IACUC policy on the use of analgesics in animal surgery

A Message from the Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC)

April 10, 2012

Policy on the Use of Analgesics in Animal Surgery

Given the varied professional and educational background of the investigative community at the University of Pittsburgh, each research investigator's approach to analgesia is equally diverse. With this in mind, a veterinary working group was created to produce a policy covering the post procedural and post operative administration of analgesics to vertebrate species used in research.

This policy was established to safeguard animal welfare with respect to pain and thereby improve the overall outcomes of research involving invasive manipulations. 
As always, it must be remembered that every animal must be diligently monitored to ensure the efficacy of the analgesics used.   If analgesics are not going to be used to relieve pain and discomfort, scientific justification MUST be provided in an approved IACUC protocol. Finally, when deciding on the appropriate use of analgesics, consultation with a DLAR veterinarian is strongly recommended.

A table describing surgical procedures and required analgesics can be downloaded HERE