ALAT Animal Husbandry and Care 3

Question 1

Which of the following signs is most consistent with pain in a mouse?

Accepted Answer

Orbital tightening and nose bulging (grimace scale)

Answer

The Mouse Grimace Scale uses facial action units such as orbital tightening and nose/cheek bulging to assess pain.

Question 2

What is the correct term for the process of gradually acclimatizing animals to a new facility environment before use in studies?

Accepted Answer

Acclimation

Answer

Acclimation is the period during which animals adjust to the new environment, reducing stress-related variables in research.

Question 3

Guinea pigs cannot synthesize their own vitamin C. What disease results from dietary deficiency of this vitamin?

Accepted Answer

Scurvy

Answer

Guinea pigs lack L-gulonolactone oxidase and develop scurvy (vitamin C deficiency) without dietary supplementation.

Question 4

A technician finds a rabbit in lateral recumbency with rapid breathing and a bluish tinge to the mucous membranes. This is most suggestive of:

Accepted Answer

Cyanosis indicating respiratory distress

Answer

Cyanosis (blue mucous membranes) combined with rapid breathing indicates severe respiratory distress requiring immediate veterinary attention.

Question 5

Which bedding material is generally contraindicated for use with hamsters due to the risk of impaction?

Accepted Answer

Cotton fiber/fluffy bedding

Answer

Cotton fiber (fluffy) bedding can be ingested or packed into cheek pouches, causing impaction or intestinal obstruction in hamsters.

ALAT - Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician Practice Test