If a pregnant sheep is found unable
to stand unassisted on the morning following surgery and if the
fetus is dead or has markedly abnormal blood gases, the sheep
should be euthanized immediately.
If the fetus is apparently in good health, the
following protocol will be followed:
1. The Laboratory Animal Resource Center (LARC) veterinary
staff will be notified immediately to evaluate the ewe.
2. If the ewe appears to be in any distress, after being evaluated
by the veterinarian and the investigator, she will be euthanized
immediately.
3. If the ewe appears to be comfortable and in no distress
whatsoever:
a. Food and water will be made readily available and accessible.
b. A mat will be placed beneath her on the cage floor.
c. The cage will be cleaned and hosed, taking care that the
sheep does not become wet.
d. The investigator and the LARC staff should make attempts
to assist the ewe to stand.
e. The sheep will be evaluated at least 4 times during the
day to assure that she has easy access to food and water,
that she is clean and not lying in excrement, and that she
still is not showing any signs of discomfort or distress.
This evaluation will be by investigators or LARC veterinary
staff (or both). Any deterioration in status will be an indication
for immediate euthanasia.
4. The following morning (second postoperative morning), if
the ewe still is unable to stand unassisted, a study may be
performed if the fetus appears to be in good health. However,
the ewe must be euthanized on that day.
5. Any departure from this protocol will be allowed only if
a specific request to do so is approved by the IACUC.
