Welfare webinar: Best practice in research animal anaesthesia

Anaesthesia in an important refinement for research animals, playing a critical role in minimising pain, distress and adverse physiological effects, while also supporting high quality and reliable scientific outputs. Poorly planned or inadequately monitored anaesthesia can compromise both animal welfare and experimental outcomes, whereas good practice can substantially refine procedures across a wide range of species and research contexts.

In this two-part webinar, veterinary anaesthetists from the Research Animal Anaesthesia Network (RAAN) shared expert insights into principles and practical approaches to improve anaesthetic practice in laboratory animal research.

Session 1 explored why anaesthesia is a key welfare refinement which is essential for robust experimental outcomes, alongside practical approaches to addressing common challenges and support available through RAAN.

Session 2 covered realistic and appropriate monitoring during general anaesthesia and appropriate use of injectable agents, including when and why they are used.

Session 1

The importance of good practice in research animal anaesthesia for improved animal welfare and reliable experimental outcomes

Polly Taylor, Independent Specialist in Veterinary Anaesthesia/RAAN.

Practical approaches to addressing common challenges in research animal anaesthesia

Eddie Clutton, University of Edinburgh/RAAN.

An introduction to the Research Animal Anaesthesia Network (RAAN) and the resources and support available

Gabby Musk, Murdoch University/RAAN.

Session 1 Q&A

Session 2

Why and what to monitor during general anaesthesia

Gabby Musk, Murdoch University/RAAN.

Injectable agents in laboratory animal anaesthesia

Bryony Few, Charles River Laboratories/RAAN.

Session 2 Q&A