Experimental and Surgical Technique in the Rat

The appearance of this second edition, some twelve years after the first, attests to the timelessness of the techniques used in experimental work with the rat. However, scientific progress inevitably brings to light new ideas and procedures. In particular, considerable advances have been made in the use of new anaesthetics and analgesics, and a completely new chapter has been written on these with unique emphasis on their applicability to the rat. The very variable standards of surgery that existed in the past are placed in perspective in another new chapter, which makes recommendations more in keeping with the higher standards now demanded of animal experimentation. A variety of new techniques has been added throughout to expand the usefulness of the book, and the number of illustrations in particular has been increased to help in the execution of the various procedures. One of the most significant advances in the last twelve years has been a greater appreciation of the well-being of experimental animals, and references to a more humane and refined approach have been made throughout this edition. This greater awareness of welfare issues demands that experimental animals are handled and used correctly and compassionately with as little suffering as possible, and has led to a marked improvement in the attitude to proper training. This book is still the only source which provides a detailed up-to-date compilation of illustrated experimental methods for work with the rat. It will continue to be an invaluable and unique reference of specific information for laboratory workers and will help greatly in training new investigators in the proper and considerate use of this species.Waynforth, H. B. is the author of 'Experimental and Surgical Technique in the Rat' with ISBN 9780127388519 and ISBN 0127388516.