges to take over most of my life. I have much stricter rules for myself to prevent this. They include weekly meal prep, a non-negotiable time to turn off all the screens, a set time to walk the dog, get exercise, and go to bed. EC: Diane is right, focusing on our own wellbeing is important to deal with stress and avoid burnout. I’m making more of an effort to do that. I recently attended a veterinary continuing education weekend that focused exclusively on self-care. The AVMA has a lot of wellbeing resources on their website and I just complete their workplace wellbeing certificate program.
Do you find yourself having to set boundaries to protect your own wellbeing? How do you deal with expectations from colleagues and coworkers?
GH: This is a good question and one I have a hard time answering. I’ve had a difficult time setting boundaries because there’s a satisfaction in knowing that people think highly of you and want you to help solve their problems. I think in my professional life I’ve had a bit of difficulty balancing my desire to be there when someone needs help (customer service) while making sure I establish a limit to my time. I shouldn’t necessarily be the default person to contact for every issue that pops up. DS: Gerry has identified an important point. The veterinary profession tends to attract those who like to solve problems and have a high drive for customer service. This personality can result in taking on too much. It’s not a problem when colleagues/leadership are respectful of the amount of work that needs to get done. However, I’ve had colleagues who have unreasonable demands. I’ve learned to have frank discussions with people in leadership roles about the amount of work that needs to be done and how much time it will take. I’ve gone so far as to say, “You have given me these projects, all are priorities, please rank them with only one #1.” EC: For me, I don’t generally feel a burden of unreasonable expectations from others, but I do sometimes need to manage the expectations I place on myself. Doing work I’m passionate about is rewarding, but it doesn’t give me everything I need to be happy. I’m working toward truly disconnecting during off time. It can be hard to turn off my phone and log out of email when I think coworkers and animals might need something from me, but it’s an important boundary to set when possible. STI: I think we all agree, boundaries are important. I’ve set boundaries for my own wellbeing. If I have something 26 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
impacting me personally, I’ve let people know that I can’t be emotionally available to support them. This has happened a few times in my career, but by setting boundaries, I ensured I’d be available to them in the future. Usually I have an opendoor policy with my colleagues. My biggest challenge comes in helping people distinguish between what they perceive as animal welfare issues when in fact they are personnel issues and misunderstandings.
How does public perception impact your work? What do you tell people you do for a living?
STI: Public perception has a large impact on my work, and I do want to ensure people understand how important animal research is. When it comes to sharing what I do, it depends on the setting – I try and read the room and tailor my response to the audience. Honestly, when I’m not at work I may not want to talk about work. Sometimes I am more interested in talking about my favorite book or how awesome my kids are. EC: I think we’ve gotten better at being open and speaking to the public about what we do, but we could do much better. I tell people I’m a veterinarian and I usually add that I work with monkeys in research. There is often a noticeable shift in their demeanor at that point because that’s not what most people think of when you say veterinarian. However, they often want to hear more. I try not to worry about convincing them that what we do is good because any positive interaction they have with someone in our industry is a step in the right direction. DS: Like Sally, as far as letting people know what I do, it’s really a case-by-case basis. If I get a good vibe from someone I just met, I will describe what kind of veterinarian I am. I always try to make it more relatable by talking about finding cures for diseases like Huntington’s disease or Alzheimer’s. I also try to counter the narrative of monkeys in pain in small cages and talk about how it is my job to make sure their welfare needs are met, and they are happy and healthy. When I don’t get a good feeling about someone, I keep it very general and allow them to think that I’m a veterinarian at a local practice. GH: This has been an issue since I first made the decision to move from practice to lab animal medicine and at times, I’ve really struggled with it. The hardest part for me is not the public perception but the perception of my kids. They’re still school age but as they’ve grown older, they’ve sometimes struggled with some of the harder parts of my work such as the need to induce disease and euthanize healthy animals, especially unneeded rodents resulting from breeding. They know the value of what I do but I think it’s still sometimes hard for them to understand. It has allowed us to have many great conversations about animal use of all types and the responsibility to use them appropriately and humanely. I’ve learned a lot about how to talk about what I do from my kids.
Do you have any advice about maturing in your career? What advice would you give your younger self?
GH: The biggest piece of advice I have, is to always be open to trying or learning new things because veterinary medicine offers so much variety and you never know where your interests will carry you. Also reach out to colleagues for help and advice if ever it’s needed. I’d tell my younger self to stay flexible and don’t borrow so much money to pay for vet school. And I had it relatively easy compared to today’s grads. EC: While I’m still at an early stage of my career, like Gerry, I’d emphasize keeping an open mind. I’d also encourage young professionals to stop and reflect. I had the opportunity to create a personal mission statement and that was so valuable as it required me to identify my true priorities. I would tell my younger self not to spend too much time worrying about the future or the past. Take time to enjoy your work and home life. STI: I agree with Gerry and Elizabeth. Be flexible and continue to look for open doors. Don’t let anyone set limits on you and do what is important. My younger self needed to be told to be patient. It is important to continually move things in the right direction and realize things don’t change overnight.
DS: What I’ve really started to understand in the last couple of years is that maturing in your career is so much more than climbing the position ladder, publishing more, or holding more volunteer positions. It has more to do with having a career that lets you live the kind of life that you want to have. I recommend when setting a direction in your career to consider your entire life (i.e. family, children, finances, retirement, leisure time, physical health, etc) and to write down what is important to you in detail and rank them by what is non-negotiable and what is flexible. Then work toward a position that allows you to have that life while understanding your priorities may change as you get older. I’d tell my younger self that who I work with will have a greater impact on my wellbeing than the work I do. Spend time learning how to manage and interact with people and make yourself a priority as much as your position. Acknowledgments: The members of this roundtable appreciated the opportunity to stop and reflect on our own careers and personal growth. As a laboratory animal community, we are skilled at sharing scientific and clinical information, but may sometimes overlook the topic of our own wellbeing. We hope this open and sincere discussion inspires others to answer these questions for themselves and start conversations with colleagues.
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January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 27
FEATURE
Current topics in the vet community
Five Financial Wellness Tips for Veterinarians By Grace Kim, DVM
It’s no secret that the veterinary profession is facing some financial challenges.
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odestly rising incomes have not kept pace with increased student loan burdens. Financial literacy is not typically taught in either the home environment or as a part of an educational curriculum. This is not a subject matter that is eagerly discussed among friends and within social circles. The lack of resources that promote financial wellbeing, especially post-graduation, place veterinarians at a disadvantage when it comes to their financial health. We have all heard the same advice: Earn more. Spend less. Pay off debt. Save for retirement. However, much like well-meaning advice to eat healthier and exercise more, taking action and following through on this advice is not necessarily easy. Financial wellness is an ongoing process that requires some basic principles and consistent action. Here are 5 easy financial wellness tips you can start today to improve your financial health.
Negative: My student loans are going to make me poor forever. Positive: My student loans gave me this unique opportunity to earn income as a veterinarian. I will not let my student loans define me, and I will figure out a way to pay them off.
Change Your Money Mindset
If there were a standard operating procedure (SOP) for improving your financial wellbeing, the first step would be to know your numbers! Specifically, you would be instructed to know the following:
How do you feel about money? Does it leave you feeling stressed? Scared? Confident? Frustrated? Overwhelmed? Empowered? Everyone holds deeply ingrained thoughts and beliefs about money: the value of money, the purpose of money, the morality of money. This has all been shaped by a combination of the individual’s upbringing, personality, environment, and circumstance. These beliefs guide our choices, and our choices lead to specific outcomes. Continuing to make the same choices about your money will only maintain the status quo. It may even lead to worse outcomes due to avoidant and negligent behavior. By changing your mindset, you can make different, sustainable choices that will lead to different (and improved!) outcomes. Cultivating a more positive mindset around money is a surefire way to see some changes in your behavior and actions. Here are examples of having a negative versus positive money mindset: Negative: I’m so bad with money, and this is just the way I am. Positive: Being good with money is a learned skill and I have what it takes to become financially savvy.
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Negative: I can’t afford that. Positive: (If it’s something you truly want): I can’t afford that yet, but I know that I can save/make more income in order to afford it in the future. (If it’s something you don’t really want anyway): That’s not really my thing, but I’m happy for others who can afford to have it. Take note of your thoughts. If you’re finding yourself constantly giving yourself negative self-talk, find ways to reframe these into positive thoughts. Making these mindset shifts will inevitably change your trajectory going forward.
Know Your Numbers!
1. Your Income 2. Your Expenses 3. Your Assets 4. Your Liabilities Not knowing your numbers puts you in a place where you are in constant reactive mode, making spur of the moment decisions in order to put out the next fire. Knowing your numbers puts you in a proactive position with your hard-earned money. The first two categories, your income and expenses, are components of your budget, more accurately referred to as your cash flow. This relationship between your income (your inflow) and your expenses (outflow) is a dynamic process, requiring a level of awareness in order to make good financial decisions. The apps Mint and YNAB (You Need A Budget) are excellent tools to help you track your expenses and control your cash flow. This is especially important as transactions are happening more and more in the digital space, making it very easy to lose track of your money.
Another useful metric is knowing your net worth. Net Worth= Assets (what you own)- Liabilities (what you owe) Your net worth gives you a bird’s eye view of your current financial situation. Tracking your net worth over time is a powerful motivator to increase your assets and decrease your liabilities. If you are a newer graduate, you will likely be in negative net worth territory. Use your money with intention and purpose and remember that reaching a “0” net worth is a milestone worth celebrating! Using the same strategies and financial habits that got you to zero, you will no doubt continue to build your net worth. No matter your stage in life, remember that it’s never too late to start paying attention and taking action towards improving your financial health. Microsoft Excel and Apple Numbers both provide net worth templates for easy use.
Start Small
Tackling your finances can feel overwhelming, so the key is to start small. By starting small, you’re giving yourself the space to succeed and build confidence and momentum. Too often, people are so overwhelmed with their debt that they either avoid it or try to pay it off as quickly as possible with no particular strategy in mind. The debt snowball method is a perfect example of starting small in order to see big results. First, you order your debts from smallest to largest. You pay off the smallest debt as quickly as possible while paying the minimum balance on your other debt. Once you erase your smallest debt, roll this payment over to your next largest debt balance. Repeat until your debt is gone. This strategy is so effective because these small “wins” early in the process motivate you to continue paying off your debt. Applying this concept of starting small to other financial goals or tasks will make the process easier to accomplish.
Build Good Financial Habits
The automatic nature of habits can be either work for or against you. Building good financial habits sets you up for success as these habits become more ingrained. Examples of good financial habits: • • • • • • • •
Pay yourself first Automate your finances Adopt a positive mindset Ask yourself if it’s a need or a want Keep track of your finances Always pay off your credit cards in full Review and utilize your workplace benefits Max out tax-advantaged accounts, such as retirement accounts • Check your credit reports
Aim to make your finances a normal part of life, just like brushing your teeth or making sure that the oil in your car gets changed. It may not be particularly enjoyable, but you can get to a point where you’re putting in little effort for maximum results.
Include Your Partner
If you are in a relationship or plan to be in the future, getting on the same financial page as your partner is vitally important to maintaining a healthy relationship and a healthy bank account. Couples who talk about money in an open, honest way build a level of trust that further strengthens their relationship. Unfortunately, the opposite is also true. Couples who often disagree and fight over money matters can find themselves unhappy, angry, and frustrated, especially as finances are tightly linked to many other aspects of life. A common analogy is the image of rowing a boat. You could be rowing your boat in one direction towards your financial goals, but if your partner is actively rowing in the opposite direction, then no one is getting to where they want to go. Working as a team ensures a stronger relationship and financial wellbeing. Start by finding common financial goals that you can work on together. This is your chance to not only brainstorm, but it’s also a chance to dream and think big about your future together. Setting and achieving these goals fosters that teamwork attitude and encourages further collaboration in the future.
Conclusion
Financial literacy is not difficult. Just like learning any new subject, it will require a small investment of time to learn the basics. The real work is translating this knowledge to action. It’s about building confidence around how you manage your own money and feeling financially empowered and prepared. It’s only fair that you give your hard-earned income the attention it needs in order to enhance your overall well-being. It is important to realize that your money is simply a tool to live the life that you’ve envisioned for yourself. Keeping these 5 simple financial wellness tips in mind will provide the foundation you need in order to improve your financial health and well-being. Dr. Grace Kim is a 2003 graduate of the University of Minnesota College of Veterinary Medicine. She has a background in both companion animal medicine and laboratory animal medicine. After her own struggles with financial literacy and getting her financial life in order, she founded the blog Richer Life DVM, which aims to help fellow veterinarians improve their financial health and wellness.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 29
AALAS Serves
AALAS in the community
Making a Difference on Monkey Island By Liz Rozanski, BA
After the hurricane, Cayo landscapes were barren and devoid of vegetation.
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hen Hurricane Maria hit Puerto Rico in September 2017, the island of Cayo Santiago was also devastated. Cayo Santiago, also known as “Monkey Island,” has served as the longest-running primate field site in the world. Established in 1938, Cayo Santiago’s free-ranging rhesus macaque colony has been instrumental in increasing our understanding of many facets of nonhuman and human primate development, behavior, physiology, and sociality. When Gail (Heidbrink) Thompson heard about groups traveling to assist with recovery efforts, she wanted to go. Gail is a past AALAS president (2004) and was the first female technician to be elected to that role.
Tree cages help in reforestation efforts by protecting seedlings from the monkeys.
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“I have volunteered for many things, but this was the most rewarding 10 days I’ve experienced. It was well worth it,” she said. Gail learned about the Project Monkey Island opportunity through Steve Schapiro. Schapiro is currently organizing the 6th trip to Monkey Island for volunteers willing to help with efforts on Cayo Santiago and on the “mainland” in Punta Santiago. The initiative is called The 3Rs for the CPRC or Rebuild, Recover, and Revitalize the Caribbean Primate Research Center, and is organized by the International Primatological Society, Word of Mouth Productions, and Primatologists Without Borders. Groups typically make the trip twice a year, once in December/January, and then again in June/July. Gail explained that volunteers split their time between Monkey Island and Punta Santiago. It is about a 10-minute boat ride from Punta Santiago out to Monkey Island, depending on the weather. Several projects are underway, but two of the main efforts involve building barriers for erosion control and systematic reforestation of the island. Reforestation is harder than it sounds, as the goal of the humans is to reforest, while the monkeys are more interested in deforestation. When the island took a direct hit from the hurricane, most of the vegetation was destroyed. Even two years later, much of the vegetation is still missing. Efforts to reforest involve planting seedling trees, bushes, and grasses in small cages to protect them from the monkeys. Erosion control efforts involve constructing physical blockades, using downed trees, to mitigate washouts. The monkeys rely heavily on caregivers to provide monkey chow every day, as foraging opportunities have been dimin-
ished by the hurricane damage. Gail noted that approximately 40 10-kg bags of chow are distributed to the 1,800 monkeys on the island each day. Volunteers help with assorted tasks, including painting, cleaning, debris clearing, construction work, and even hair braiding (human, not monkey)! Gail explained that there is a job for everyone and with the tropical climate, being able to braid hair came in handy in helping other volunteers cope with the temperatures. Gail explained that volunteers are provided detailed lists on what to pack for the experience, immunizations needed, and knowledge required to work on Monkey Island. “If anyone is interested in learning more, they can visit Project Monkey Island’s website at projectmonkeyisland.org or look for them on Facebook,” she said.
Before the hurricane hit, Cayo Santiago’s forest was a lush habitat for the island’s monkey colony.
Liz Rozanski, BA is the Communications Manager at AALAS in Memphis, TN.
Structures on Cayo were devastated by the hurricane and one that has been rebuilt is a new corral for the monkeys.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 31
Inside the IACUC
Celebrating Occupational Health and Safety Tying deadlines to birthdays helps programs stay on track with meeting occupational health requirements. By Kathryn Cavanaugh, BS, CPIA
Welcome to the first article in the new Inside the IACUC column. I will be providing IACUC-related advice and content regularly. I am excited to be joining the LAS Pro family, and I am sure that many of you will be able to use the IACUC advice that will appear in this column to improve your laboratory animal programs. For this inaugural column, a colleague will share ideas for making the occupational health program more engaging for research staff. Most institutions require that individuals working with laboratory animals complete a health-based survey shortly after hire or at the time they plan to start working with animals, and then on an annual basis. Here, we examine how one institution focused on the messaging for the annual survey reminder and then built tracking tools to ensure that everyone is compliant. And, this system has proven to be quite successful for six years! Thanks for reading, Stacy Pritt, DVM, MS, MBA, CPIA, CHRC, DACAW
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n occupational health and safety program for personnel working with laboratory animals is required by PHS Policy as well as the Guide.1,2 As part of fulfilling this requirement, one institution with a large centralized animal program established a Worker Protection Program (WPP) designed to promote a safe work environment by minimizing the risk of illness or injury associated with working with or around research animals. To maintain continuous enrollment in the WPP, individuals working with research animals at the institution must submit an electronic Health History Questionnaire (HHQ) form annually. Tracking Submissions
One challenge of a large animal program is to ensure that each individual submits this form by the requested deadline annually. To address this challenge, the institution developed electronic reporting tools to aid in the oversight of HHQ form submissions. Also, the due date of the annual submission was set to be in the same month as the individual's birthdate. Meaning, individuals may more easily remember to complete an annual HHQ form if they have another significant date to associate the deadline with (their birthdate). With the anniversary of their birthday, the individual can celebrate their continued safety while working with research animals. To address the oversight process for HHQ form submission, the institution’s IACUC Office, Occupational Health Clinic, Attending Veterinarian, and IT department collaborated to create an electronic submission system and reporting tools. This electronic system allows for auto-reminders to be sent to individuals at the beginning of their birth month, prompting them to complete the annual HHQ form submission. The form submissions go directly to the Occupational Health Clinic for review to keep the information of the form private. Since the IACUC Office is not involved in the review of this form but is responsible for certifying that the form is submitted
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annually, reporting tools to track submission status were also created.
Reporting Tools
The first reporting tool is a comprehensive spreadsheet list of all the individuals who submitted an HHQ form. This report includes the name and unique employee ID number of the individual, as well as the date they submitted the form and the date in which the Occupational Health Clinic reviewed the form. This allows the IACUC Office to see current and historical data for all submissions since the dawn of the system. This form is easily searchable and can be organized chronologically (with the most recent submissions appearing first) or alphabetically by the submitter’s last name. This report is especially useful for the institution’s IACUC Office to confirm when an individual has submitted an HHQ form, which is required for gaining and maintaining animal facility access. Each month, those individuals who fail to complete their HHQ form within the month of their birthdate will have their animal facility access terminated. Once they rectify this by completing their HHQ form, the IACUC Office will use this report to confirm their submission and request that their facility access be reinstated. A second reporting tool was also created as a spreadsheet to target the submission
status of an individual according to their birth month. This report includes the name and unique employee ID number of the individual, as well as their birthdate and the submission date of their most recently submitted HHQ form. The report sorts individuals by their birth month to help the IACUC Office assess which individuals need follow up reminders to submit an annual HHQ form and eventually which individuals will need their animal facility access cut off due to failure of completion. The report includes multiple filters that allow the IACUC Office to identify individuals who completed their annual submission within their birth month, and which individuals require follow up reminders to do so. The “birth month” filter can be updated to the calendar month of interest which will yield a list of individuals with birth dates in that given month. The list can further be refined using the "hide if current" filter which removes those individuals who have already completed their annual HHQ form within their birth month and do not require a follow up reminder.
Benefits of Efficient Tracking
Among the advantages of maintaining an electronic system for HHQ form submission, it allows for data to be efficiently pulled from the system. Each month, the following data is presented to the institution’s IACUC: • Number of HHQ forms submitted and reviewed per month • Of that number, a breakdown of the following TM
is provided: the number of initial submissions, annual submissions, summer student submissions, and percentage of submissions that were evaluated within a two business day time-frame
• Clinical Follow-Ups and Events Involving Animals • The number of follow-up visits requested by the Occupational Health Clinic (both minor and major) as well as the number of clinical events involving animals With these metrics, the IACUC can effectively evaluate the Occupational Health activity of the program and identify trends that may influence dynamic changes to the Worker Protection Program to positively impact personnel safety. Kathryn Cavanaugh, BS, CPIA is the IACUC Administrator at UT Southwestern Medical Center in Dallas, TX. REFERENCES 1. Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. 2011. Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals, 8th Ed. Washington (DC): National Academies Press. 2. Office of Laboratory Animal Welfare. National Institutes of Health. Public health service policy on humane care and use of laboratory animals. Bethesda, (MD): US Department of Health and Human Services. https://olaw.nih.gov/policies-laws/ phs-policy.htm
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January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 33
Management/Career & Training
Podcast Tackles Drug Development Topics By Angela Stoyanovitch, BA, LATG
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re you, or someone you know, taking a legal drug? Many people regularly take prescription and/or over-the-counter drugs as part of a treatment plan. Have you thought about what it takes to get a drug to market, why some drugs make it, and some do not, or why some drugs are so expensive? I am Angela Stoyanovitch, host of the Legal Drugs Podcast (LDP). My vision to create a podcast came from wanting to close a gap in public education and unite drug development teams to reduce redundancies and inefficiencies in the industry. Through podcasting, I interview various experts in the field as well as non-scientists. In these interviews, LDP harnesses the power of storytelling to remind those of us in the field why we develop drugs in the first place and give behind-the-scenes access to the public. The podcast also provides a platform to promote progressive leadership, emphasize health prevention, and encourage conscious self-care. In July 2019, LDP was launched as a production of Legal Drugs Agency, LLC, with contributing sponsorship from AnaBios Corporation and Key Corporate Services, LLC. LDP guides you through aspects of biomedical research, including animal testing and the human impact on the marketplace.
White McVey; A Live Interview at NAALAS” describes efforts being made to reduce, refine, and replace animal research. Alice explained that animals are currently invaluable models for biomedical research and that regulations still require animal use for safety testing. Therefore, the NA3RsC LDP host Angela (left) recording in Denver with Alice White mission is to share advances in live McVey. science, innovation, and animal welfare with the research community. This mission will lead to improved study reproducibility and animal welfare with the goal of reducing or eliminating the number of animals in biomedical research.
LDP Travels to Denver
Piecing the Story Together
A member of AALAS since 2010, I attended the most recent National Meeting to record interviews for the podcast. Search for “Legal Drugs Podcast” wherever you get your podcasts and look for episodes 8 and 9. Episode 8 is “Top 10 Drug Discovery & Preclinical Angela visited with Brandon CROs to Watch with BranMiller in Denver. don Miller of Key Corporate Services; A Live Interview at NAALAS.” Brandon shared his passion for executive search in the contract research industry. He explained outsourced pharmaceutical development using the automotive industry’s outsourcing model as an analogy. He also provided great tips about companies and trends to look for as we close out the year. As this was Brandon’s first AALAS National Meeting, he expressed his awe at the depth of the laboratory animal science field after walking through the convention hall with me. As an animal lover and professional in the animal science and biomedical research field for over 15 years, I know people who work with laboratory animals love animals. Episode 9, “Refining, Reducing and Replacing Animals in Research Initiatives of the North American 3Rs Collaborative with Alice 34 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Many factors, including the complex nature of science itself, complicate the legal drugs business. Many of us who work in one area or another often don’t know the whole story. For example, if you work as an animal technician for a contract research organization, you are usually blind to the compound (or future drug) and therapeutic target. This is largely due to efforts to avoid bias in data collection and interpretation (often driven by regulatory requirements) and/or confidentiality (proprietary or trade secret) issues. The spirit of collaboration via interdisciplinary efforts yields improvements and efficiencies for drug development. No matter how you slice it, seeing the big picture of a drug in development from any position is difficult. However, the call for education is one of push and pull depending on society itself – and you. Perhaps you grew up in a household where your medicine cabinets were full of legal drugs. If you want to know how your drugs were made or developed and learn how the FDA determines what is safe for you to consume, tune in to the Legal Drugs Podcast to learn more. Angela Stoyanovitch, BA, LATG is the founding partner of Legal Drugs Agency, LLC.
Lessons in Learning: Third Time’s the Charm, Right? By Glenn Jackson, DVM, PhD, DACLAM
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he first time I took the ACLAM exam, I muddled through my preparations. I had just moved my family to a small town in rural Nebraska for a new job teaching in a vet tech program after a 2-year stint in an administrative position. I'd been out of the clinical/regulatory/research world for a while. My prep consisted of reading the largest textbook I’ve ever owned, taking some notes, reviewing flashcard sets I found posted online, and participating in the lab animal boards study group journal summary exchange. I failed. I tried again the following year. This time I studied the flashcards more diligently and posted more journal summaries. And I failed again. It was rough, devoting so much time and effort into that exam, only to fall short. Many of you might be able to relate. I could have done so much differently to have better prepared for those exams. Since then, I have discovered several things about learning. The goal of this column is to share those tips and tactics. In future columns, we will explore the psychology of learning and provide specific strategies for success. You can expect to learn note-taking and review strategies, learning gamification, brain health recommendations, and exam-taking tips. I will share tips on how to study for the AALAS certification exams, the ACLAM exam, and how to use study and personal improvement to enhance career advancement.
Test Prep 3.0
Needing some time to regroup, I took a break from ACLAM exam prep for a couple of years. When I tried again, I knew it wasn’t going to be any easier. My family had grown in number (6 kids at that point!), and we were moving again for a job opportunity. This time I was studying smarter. I took a 3-prong approach to my study plan and focused on time management, wellness, and analysis.
Time Management
I created a timeline that included what I needed to study, and which areas I felt were my weakest. I blocked off dedicated time to study daily and created a weekly study plan.
Wellness
Analysis
I took those materials colleagues shared and made them my own. I didn’t just review and try to memorize the materials; I analyzed what was shared. Was the information correct? Did what I was reading make sense to me? Could I organize or phrase the information in a better way? I took the same approach with the flashcards I had been using. I vetted them for accuracy and discovered that some of the material needed updating. The third time was the charm for me, and I passed the exam. I don’t think it was more accurate flashcards that did it for me. The time spent fact-checking the cards and other materials was the difference. I spent time becoming more familiar with the material. I moved from trying to memorize the material to build an understanding of the material. In so doing, I passed the exam, but ultimately, I feel I became a better lab animal vet. Jim Rohn said, “Become a millionaire not for the million dollars, but for what it will make of you to achieve it.” Pass the exam not to be able to say you passed, but for what it will make of you to achieve it. Glenn Jackson, DVM, PhD, DACLAM is the Assistant Director, Conventional Rodents at the Center for Animal Resources and Education (CARE) and Director of the Laboratory Animal Medicine Residency Program at Cornell University in Ithaca, NY.
I incorporated breaks into my study schedule, I ate healthy foods, and I made sure I had adequate sleep. An often-overlooked part of wellness and something very helpful to me, I asked for help from others. I studied a little with others, and I borrowed materials from colleagues who had passed the exam.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 35
Management/Career & Training
Leadership Corner: The Power of Positivity When we have challenging days, it is essential to adjust our outlook and mindset. By Susan Rosati, MS Ed, LVT, RLATG
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ave you ever experienced “one of those days” where everything seems to go wrong? It begins from the moment you wake up. You are tired from lack of sleep the evening before, your alarm clock does not go off, you are running late to work, someone cuts you off on your drive in, you spill your coffee, you get a call from the school nurse that your child is ill, and the struggle continues throughout the day. We have all been there, and we all have those moments and “those days.” We will unanimously agree that these events are incredibly frustrating and can lead to unexpected and unplanned adjustments to your daily plan. However, (good news!), depending upon your outlook and mindset, you can significantly change the outcome of your day.
Mindset Matters
Two different people can experience the same morning events described above. We will keep it simple and call them Person 1 and Person 2. Person 1 immediately thinks, “This always happens to me.” Person 1 continues throughout the day thinking, “Ok, what is the next terrible thing to happen today?” Then, event by event, they take notice of all the things not going right. They are looking for the next thing to go wrong! Person 2 also starts on the same track. However, Person 2 thinks, “I will just be sure to get a better night’s sleep tonight and double-check my alarm clock.” Note the different mindset and tone? Person 2 is keeping the thought process more optimistic and positive. The same events take place as above, but Person 2 also remembers their adorable dog woke them up with a big slobbery kiss. In addition, Person 2 notices the weather is beautiful, and a holiday weekend is ahead. Bad things do exist and unfortunately, even heartbreaking, situations occur. Despite these occurrences, wonderful things are going on around you each day. Be open to acknowledging the good things in life. The power of the mind is incredible. You control your thoughts and choose how situations affect you in a good or bad way. Your reaction to the environment around you is a choice. Your mental health is a priority. If you find yourself trying to redirect negative feelings and are at a point where you feel the control I mention is absent, visit your primary care physician for recommendations. Resources are available to help.
Incorporate a Wellness Plan
Your mental and physical wellness is also a priority. Another method that will lead to less frustration when we have “those days” is to embrace a daily wellness plan. Set a goal to have a healthy mind and body. A daily wellness plan can be as little or as big as you want it to be. Here are some examples. Take 5 minutes in the morning with your eyes closed and do some deep breathing before getting out of bed. Prepare healthy 36 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
meals. Join a group fitness class or take a walk or jog/run. Incorporate what you enjoy into your daily life to help you handle those not-so-fun moments. When you know you have a walk planned for the evening, a dinner out with friends,or something planned you enjoy, it helps manage the rough moments. Even if the moment you are looking forward to is an early night to sleep or some time alone, self-care helps your overall wellbeing.
Setting Expectations for Positivity
As leaders, we are responsible for setting expectations for our employees or those we lead. It is appropriate to have an expectation of positivity in the workplace. These goals can be incorporated into an employee’s review period. Give concrete and clear guidelines such as: if you have a complaint, come with a suggested solution; set the expectation to be respectful in the workplace; require employees to maintain a professional and positive attitude at work. Holding employees accountable for these expectations provides managers and leaders an opportunity to coach employees on being problem solvers, forward thinkers, innovators, and optimists. As an employee, if these are not standards set by your management team, apply these goals to your life. Make it a goal to acknowledge one thing each day that went well before going to bed. Take time to reflect on what you want to accomplish for the week, month, or year. Write down your goals and place them somewhere you can see them for everyday motivation. We lead by example, in our personal lives as well as our professional lives. If you incorporate a model of positivity in the workplace and set the expectations for forward-thinking behaviors and problems solving mindsets, you are creating a positive work environment. Also, positive work environments benefit from a focus on customer service, respect, and professionalism. Modeling these behaviors can lead to improved work performance and customer satisfaction. When you apply the power of positivity, coworkers, friends, and family are impacted. By making a choice to be positive, you may regain or maintain a sense of peace and happiness. So, what is stopping you? You have the power to apply positivity in all areas of your life. It’s a choice that is in your control. Choose the path that will lead to success, personal growth, and overall happiness. Susan Rosati, MS Ed, LVT, LATG is the Assistant Director of Training Operations in University Laboratory Animal Resources at the University of Pennsylvania in Philadelphia, PA where she leads the model scientist training program and oversees a forward-thinking training team.
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DIY: Enrichment Items By Kari Buchanan, RLATG
C
reative enrichment items don’t have to be costly. Look at this cat ball toy created from common household items. Remember, all enrichment ideas should be approved by the facility veterinarian. It is also recommended to autoclave these cat toys on a dry cycle to eliminate any pathogens.
1
Supplies needed are scissors, a pen, empty toilet paper and paper towel rolls
3
Cut along the lines as straight as possible. Discard rings with glue residue.
6
After the 4 rings have been inserted together, place the fifth ring around the star to help keep the rings in place.
4
Insert first ring into second ring.
2
Mark lines on each tube. Make each mark about ¼” width.
5
Insert third ring and fourth ring, this should form a star.
7
Congrats, you have made a cat ball. Optional: insert treats and let the fun begin.
38 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Have an idea for a DIY enrichment treat or toy? Share your solutions with other LAS Pro readers. Email us at laspro@aalas.org to learn more.
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January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 39
TECH TIPS
Insights in husbandry, enrichment, and new techniques and tactics
Putting Our Best Foot Forward: Care and Conditioning for Swine Hooves By Stephanie E. Lane, BS, RLAT; Alexis S. Sellers, BS, M.A. McCrackin, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACLAM, CMAR, CPIA; Nola D. Shepard, RLATG, SRA; Sharon Thomas, LVT, LATG; Roxanna Swagel, RLATG, CMAR; A. Marissa Wolfe, DVM, DACLAM; Alison C. Smith, DVM, DACLAM; and George N. Magrath, MD, MBA
M
aintaining the hooves of swine in research is vital to their health and welfare. Ideal flooring provides stable footing and a surface for wearing down the hooves.1 Otherwise, injuries can occur, or repeated anesthesia may be needed for regular hoof trimming. We observed hoof cracks in a group of domestic farm swine on a 12-week opthalmologic study. We had not seen this issue in other cohorts of similarly aged and sized swine from the same vendor. Clinical care was initiated to support healing of hoof cracks and prevention of future ones. A topical ointment (Hooflex® Therapeutic Conditioner, W.F. Young, Inc., East Longmeadow, MA) was selected that has primarily been used in horses for deep conditioning to restore and support healthy hooves but has also been suggested for optimal hoof health of show swine.2 The ointment creates a breathable moisture barrier to treat dry, cracking, and brittle hooves.3 Active ingredients include neatsfoot oil (bubulum oil) 23%, lanolin 13%, and chloroxylenol 1.5%. Chloroxylenol is a substituted phenol, or halophenol, with antimicrobial properties to treat or prevent bacterial and fungal infections.4 The purpose of this report is to describe our experience with swine hoof treatment and health promotion during the provision of husbandry and veterinary care to swine in an approved study. Materials and Method
Six castrated male Yorkshire X pigs (on arrival: mean: 23.3 kg; range: 19.3 – 26.5 kg; SD: 2.8) participated in a study approved by the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) IACUC. Pigs were maintained according to recommendations in the Guide for environment, housing and management.5 They lived in raised pens with fiberglass-slatted-rail flooring with a gritty surface to provide natural wear of the hooves.1 Pigs were housed in the same room in overlapping cohorts between February and July. Housing environment included a 12:12 light:dark cycle, humidity 3070%, and temperature 70 +/- 2oF (21 +/- 1oC). Pigs were fed LabDiet® 5L80 Mini-pig HF (high fortification) grower diet twice daily (PMI, Brentwood, MO), and an automatic watering system provided reverse osmosis water ad libitum.
Clinical Findings and Ointment Application
Most hoof cracks were noted a week or more after arrival; one pig had a hoof crack on entry to the facility. Body weights at first observation of a hoof crack averaged 29.4 kg (range: 24.8 – 34.0 kg; SD: 40 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
3.6) and at euthanasia for planned endpoints 58.4 kg (range: 48.6 – 69.7 kg; SD: 8.0). Pigs received topical application of ointment 1-2 times weekly for 7-14 wk. About half of the ointment applications for each pig were applied with, and half without, anesthesia, depending on the activities being conducted under the IACUC-approved protocol. Three of the 6 pigs were given inconsistent regimens of oral biotin supplementation in the feed. Onset of regurgitation and diarrhea prompted discontinuation of biotin. The other 3 pigs did not get biotin.
Ointment Application (1-2 times weekly)
With Anesthesia (for scheduled opthalmologic procedures) 1. Clean all 4 hooves with warm water and surgical soap (chlorhexidine or betadine) to remove dirt and debris (Figure 1 A). 2. Apply ointment liberally to all surfaces of all hooves using a tongue depressor (Figures 1 B, 1 C) and cake decorating skills. 3. Cover each hoof with an exam glove to support thermo-containment during anesthesia and to keep ointment from getting everywhere.
Figure 1 A-D. Steps of the ointment application process in anesthetized pigs included cleaning with warm water and surgical soap (A), spreading topical ointment (B), ensuring thorough coverage (C), and securing a protective glove to be removed later in recovery (D).
4. Secure gloves with bandage tape to maintain placement during anesthesia (Figure 1 D). 5. Remove gloves during anesthetic recovery before return of pig to home cage. Without Anesthesia 6. Ointment may be applied to the hooves of conscious pigs, requiring more technical skill and pig willingness. 7. Front and rear legs must be individually lifted in order to wipe ointment on the weight-bearing surface of the hoof. 8. Peace offerings of tasty treats, when allowed by the study, minimize pig stress and encourage cooperation.
Results
Hoof cracks may have gone undiscovered in some pigs until they were anesthetized, or a technician noticed mild lameness. These pigs appeared to have dry hooves with little pliability and suppleness. In one representative pig, an approximately 16 mm long hoof crack extended along the lateral wall from the coronary band to the weight-bearing surface of the hoof and measured 1-2 mm in width (Figure 2 A). After 9 wk of topical ointment application, the hoof crack was reduced to 10 mm in length and had migrated 5 mm distal to the coronary band (Figure 2 B). The moisture content of the hoof was subjectively improved. Two pigs that received ointment early after facility entry had healthier feet than the other 4 pigs and did not develop cracks along the lateral wall. Some narrow cracks developed in the white line along the sole of the foot despite ointment application (Figure 3 A), but they were superficial and healed within 3-4 wk (Figure 3 B). The soles of the feet maintained a spongy and pliable texture with little to no dry flakiness to the touch. Unanesthetized pigs were easily treated by technicians with established relationships with them, including daily interactions with positive reinforcement. Some technicians less familiar with the pigs found it more difficult to apply the ointment to all surfaces of the hooves of conscious pigs. With the use of anesthesia, all technicians were able to clean the hooves and apply ointment effectively.
Figure 2 A-B. Healing progression of a crack in the lateral wall of the left rear hoof of a pig. Four weeks (A) and 9 weeks (B) post treatment initiation. Note: Blue dotted line depicts the location of the coronary band in each image.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 41
Figure 3 A-B. Progression of healing in a crack along the white line of the left front hoof. A narrow crack along the white line (red arrows) developed 2 weeks after starting application of ointment to uninjured feet (A). Three weeks later, the crack was resolved, and the hoof appeared normal (B).
Conclusions
We were pleased with the clinical response of pigs to the topical ointment. While pigs with established hoof cracks improved once treated, our impression was that the cracks were deeper, reached closer to the coronary band, and healed slowly, often incompletely. Hooves appeared to contain more moisture when the ointment was applied sooner rather than later. Moving forward, we plan to use the topical ointment preventatively to ensure optimal hoof health. The contents of this article do not represent the views of the Department of Veterans Affairs or the United States Government. This work was supported by the Division of Laboratory Animal Resources (DLAR) and the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina (MUSC) and the Ralph H. Johnson (RHJ) Veterans Affairs Medical Center (VAMC) Research Service, Charleston, South Carolina. The authors appreciate the clinical support of the DLAR veterinary technicians, Elzbieta Lopez, LVT, RLAT, Danielle Lynch, LAT, and Lindsay Olin, LVT, RLATG. Stephanie Lane, BS, RLAT and Alexis Sellers, BS contributed equally to this article.
Stephanie Lane, BS, RLAT, Nola D. Shepard, RLATG, SRA, Sharon Thomas, LVT, LATG, and Roxanna Swagel, RLATG, CMAR, work in the Surgical Research Laboratory (SRL) of MUSC DLAR as anesthetic and surgical technicians.
Alexis Sellers, BS, is a veterinary technician and pre-veterinary candidate. Her work was supported by a research mentoring externship through MUSC DLAR.
42 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
A. Marissa Wolfe, DVM, DACLAM, Alison C. Smith, DVM, DACLAM, and M.A. McCrackin, DVM, PhD, DACVS, DACLAM, CMAR, CPIA are faculty in the Department of Comparative Medicine. Dr. McCrackin is Director of SRL at MUSC and Veterinary Medical Officer for the RHJ VAMC Research Service.
George N. Magrath, MD, MBA is faculty in the Department of Ophthalmology at the Medical University of South Carolina and a clinician at the RHJ VAMC. REFERENCES 1. McCrackin MA, Swindle MM. 2016. Biology, handling, husbandry, and anatomy, p 1-38. In: Swindle MM, Smith AC, editors. Swine in the laboratory, 3rd ed. Boca Raton (FL): CRC Press. 2. Brockman J. [Internet]. 2016. Healthy foot care in swine. [Cited 17 September 2019]. Available at: https://surechamp. com/blog/2016/08/12/healthy-foot-care-in-swine/ 3. Absorbine. [Internet]. 2019. Hooflex therapeutic conditioner product label. [Cited 17 September 2019]. Available at: https:// absorbine.com/wp-content/uploads/2016/02/hooflex-plus-label. pdf 4. Pediatric OnCall Child Health Care. [Internet]. 2019. Chloroxylenol. [Cited 17 September 2019]. Available at: https:// www.pediatriconcall.com/drugs/chloroxylenol/406 5. Institute for Laboratory Animal Research. 2011. Guide for the care and use of laboratory animals, 8th ed. Washington (DC): National Academies Press.
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Insights in husbandry, enrichment, and new techniques and tactics
Novel Bleeding Techniques in Hamsters By Cyndi Filliettaz, BS, LATG, CVT; Lauren Maxwell, BS, LATG; Melissa Dragon, BS, LATG, CMAR; and Jeff Morin MS, LATG
A
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amsters have historically been used in our pharmacokinetic (PK) studies using the retro-orbital (RO) bleeding technique to collect blood samples. If performed incorrectly, this technique has the potential for animal welfare complications not usually seen with other phlebotomy methods. In mice, for example, trauma has been observed at a frequency higher than the 1% to 2% reported for other methods.1 Our Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee does not approve RO blood collection as a routine procedure given the potential for permanent, irreversible damage caused by repetitive sampling, and limits RO collection to one per eye over the life of the animal. Because of this limitation, more animals were used, and the blood samples were composite samples from multiple animals. To refine hamster PK studies, we identified a method that allowed for serial blood collection over multiple time points from the same animal with minimal tissue damage. The objective was to reduce the number of animals needed for a PK study and increase data quality as a result of using the same animal throughout the study.
B
In this study, we explored the possibility of collecting blood from the tail of the hamster via tail nick as compared to blood collection from jugular vein, saphenous vein, and RO methods. While jugular and saphenous vein techniques have been described in hamsters, tail nick is an innovative, unpublished technique we developed and refined. Our assessment evaluated the blood volume yield, sample quality and consistency, relative difficulty of method, associated tissue damage, and impact on PK data.
Material and Methods
All procedures were reviewed and approved by the Pfizer Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee. Forty purpose-bred male Syrian Hamsters were used to collect blood and divided into 4 groups: jugular vein, saphenous vein, tail nick, and RO groups. Three of the groups, including the novel tail nick group, consisted of 8 animals, and the RO group contained 16 animals. This increased number for the RO group was due to the fact only one collection per eye was permitted over the life of the animal. All blood collection was
C
Figure 1 A-C. Three different restraint positions for blood collection: jugular (A), saphenous vein (B), and retro-orbital method (C).
44 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Group 1 Jugular Vein
Group 2 Saphenous Vein
Group 3 RO Bleed
Group 4 Tail Nick
No. animals
8
8
16
8
% Successful samples collected
100%
80.4%
100%
100%
Average # of punctures 1.64 to collect 1 sample
3.27
1.00
1.07
Condition of blood collection site
Of the 56 blood collection points, 11 were unable to be collected due to bruising at the site. By the 6 hr time point, 8/8 animals noted to have bilateral bruising.
No visible tissue damage was noted, and all samples were collected.
No bruising was noted at site, and all samples were collected.
At the 6 hr time point, 4 of the 8 animals were noted to have bruising on one side.
Table 1. The assessment of blood volume yield, sample quality and consistency, relative difficulty of method, associated tissue damage, and impact on PK.
done under isoflurane anesthesia. Blood collection using the jugular and saphenous vein and RO methods was performed using standard techniques (Figure 1 A-C).2,3,4 The tail nick technique involved holding the tail firmly to the table (Figure 2) and applying a small amount of Puralube® veterinary ointment on the tail tip to prevent blood from running onto the skin and surrounding fur (Figure 3). The tail was punctured distally, a few mm from the tip, with a 21g needle, and blood was collected using a Sarstedt Microvette® tube (Figure 4). Once blood was collected, gentle pressure was applied with a gauze pad until hemostasis occurred (approximately 30 sec). For the PK study, all 40 animals were dosed orally with a known compound at 10 mg/kg. Blood was collected at 7 time points (0 min, 30 min, 1 h, 2 h, 4 h, 6 h, and 24 h). 150 µl were collected at 0 min and 24 h, and 50 µl were collected at the remaining time points as follows:
posite sample). • The RO collection required the use of composite sampling to complete the PK curve due to the limitations on site blood collection.
• 8 animals were assigned to each of the following groups: jugular vein, saphenous vein, and tail nick method group. In those groups, the 7 time points were collected from all animals (serial sample). • 16 animals were assigned to the RO group. The 4 first time points were collected from 8 animals, and the 3 last time points were collected from the remaining 8 animals (com-
• All samples collected were able to be analyzed • All techniques provided similar PK curve (Figure 5) • Composite samples obtained by RO bleed have increased variability in comparison with serial samples obtained by different techniques (Figure 6)
Figure 2. Holding tail firmly with Puralube® applied.
Results
The table (Table 1) above captures the assessment of blood volume yield, sample quality and consistency, relative difficulty of method, associated tissue damage, and impact on PK. Except for Group 2 (saphenous site), all sites were able to collect all 7 time points. The average number of attempts to collect a single time point was also highest in Group 2 at 3.27 average attempts per sample, indicating the ease or technical difficultly by site. The gross appearance of the blood collection site during study was also noted. The highest impact on animal welfare was seen in Group 2, with all 8 animals having bilateral bruising by the 6 hr blood collection.
Figure 3. With Puralube® applied, blood is prevented from running into surrounding fur.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 45
Figure 4. Novel tail blood collection using a Sarstedt MicrovetteÂŽ tube.
Conclusions
Based on this study, the tail nick blood collection method appeared to be a viable alternative to the commonly used RO blood collection technique for PK studies in hamster and was superior to jugular vein and saphenous vein methods. The novel tail nick blood collection method was the only alternative method to RO, which provided the required 7 samples consistently without any impact on animals. Blood collection via the saphenous vein was the least successful and resulted in more local tissue trauma. Benefits of this technique included data quality improvements by decreasing the variability associated with composite samples, a significant reduction in the number of animals used, and refinement of a technique not associated with any serious animal welfare concerns.
Figure 5. Data PK blood values by site.
Cyndi Filliettaz, BS, LATG, CVT is an IACUC Administrator and Veterinary Technician with Pfizer Inc in Cambridge, MA.
Lauren Maxwell, BS, LATG is a Global Trainer with Pfizer Inc in Cambridge, MA. Melissa Dragon, BS, LATG, CMAR is a Global Trainer with Pfizer Inc in Groton, CT.
Jeff Morin MS, LATG is a Global Science and Technology Scientist with Pfizer Inc in Cambridge, MA. REFERENCES 1. Joyce AP, Wang M, Lawrence-Henderson R, Filliettaz C, Leung SS, Xu X, O'Hara DM. 2014. One mouse, one pharmacokinetic profile: quantitative whole blood serial sampling for biotherapeutics. Pharm Res 31:1823-1833. 2. Severson L, Frisk C. 2013. Jugular blood collection technique in the syrian hamster. Abstract presented at the 2013 AALAS National Meeting, Baltimore, Maryland. J Amer Assoc Lab Anim 52:641. 3. Hem A, Smith AJ, Solberg P. 1998. Saphenous vein puncture for blood sampling of the mouse rat, hamster, gerbil, guinea pig, ferret and mink. Lab Anim 32:364-368. 4. Dyer SM, Cervasio EL. 2008 An Overview of Restraint and Blood Collection Techniques. Vet Clin North Am Exot Anim Pract. 11:423-443. 5. Regan RD, Fenyk-Melody JE, Tran SM, Chen G, Stocking KL. 2016. Comparison of submental blood collection with the retro orbital and submandibular in mice (Mus musculus). J. Am Assoc Lab Anim Sci 55:570-576. 46 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Figure 6. Data PK blood values serial versus composite.
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TECH TIPS
Insights in husbandry, enrichment, and new techniques and tactics
Is That a Rat in Your Pocket? A Novel Pocket Method for Rat Restraint Figure 1. Sewn pocket restraint device.
By Jamie L. Ludwig, BS, CVT, LAT
A
t the University of Illinois at Urbana-Champaign (UIUC), we routinely teach novice research personnel how to appropriately handle, restrain, and perform basic experimental techniques on rats. Barriers to teaching include fear of animal bites to the handler, stress to the animal from improper restraint, and the need to have more than one person to accomplish specific tasks. Our objective is to incorporate a safe, comfortable, and time-saving restraint technique for rats while providing confidence to the novice animal handler. One solution was the development of a sewn restraint device shown in Figure 1. This was an alternative to both manual restraint and commercial hard plastic restraining devices that are typically used. This restrainer consists of a surgical towel that has been sewn into a pocket equipped with a solid base and an adjustable strap that can be secured behind the rear legs of the animal. All components of this restrainer can be sanitized. With repeated use of this restrainer, we observe that the rats prefer the dark pocket and acclimate quickly for routine procedures. Placing the animal into the restrainer takes minimal effort as most willingly enter. The sewn pocket restrainer, however, offers some advantages over a folded towel. First, the sewn pocket eliminates the need to refold the towel between animals.
48 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
Second, the placement of a strap behind the legs frees up a hand and allows for a single person to perform two-handed procedures. Further, the sewn restrainer enables procedures such as subcutaneous injections, tail vein injection and blood collection, intraperitoneal injection, and blood collection from the pedal or saphenous veins.
Figure 2. Traditional folded towel pocket restraint.
Figure 3 A-F. Pattern and instructions to create a sewn pocket restraint device.
We performed a small-scale trial comparing the sewn pocket restrainer and a plain towel; we determined that this method provides an added benefit of efficiency. This quick comparison showed that it took an average of approximately 30% longer to restrain six rats in the folded towel compared to the sewn restrainer. The procedures in this trial (study) were part of a teaching protocol approved by the UIUC Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee.
Methods and Materials
The traditional pocket method for restraint consists of folding a towel into a pocket. To create the initial pocket, the towel is folded on the long edge to the approximate length of the rat body. Next, it is folded into thirds, creating a pocket for the rat. A traditional folded pocket is shown in Figure 2. This method promotes safe and comfortable handling.
Considerations to Improve Pocket Restraint
The pocket method had proven to be a successful restraint mechanism for most applications, and we sought to build upon this concept. We wanted to create a more efficient restrainer to address two issues. The first being that a towel required refolding after each use. The second was that one hand was required to keep the rat from backing out of the restrainer. A modification making this hands-free would make the device easier for novice handlers to use.
Creating a Sewn Pocket
A large surgical towel is cut and sewn so that a complete restrainer was constructed consisting of a solid base, a sturdy pocket, and an adjustable Velcro strap. The strap serves to hold the animal in the pocket gently. The animal is securely held, allowing the operator’s hands-free to perform tasks. Three sizes were made to accommodate rats of all ages and sizes (Figure 3 A-F). To create the sewn pocket materials needed are a surgical towel, an 8.5 × 11 in. poly cutting board, Velcro, and a sewing machine (can also be sewn by hand using a needle and thread).
Steps to Pocket Fabrication
• Cut the surgical towel into 3 pieces: a large piece big enough to wrap around the cutting board, a rectangle your desired pocket size, and a long piece that will become your strap. Ensure the strap piece is wide enough to double over and sew together for strength • Sew the smaller rectangle onto the base piece • Fold the base fabric in half and sew the back and side to create a pocket for the cutting board to insert as the base.
Conclusion
The use of the sewn pocket restrainer promotes safe and efficient restraint for rats. The construction from breathable fabric provides gentle restraint by hugging the body evenly without restricting respiration. The dark fabric creates an environment that is calming to the animal and allows for routine procedures to be performed with minimal stress. This calming environment is beneficial to the handler since the rat does not struggle. When restrained, the head of the rat is positioned away from the handler, significantly decreasing the fear of as well as the risk of being bitten. This method instills confidence in the handler and allows for efficient sampling and other experimental techniques. Overall efficiency is an added benefit as this method eliminates the time required to fold the towel between each animal. Furthermore, the incorporation of the solid base and the adjustable rear strap allows for hands-free restraint, thereby permitting procedures to be performed by a single technician. The sewn pocket serves as a 5 in 1 restraint device as it allows for up to 5 techniques to be performed using one sanitizable restraint device. Acknowledgments: I would like to give special thanks to Dr. Jennifer Criley, DVM, DACLAM for her contributions to this project.
Jamie Ludwig, BS, CVT, LAT is a Veterinary Technician II and Training Specialist in the Division of Animal Resources at the University of Illinois, Urbana Champaign. January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 49
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Insights in husbandry, enrichment, and new techniques and tactics
Canine Hemorrhagic Pneumonia Caused by Extra-intestinal Escherichia coli Infection By Christina Mano, BS, RLATG; Mila Kundu, MS, DVM, DACLAM; Randy White, DVM, PhD, DACVP; and Holly Burr, DVM, DACLAM
F
ollowing receipt of a shipment of 40 purpose bred beagles, 2 females, both 8 mo in age, were noticed to be ill at 0-8 d post-receipt. One female beagle was recognized to be unhealthy on receipt, presenting laterally recumbent in the shipping crate, with vomitus and mucoid feces. Thoracic and abdominal radiographs identified no abnormal findings and due to the rapid deterioration of the animal’s condition during examination and monitoring, euthanasia and a necropsy with histopathology collection were performed. Four days after arrival, a second female beagle displayed decreased food consumption, vomitus, and hematochezia. Over the following four days, this animal exhibited intermittent hematochezia and/ or mucoid feces and decreased food consumption. Eight days post-arrival, this animal had decreased activity and recumbent posture. Following examination, the animal was euthanized due to rapidly deteriorating condition and a necropsy was performed with samples collected for culture.
Clinical Findings
During initial examination of the first affected female, the animal was hunched, unwilling to ambulate, and mildly responsive to stimuli with quiet mentation. Feces with blood and a large amount of mucous were noted in the cage. Upon abdominal palpation, the animal was tense, guarding the abdomen with vocalization, tachypneic (90 breaths/min), tachycardic, and was normothermic (38.9°C) with adequate hydration status. Following buprenorphine (0.02 mg/kg IV) administration, heart rate decreased to 162 beats/min with diminished heart sounds and weak peripheral pulse. While being maintained on heat support, the animal remained in lateral recumbency and was minimally responsive, with the absence of 50 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
withdrawal reflex from all 4 limbs, and nictitating membrane visible. Radiographs performed on the abdomen and caudal thorax (left lateral and ventrodorsal view) showed no notable findings other than air in the stomach and duodenum. Based on the severity of clinical signs and rapid deterioration of the animal’s condition, the animal was euthanized, and necropsy was performed with tissue collection for histopathology. Arrival physical examinations were performed the day following receipt and all remaining animals were within normal limits. Four days post-arrival, a second female presented with hematochezia and unformed feces, frothy vomitus, and decreased food consumption. The animal was monitored throughout the day and was in otherwise good condition. Over the following 4 d, this animal had intermittent hematochezia and/or mucoid feces and mildly decreased food consumption. Eight days post-arrival, the animal was observed laterally recumbent in her kennel. During examination, the animal was responsive but unwilling to stand upright. No pain response was elicited with abdominal palpation, mucous membranes were pale with an increased capillary refill time (CRT) >2 sec. Fecal staining with mucus was present on the perianal region. The animal was tachypneic (90 breaths/min) with wheezing inspiratory sounds in bilateral lung fields, pyrexic (40°C), and had a normal heart rate (120 beats/min) with a weak femoral pulse. This animal was maintained on heat support and became rapidly unresponsive with labored respiration. Based on the rapid deterioration in condition and history of the previous animal in this same shipment, the animal was euthanized, and a necropsy was performed with samples collected for bacteriology culture.
Gross, Histopathologic, and Microbial Findings
Notable gross findings upon necropsy of the first affected female included hemorrhage of the right middle lung lobe and a darkened mediastinal lymph node. Histologic evaluation of the sampled lung tissue revealed acute marked diffuse fibrino hemorrhagic suppurative pneumonia with edema (Figure 1 A-B). Examination of the mediastinal lymph node showed the presence of red blood cells which likely represented an attempt at drainage of excessive blood from the lungs (Figure 2 A-B). Necropsy of the second affected female showed bilateral pulmonary hemorrhage, as well as the presence of an exudative pleural effusion. Swab cultures were collected from the left lung, trachea, and pleural exudate, with E. coli identified from all samples. Heavy bacterial growth was noted from the trachea and lung samples, with lesser growth from the exudate.
Comments
Initial differential diagnoses for the first case included an acute traumatic event on shipment, a ruptured disc, and/or steroid responsive meningitis (Beagle Pain Syndrome). Following radiographs and necropsy, trauma was unapparent, and pneumonia was added to the list of differentials, with a number of potential bacterial causative agents, including Streptococcus
zooepidemicus, Pasteurella multocida, Pseudomonas aeruginosa, Klebsiella pneumoniae, E. coli, and Mycoplasma species. Bordetella bronchiseptica1, as well as suspected viral agents, were ruled out based on vaccinations provided by the vendor. The vague and rapidly progressing clinical presentation in these animals, coupled with the brief time in our facility, could make similar diagnostic cases challenging. This current case emphasizes a need for awareness of the effects of shipment stress and how it can exacerbate gastrointestinal flora. It is suspected that stress-induced immunosuppression coupled with E. coli inhalation via fecal and/or vomitus exposure resulted in these cases, which is the only documented report of 2 cases of hemorrhagic pneumonia within a single vendor shipment. Due to these cases of severe acute E. coli pneumonia, discussions were initiated with the vendor regarding animal health status and the shipment process. Based on the distance from the vendor, as well as Federal and state Department of Transportation requirements, the shipment practice consisted of exams, animals being loaded onto environmentally controlled delivery vehicles up to 24 h prior to delivery, and health checks every 4 h by the driver. Although this process resulted in no previous cases of post-shipment E. coli hemorrhagic pneumonia at our facility, there was now motivation to decrease transport time and related stress on the animals. Sig-
B
A
Figure 1 A-B. Photomicrographs of a section of hemorrhagic right middle lung lobe tissue at 0.4× (A) (bar = 5mm) and 20× (B) (bar = 100µm) magnification; stained with hematoxylin and eosin.
A
B
Figure 2 A-B. Photomicrographs of a section of mediastinal lymph node with acute red blood cell accumulation in sinusoids at 5× (A) (bar = 400µm) and 20× (B) (bar = 100µm) magnification; stained with hematoxylin and eosin.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 51
nificant changes to the long-standing vendor delivery process resulted in animals loaded and delivered within the same day, decreasing transportation time to a maximum of 8 h. Conceivably, this aids in reducing transportation-related immunosuppression, as well as limiting potential E. coli infection via exposure to vomitus and/or fecal matter during transport. Although it is a ubiquitous organism, when pathogenic, E. coli primarily manifests as an enteric disease in dogs, however there have been reports of nonenteric isolates.2 There is a wealth of data regarding E. coli infections in food animals and humans, but a deficiency of data concerning E. coli-related canine diseases and the zoonotic potential.2 In a case report from another research facility, 4 dogs developed fatal pneumonia post-shipment over a 21-mo period. E. coli isolates from all 4 animals tested positive for virulence factors alpha hemolysin and cytotoxic necrotizing factor 1 and for the adhesin factor class-III papG allele, thus classifying the isolates as extra-intestinal pathogens.3 Although E. coli pneumonia is thought to be noncontagious, the pathogenic factors from these isolates are comparable to known human extra-intestinal pathogens, thus representing a potential zoonotic concern,4 in addition to typical conspecific transmission. In the current report, there were no long-term effects to cohorts housed in close proximity to the affected animals, and no animals exhibited signs of pneumonia or any other E. coli-related disease. Several studies have already established dogs as fecal and uropathogenic E. coli
52 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
vectors between humans and other animals, despite suspected host specificity.5 Due to the importance of dogs, not only in research but also as common companion animals, further efforts should be directed towards the public health importance of potential zoonotic transmission of pathogenic E. coli strains. Christina Mano, BS, RLATG is an Associate Veterinary Scientist with the department of Veterinary Sciences at Bristol-Myers Squibb in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Mila Kundu, MS, DVM, DACLAM is the Attending Veterinarian with the department of Veterinary Sciences at Bristol-Myers Squibb in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
Randy White, DVM, PhD, DACVP is a Senior Principal Veterinary Pathologist with the department of Drug Safety Evaluation at Bristol-Myers Squibb in New Brunswick, New Jersey. Holly Burr, DVM, DACLAM is the Director of the Department of Veterinary Sciences at Bristol-Myers Squibb in New Brunswick, New Jersey.
REFERENCES 1. Radhakrishnan A, Drobatz KJ, Culp WTN, et al. 2007.Community-acquired infectious pneumonia in puppies: 65 cases (1993-2002). J Am Vet Med Assoc 230:1493-1497. 2. Oluoch AO, Chang-Hyun K, Weisiger RM, et al. 2001. Nonenteric Escherichia coli isolates from dogs: 674 cases (19901998). J Am Vet Med Assoc 218:381-384. 3. Handt LK, Stoffregen DA, Prescott JS, et al. 2003. Clinical and microbiologic characterization of hemorrhagic pneumonia due to extraintestinal pathogenic Escherichia coli in four young dogs. Comp Med 53:663-670. 4. Breitschwerdt EB, DebRoy C, Mexas AM, et al. 2005. Isolation of necrotoxigenic Escherichia coli from a dog with hemorrhagic pneumonia. J Am Vet Med Assoc 226:2016-2019. 5. Beutin, L. Escherichia coli as a pathogen in dogs and cats. 1999. Vet Res, BioMed Cent. 30:285-298.
Celebrate Our Research Animal Partners! The AALAS Foundation offers presentations and lapel pins designed to educate the public about the important role of animals in research. By Pat Sikes, MS The AALAS Foundation offers many items for outreach and public education, but did you know they have outreach materials in the form of PowerPoint presentations? This easy to use resource started in 2014 with the Celebrate the Mouse – What’s Happening in Breast Cancer Research? campaign. Since 2014, other Celebrate the Mouse presentations have been developed and include heart disease, Alzheimer’s disease, diabetes, and arthritis research. In Denver, at the 70th AALAS National Meeting, the most recent campaign switched gears and focused on the pig. The latest presentation features a focus on transplant research using pig models. These presentations were developed to help educate the public about the important role that the mouse (and other animals) have played and continue to play in discovering treatment options and cures for catastrophic diseases. The goal of the program is to serve as a tool to help laboratory animal science community members reach out to their local communities. The presentations are designed to help persuade survivors of life‐threatening diseases/conditions, and the general public, to embrace and become advocates of laboratory animal science. Each speaker-ready presentation comes complete with notes and is available at no charge. The program also makes it possible for AALAS members to request lapel pins for distribution at eligible public outreach events. The lapel pins feature the mouse or pig and the animals’ tails reflect the appropriate advocacy ribbon color. If you are looking for an educational and easy to implement outreach activity, consider this opportunity. What are you waiting for? See details and eligibility guidelines at http:// www.aalasfoundation.org/outreach/Celebrate-the-Mouse or email us at foundation@aalas.org. Pat Sikes, MS is a Senior Business Development Director at Charles River and a member of the AALAS Foundation Board of Directors.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 53
AALAS CONNECTION
2020 CDC International Biosafety Symposium to Tackle Common Lab Animal Challenges
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isk assessment for animal care is a focus of the 2020 CDC International Biosafety Symposium. AALAS, ASLAP, and ACLAM are cosponsors of this biannual conference, taking place from Feb 29-March 4, 2020 in Atlanta, GA. Detailed information can be found at www.eagleson. org/cdc. Three days of general sessions will start on Monday, March 2. A topic that may be of special interest to animal care professionals is Animal Facility Risk Assessments: Biting the Hand That Feeds You. Speakers will present risk management framework and tools designed to identify, prioritize, mitigate, and continuously monitor risks. Attendees will work in small groups to perform a risk assessment on common (and not-socommon) scenarios in animal facilities and are encouraged to bring real-life examples from their institutions for discussion. Another session of interest will be Issues in Operation and Decontamination in Animal Research Facilities, which will focus on decontamination as it pertains to animal research. It will discuss the complemental relationship between risk assessment and decontamination and the unique challenges and various considerations in choosing appropriate decontamination means in animal research. In addition, there are 11 preconference classes, including Risk Assessment in Animal Care, offered by Jason Villano and Janet Follo. They will provide the participants with the
necessary tools to assess risks in animal research. Group and class exercises will include real-life scenarios in the laboratory animal setting. Participants will be asked to analyze situations, with special focus on the various considerations pertaining to the involved hazards, animal species, personnel, procedures, and environment. Also, Cassandra Tansey and George Lathrop from the Centers for Disease Control and Prevention, will lead two courses. In Leave the Bugs at Home attendees will be invited to participate in a leader-guided discussion on how to exclude infectious agents harbored by animals owned by employees. Procedures and policies that prevent the introduction of unwanted agents from home and other institutional environments will be addressed. In Challenges of Introducing New Agents and Animals into Your Institution, participants will be given a framework for conducting risk assessments and preparing their institutions for the introduction of new agents and animal models. This highly interactive course will include various examples of successful introductions and unexpected challenges. Many other sessions, as well as a banquet, product showcases, poster sessions, and opportunities to network, will make for an energizing professional conference for animal care and biosafety professionals from many different specialties.
ILAM 2020 Scholarship Winners Announced By Madeline Kirmeyer
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he winners of the 2020 ILAM scholarships have been selected. This year LAMA has awarded five Level 1 scholarships. The recipients are James Guildea, Jacqueline Bludworth, Jaime White, Laura Condel, and Jeremy Loo Ee Young. In addition, this year’s the Ancare Scholarship winner is Jennifer Kraenzle. Every year ILAM meets in Memphis to provide instruction in management concepts tailored for laboratory animal science personnel. But ILAM is much more than that. ILAM is a fully immersive, intensive management and leadership training program. Class topics vary from year to year, depending on the needs of the industry and student requests. 2020 ILAM Committee Chair, Gordon Yee is also Ancare’s Marketing Director. Yee explained why he and Ancare value ILAM. “ILAM is so much more than just training – it’s networking, team-building, and friend-making. It’s an 54 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
experience that not everyone gets to benefit from, and that’s why Ancare decided to sponsor this scholarship. Rather than sponsoring just the tuition for 2 years, we decided to provide for full housing, registration, transportation, and an additional stipend for the first year only. Our feelings are that, after the first year, the recipient will be so excited to return that they will ensure they get funding for the second!” Yee said. AALAS thanks Ancare and LAMA for their support of the ILAM scholarship program. Are you interested in attending ILAM in 2021? Ancare scholarship applications will be accepted from July 1, 2020, until August 1, 2020. For the LAMA scholarship, applications will be accepted from July 1, 2020, until September 1, 2020. Visit https://www.aalas.org/education/ilam to learn more. Madeline Kirmeyer is the Events Coordinator in the Meetings and Financial Services Department at AALAS in Memphis, TN.
AALAS CONNECTION
Be on the Ballot: The 2020 AALAS Election By Cherylann Gieseke, BA, RLATG
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have a question for you. Have you been thinking about the 2020 Election? No, not that election, the national AALAS election! I’m here to tell you that you should be thinking about it. You should think about who is going to be on the ballot and maybe even consider being on the ballot yourself someday. The Chair of the Nominations Committee is Ken Shapiro. He will lead the committee members in finding qualified candidates to fill the Executive Committee and the Board of Trustees open positions. The ballot for the 2020 AALAS Election has the following positions open: • • • •
Vice-President Elect Trustees for Districts 1, 2, 4, and 7 Trustee for At-Large Seat 4 Alternate Trustees for Districts 2, 3, and 6
The committee looks for candidates who have a service history within the organization that has prepared them to be in a leadership role. The qualifications for serving as a board member can be found in the AALAS Policies & Procedures Manual (PPM) Sections 4-1, 4-3, 4-9, 4-10, and 4-25.
The committee also keeps a list of people who have expressed interest in leadership roles and people who have been recommended by others. If you are interested in having your name added to this list or if you know someone who has the potential to be a leader, please contact the AALAS office or visit the Get Involved page of the AALAS website: https://www.aalas. org/get-involved. Why should you consider being on the ballot someday? The organization needs your time, energy, and ideas. What you may not realize is how significant the benefits are to you as a volunteer. When you donate time and energy to AALAS, you strengthen the organization. You also get a sense of satisfaction from helping AALAS reach its goals. You will interact with people who will enrich your life. The diversity of ideas and experiences you will encounter can make you a more well-rounded person. It is an opportunity to gain experience, learn new skills, network, and demonstrate your work ethic. Cherylann Gieseke, BA, RLATG is an IACUC Coordinator at the Mayo Clinic in Rochester, MN. She is the past chair of the Nominations Committee.
December 2019 CompMed Focuses on Pain Management By Pat Turner, MS, DVM, DVSc, DACLAM, DABT, DECAWBM (AWSEL)
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he year 2020 has been dedicated as the Global Year for the Prevention of Pain. All laboratory animal professionals have a duty to ensure that the animals we work with are kept as comfortable and painfree as possible. In addition, we must ensure that IACUCs and research groups working with animals are educated and trained on best practices for pain recognition and prevention, and on how best to manage animals when pain is part of the model being studied. To that end, the December 2019 issue of Comparative Medicine is devoted to pain as a clinical factor and experimental variable in laboratory rodents. The 12 papers in this special issue cover ethical considerations regarding analgesia and pain management in rodents, the importance of pain recognition and management in rodents, sex and strain differences in response to pain and analgesics in mice, as well as the impact of pain on different models involving laboratory mice and rats. I invite you to take a look to ensure that your knowledge is up-to-date in this critical area. Not a subscriber and your institution has no e-access to the journal? Contact the AALAS office at journals@aalas.org to discuss options to access this content.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 55
AALAS Crossword
Crossword provided by Kari N. Buchanan, RLATG 56 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
AALAS CONNECTION
AALAS Reaches Out to Research Associates By Nicole Duffee, DVM, PhD
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he AALAS Research Associates Ad Hoc Committee is reaching out to individuals who are research associates, research technicians, and lab managers. These researchers may have various professional titles, depending on their work environments, but we will collectively refer to this audience as research associates. AALAS is working to connect them to our organization for benefits that can enhance their work and their career. Led by Mo Mackay and Tracy Parker, the committee includes Deb Donohoe, Paige Ebert, Angie Heiser, and Terri Swanson. All are or have been research associates and/or research managers themselves. Why is this initiative important? Professional organizations provide networking, information, and educational resources that support a field. Belonging to an organization and using its benefits aids professional growth and fosters knowledge about new developments. Where that work involves animals, involvement with an organization can prepare individuals to uphold animal welfare standards in their studies while they develop as laboratory animal science professionals. AALAS provides a variety of educational opportunities to help everyone, including research associates, to work with animals humanely, enhance animal welfare, and apply the 3Rs. Last summer, the committee began assessing how AALAS could benefit this audience and consider strategies for attracting them to AALAS membership. The committee sent a pilot survey with the assistance of Transetyx, who has research associate customer contacts. The survey explored what membership resources would be of value to these individuals. Most respondents reported not belonging to any professional organization in their scientific discipline, but they wanted resources an association can offer them. The three things most important to them were:
form and potential educational topics. Researchers indicated a desire to participate in an online community. The topics mentioned were animal research on new techniques, scientific breakthroughs, regulatory affairs, and information on related educational resources. As a result, the committee will launch a new ACE community on February 11, 2020 – the Animal Researchers Community (ARC). ARC will be where research associates can discuss issues, learn new information, and support each other. As most are not yet AALAS members, they will be invited to a 3-month free trial while they explore AALAS and its benefits. To protect the community’s security, nonmember ARC participants must provide a reference from an AALAS member, which AALAS staff will verify. AALAS members interested in supporting discussions with research associates on ARC are invited to join this community as ACE Ambassadors. Please contact Mary Kathryn Billings for more information. AALAS members can also help spread the word about ARC to research associates they know and through their institution’s channels. Let’s all get the word out on ARC and help research associates find their home with AALAS! Nicole Duffee, DVM, PhD the Director of Education and Scientific Affairs at AALAS in Memphis, TN.
• Engagement and networking with a community sharing their professional role • Educational resources to develop their skills, knowledge, and career in animal science and research • Current animal science and research news and information The committee realized that AALAS could leverage existing resources to produce networking and educational opportunities for this audience – like AALAS’ community platform, ACE. Also, the AALAS Learning Library, the journals, and the AALAS National Meeting all contain laboratory animal science content that would benefit research associates. To learn more, the Committee launched a follow-up survey. The objectives were to assess interest in a community plat-
Crossword Answers January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 57
LAS PRO 's
PET TALK Charming Charli
Charli is an 18-month-old Beagle mix (Pomeranian, Dachshund, Lab, Chihuahua, and Rottweiler) who was rescued/adopted by Joanna this past summer. Charli loves to eat, but her favorite snack is carrots. Joanna shared that Charli is turning into a little diva. This pampered pooch will only go outside in the rain if she has her raincoat on or if Mom goes with her. She’s already quite attached to Joanna and gets so excited when she comes home, especially after a long business trip. Charli is a sweetheart who rarely barks, unless she’s woken from a nap. She is attending training classes and enjoys playing fetch with her human brothers in the back yard.
Lovely Lucy
Donna shared that Lucy is a 10-month-old mixed breed who can claim Curly Coated Retriever, Beagle, Irish Setter, Golden Retriever, and Bichon Frise in her ancestry. This cutie loves to snack on peanut butter and enjoys bringing sticks or leaves from the yard into the house. Donna found Lucy through the Homes for Animal Heroes Facebook page. While she doesn’t know much about Lucy’s background, she was obviously well loved and cared for in the research facility. Lucy gets along very well with other dogs and loves people. She is completely spoiled, and she deserves it. Donna currently volunteers with an organization called Fidos for Freedom. She and her other dog, a standard poodle who is trained as a therapy dog, visit hospitals, nursing homes, and schools to bring a little puppy love to people who need it. She hopes to train Lucy as a therapy dog as well. Being a retriever, she needs a job to do!
58 Laboratory Animal Science Professional January 2020
A Terrific Trio
Lucy, Birdie, and Blue successfully manage Misty’s home in conjunction with a basement cat. Birdie is a 6-year-old miniature dachshund and is top dog over the two Irish Wolfhounds. Please note, this is a “before” picture of Birdie. She has successfully trimmed down to a svelte 10 pounds. Blue (the black IW) is an active member of the Sofa Tasting Society of Upstate NY. To the surprise of many visitors, Lucy (the fawn IW) is a bona fide smiling dog. The household humans have tried to institute a firm “Noses-Off-The-Table” rule but policy change really does need to come from the top down and the pets just aren’t buying in. Misty’s daughter, Alli, snapped this cute pic of the sofa surfers.
PET TALK
Be a part of LAS Pro's column this year! Email us a photo of you with your pet and we will put you in the running for a spot in one of our upcoming issues.
Contact us at laspro@aalas.org.
January 2020 Laboratory Animal Science Professional 59
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