STANDARD OPERATING PROCEDURE For REPORTING CHINCHILLA HEALTH PROBLEMS AT PARKER HALL

COMPARATIVE MEDICINE LABORATORY ANIMAL FACILITIES
  1. Purpose:
    The procedures set forth in this SOP outline the necessary steps to follow in recognizing and reporting sick chinchillas at Parker Hall.
  2. Scope:
    The CM-LAF and the researchers are both responsible for ensuring that the chinchillas receive medical care when required.
  3. Procedure:
    1. Signs of Disease/Illness in Chinchillas:
      1. Weight loss, inappetence, abnormal stools (small, fewer number, diarrhea, blood, mucous), abnormal eyes (redness, discharge, opacity, enlargement), lameness, skin abnormalities (bleeding, cuts, hair-loss, scratching), change in general appearance (abdominal distension, hunched), coughing/sneezing, nasal discharge, abnormal behaviour (depression, eyes partially closed, hyperactivity, aggression, inactivity).
      2. Any outcome from the surgery (research project) that is unexpected, unusual, or more severe than normal must also be reported. For example; >10% weight loss from pre-operative weight, infected incision (redness, swelling, discharges), > 45ยบ head tilt, rolling, inability to stand, head tilt lasting longer than 10 days post-op.
    2. Reporting abnormalities:
      1. Report problem either to the CM-LAF caretaker, who is at Parker Hall each day, or to a Veterinary Technician (VT) by phoning 829-2919.
      2. All abnormalities MUST be reported on the day first observed.
      3. CM-LAF staff will complete an "Animal Report" form, describing the problem, and place a YELLOW tag on the cage.
      4. The Animal Report form is then submitted to the veterinary technicians.
      5. The veterinary technician will further examine the animal that day.
      6. The VT will contact Dr. Sandy McFadden (829-2001 X21 or mcfadden@buffalo.edu) to inform, obtain further information, and obtain permission to treat if required.
      7. Dr. McFadden will in turn notify the appropriate PI/researcher of the problem.
    3. Medical Treatments:
      1. The CM-LAF veterinarian will examine the animal and prescribe appropriate therapy.
      2. Once the chinchilla is on treatment it will have a RED tag placed on the cage.
      3. The veterinary technician will keep Dr. McFadden informed of the animal's progress, and course of therapy.
      4. All treatments will be recorded on the animal's medical record kept at Parker Hall, and a copy kept in the Treatment book at CM-LAF.
      5. All treatments will be performed by the CM-LAF VTs, unless specific arrangements are made with the PI/researcher to participate in the administration of medications.
      6. All treatments/medications must be entered on the animal's medical file with the date, time, and signature.
      7. Changes in the course of therapy will be outlined by the veterinarian on the animal's medical record.