In laboratory mouse studies, inadequate and inappropriate anesthesia and analgesia pose significant challenges for the welfare of research mice. The key drivers for why researchers use suboptimal pain management strategies may include difficulty in assessing pain, concerns about potential side effects, and fear of the treatments interfering with study objectives. Insufficient pain management can prolong recovery times and induce inappetence. Yet, the use of postoperative pain relief in animal studies has been estimated to be as low as 25%, raising concerns regarding both animal welfare and the scientific integrity of these studies.
This project aims to thoroughly assess available anesthetic and analgesic agents and strategies, with a focus on their application during anesthesia induction, maintenance, and recovery, as well as postoperative pain alleviation. Additionally, the study explores innovative approaches to pain assessment, potentially incorporating computer-assisted technologies. By utilizing a multidisciplinary approach, this project aims to be beneficial to researchers unfamiliar with rodent behavior, while also offering valuable resources for experts in the field.
By refining mouse anesthesia and analgesia, animal welfare will be improved in research facilities, both at University of Copenhagen and elsewhere. Furthermore, the translational implications of our findings extend beyond the realm of laboratory mice, offering potential benefits for clinical research and medicine.