Dogs have been used for science in NZ in a variety of ways, including both non-harmful and cruel/invasive methods.
We've discovered evidence of dogs in NZ being used to:
- Test insecticides, pesticides and other toxins.
- Try and model human disease and other human conditions.
- Measure the safety of food and ingredients.
- Test what pain relief is most effective.
- Research disease detection.
- Research nutrition and how it affects biological functions and food preferences.
- Test the effectiveness of new, possible treatments for skin infections.
- Research performance, nutrition and underlying causes of disease in working dogs. These animals are seen as a vital part of the animal agriculture sector (in 2009, there were 150,000 working dogs in NZ).
- Research fitness and training regimes in police dogs. Police dogs have also been used to train dog handlers.
- Teach vet and vet nurse students basic concepts like animal handling and basic clinical/husbandry skills. Dog cadavers are also used to teach vet students, and some dogs already scheduled to be euthanised by council pounds, are euthanised by vet and vet nurse students as part of their training.
Places that use dogs for science in NZ include private companies, universities, and polytechnics.
Dogs used for science in NZ are sourced from breeding facilities, farms, city council pounds and other public sources.*
*According to the Ministry for Primary Industries, public sources include: Public donations, animals obtained from a pound, a pet shop or other public sources. This includes companion animals who are used for the duration of the exercise (e.g. veterinary nurse training).
Discover real-life examples of how dogs have been used in NZ below!
Testing a new papillomavirus vaccine
Adult colony cats were injected with a new vaccine or a control solution. Regular skin swabs and blood samples were taken.
Testing the effect of dietary fibre in cat food
Cats received three diets for three weeks each. Food intake was measured daily, and urine and faeces were collected for the last 5 days each time.
Determining how common E. coli is in pets
Rectal swaps were taken from cats and dogs presented at veterinary clinics, and their caregivers filled out a questionnaire.
Tracking and killing wild cats
Wild-caught cats were used to train sedation and collar fitting before being killed. Another group of cats was fitted with GPS collars for one year before being tracked down and shot.
Scoring the body condition of colony cats
The body condition score of 101 cats was determined, adding to routinely collected body weight data from the breeding colony.
Testing new toxin at Ngatapa Station
Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.
Testing a possum poison for other animals’ safety
Dogs, chickens and wild-caught cats were fed dead possum. Once they got used to eating this, they were fed possums killed with sodium nitrite, and signs for poisoning were monitored.
Testing nutritional value of new pet food
Cats and dogs were fed a test diet exclusively for several months. Some adults are kept in metabolic chambers for 10 days, and blood samples are taken at the end.
Testing new toxin at Toronui Station
Toxic bait traps were placed on a property in Hawke’s Bay. Cat population changes were monitored with stationary cameras.
Surveying caregivers on their cats’ personality
Cat caregivers in Australia and New Zealand filled in an online survey about their cats’ personality traits.
Training staff in wild cat handling
Wild cats are trapped and used to train staff in handling, sedation and collar fitting before they are killed.
Sampling cats’ saliva for feline autoimmune disease
Buccal swabs (inside the cheek) were collected from all cats in three British Shorthair breeding catteries.
Measuring vitamins in blood samples
Blood samples were taken from colony cats of different ages.
Collecting blood plasma for tests
Colony cats are switched from wet food to dry food for two days. Blood samples are taken before and after.
Testing a breathing mask on cats and dogs
Cats and dogs were held down tightly and fitted with face masks. Their breathing was measured for a while.
Testing pain medication with lasers
Colony cats were put into small chambers, and a laser was pointed at a shaved skin patch. The influence of medication on their reaction time was measured.
Studying the genes for hairyness
The hairiness of male and female cattle was rated. Some animals had their rectal temperature taken repeatedly, and some were shut in a hot room for two hours to make them sweat. Eight calves were killed to take brain samples.
Optimising fertility treatment
Young female cattle were treated with different hormonal injections to control their fertility cycle. Around ten rectal ultrasounds were done on each of them within 11 days, and several blood samples were taken in the next month. All but nine were artificially inseminated. The nine animals showed no fertility signs and were therefore useless for the study and the industry.
Trying out a health test for breeding bulls
Breeding bulls were infected with a skin fungus that usually results in a dangerous build-up in the gall and eczema. Through a special diet, bulls can be tested for their reactions via repeated blood samples and ranked for their genetic quality.
Testing a vaccine against miscarriage
Younger and older pregnant cattle were injected with a new vaccine against a parasite or just control solution. Skin reactions to the injection were checked, and blood samples were taken. Farmers reported miscarriages when they happened, and dead foetuses were collected if possible. If female calves were born, blood samples were taken from them, too.
Studying Johne’s disease
Some female calves of a group were infected with bacteria causing life-threatening sickness. Poo samples were collected directly from the rectum of all calves every other month. Half were killed to be dissected at 7 months, the rest at 15 months.
Studying Johne’s disease bacteria
Blood samples were taken from sick dairy cows who were sent to slaughter to see if their immune system was even putting up a fight. After slaughter, organ samples were taken.
Finding a gene to increase casein in milk
Breeding bulls were evaluated on their quality by judging, breeding, and milking their daughters. No exact numbers are stated how many lived to the end of the study (5 lactations).
Testing a new way to treat liver flukes
Young cattle were infected with liver flukes. They were treated with different medications or left untreated. Regular blood samples were taken from all animals for three weeks, and they were killed ten weeks later.
Studying effects of stunning before slaughter
Calves and sheep were anaesthetised. Some got 70-volt shocks to the shoulder. Others had a nerve exposed and stimulated before being stunned or cutting their throat.
Measuring brain reactions to stunning after killing
Calves were fasted for 24 hours and then anaesthetised. They were killed by their throats being cut, followed by stunning while measuring EEG/ECG (electronic heart and brain activity) and blood pressure.
Measuring brain reactions to stunning
Calves were fasted, anaesthetised and stunned with a non-penetrative bolt while being monitored for their response. After measurements were taken, they were killed.
Studying brain reactions to cutting blood vessels or neck tissue
Calves were anaesthetised, and their throat blood vessels exposed. While monitoring the brain“s activity (EEG) and blood pressure, either only the blood vessels or only the neck tissue was cut. The latter animals were then killed, too.
Measuring if being slaughtered is unpleasant
Calves were fasted, anaesthetised, and killed by cutting their throat. EEG and ECG (recording electronic heart and brain activity) were measured with electrodes in the head.
Measuring brain reactions to pain
Twenty calves were fasted and anaesthetised. Their horn buds were removed with a scoop, and pain response of the heart and brain with and without pain blockers.
Testing mastitis treatments
Dairy cows with an udder infection were treated with different antibiotic injections. Milk samples were taken to monitor results.
Trying to clone cows with more valuable milk protein
The genetic material of a cow foetus was manipulated and cloned into several cows. When they were less than one year old, they were injected with hormones to produce milk for sampling.
Analysing Greyhound race injury statistics
Historical data on Greyhound races between 2014 and 2019 were analysed. Injuries and deaths were investigated.
Using bones of euthanised shelter dog
Cadavers of dogs killed at an animal shelter were donated. Holes were drilled into leg bones and fitted with screws.
Investigating farm dogs for four years
Working farms dogs were examined regularly for four years. Health problems and fate were recorded.
Transplanting faeces as diarrhoea treatment
A dog with diarrhoea was treated with laxatives and warm water before a faeces sample from a healthy dog was inserted into his colon. Samples were taken before and after.
Testing the eyes of working dogs
Eye examinations were performed on working sheep dogs. Medication for pupil dilation was given, and faeces samples were taken from most dogs.
Analysing dog movements
Colony dogs were prepared with reflective markers and an activity collar. Their movements on a treadmill at various speeds were recorded.
Testing the effect of diet on farm dog performance
Working dogs were fed a diet very high or very low in carbohydrates. Their blood glucose and activity were monitored three times over four days each.
Testing a parasite treatment
After a pilot study with just one dog, six more were given an experimental parasitic treatment. Regular blood samples were taken through a catheter.
Teaching dogs to smell out catfish
Five pet dogs were trained over several months to identify catfish and goldfish smell in water samples.
Testing different combinations of pain meds
Eight dogs are treated with four different combinations of the test drugs in random order with two-week breaks in between. Two catheters are placed in leg veins (for drug injection and blood samples). For the test, dogs are fasted for 12 hours and anaesthetised. EEG is recorded with electrodes near the brain to measure response to electric shocks. Regular blood samples are taken for 8 hours.
Studying medical data of cat and dog CT-imaging
Medical data from cats and dogs were gathered, and animals that had been euthanised for other reasons were examined.
Teaching dogs to smell out koi carps (2019)
Three pet dogs were trained over several months to identify koi carb smell in water samples.
Testing working dogs for internal parasites
Faeces and blood samples were taken from working farm dogs.
Testing fluid management of dogs during anaesthesia
Dogs were anaesthetised. Their heart activity was measured while hey were injected with calculated amounts of fluid.
Trying to make rat poison unattractive for dogs
Dogs were fasted overnight and then given two food bowls with different kinds of repellent on one of them.
Surveying respiratory disease in racing Greyhounds
Laboratories sent in serum samples of dogs for analysis. Additionally, 17 racing Greyhounds were tested.
Using fish to study the impacts of Climate Change
Fish were either bought or caught and killed so that they could be dissected.
Overfeeding Zebrafish to learn about obesity
Normal and transgenic zebrafish were fed normally or way too much. The fish were taken out of the water for glucose tests and blood samples.
Studying gut bacteria in fish
Nine fish were caught by underwater spearing and killed so that samples could be collected from their digestion tracts.
Studying the sleep of sharks
Sharks were caught and kept in outside tanks. For the experiments, they weren't fed for at least 4 days, of which they spent 3 days in a measuring chamber not much bigger than the shark. Oxygen consumption and behaviour were continuously recorded for the last 24 hours.
Infecting fish larvae as a potential model for humans
Zebrafish larvae were injected with bacteria to test how their immune system responds. This was repeated to test how well the immune system reacted and how long the effect lasts.
Finding a “growth gene” in snappers
Snappers were caught from the wild and bred. Around eighty-thousand of their offspring were hatched and raised. At regular “grading” events, injured and deformed fish were disposed of. At just under a year old, around twenty-two-thousand were left and transported to a sea pen, where they were raised to 17.5 months old before harvesting.
Testing how much fat you can feed fish
Fish in aquaculture were divided into groups and fed diets with different fat content. Fish were anaesthetised and faeces samples squeezed out of them.
Testing fish for mercury contamination
Wild fish were caught, measured and frozen to be analysed.
Measuring how stress affects fish
Fish were exposed to chronic stress for four weeks, while 57 non-stressed animals were kept as a control. Signs of stress were noted. At the end of the experiment, all were chilled to death.
Exposing fish to herbicides
Zebrafish were kept in tanks that were contaminated with different herbicide concentrations for 10 days. They were then mated to herbicide-exposed or control fish. Both generations were tested on behavioural changes at around 4 months of age. 24 fish per treatment were killed and dissected.
Testing supplements as protection from toxins in over 1,000 fish embryos
Embryos were harvested and kept in Petri dishes for toxicity and treatment tests. Embryos were treated with an antioxidant, a gold salt or both on the first day, and abnormal development was measured on day 5.
Studying effects of drying rivers on mudfish
Water depth and quality were measured at 24 different sites. Several traps for fish and invertebrates were set at 8 visits, sampling and mostly killing the caught animals (including 15 individuals of the endangered Kōwaro).
Studying bacterial spread in fish larvae
Bacteria were genetically modified and made fluorescent. Zebrafish were bred, and their larvae were infected with the bacteria. The fish were killed for analyses or used for live imaging under a microscope (and then killed, most likely).
Investigating effects of invasive fish removal
Using fyke nets and electrofishing, fish were caught on four occasions. Fish were marked with fin clippings around one big removal event where 3 tonnes of fish were caught. In recaptures a week after each marking event, invasive fish caught were killed after the examination.
Studying fish life cycles
Fish were sedated and their blood and ovarian tissue were sampled three times.
Questioning vets on pain management
Veterinarians completed a questionnaire regarding pain and pain management in rabbits and guinea pigs.
Testing nerve reactions to electric stimulation
Young guinea pigs were bled to death. Specific nerves were removed and experimented on.
Studying short-sightedness
Guinea pigs had one eye covered for two weeks before increasing their eye pressure surgically and kill them.
Measuring nerve reactions to gases
Guinea pigs were anaesthetised, and their windpipe and blood vessels were cannulated. They were exposed to different gases and cyanide while measuring breathing and nerve activity.
Studying how anaesthesia affects breathing and heart
Guinea pigs were put in airtight chambers to test the effects of low oxygen. Some were surgically fitted with tubing so blood samples could be taken during the tests. In the end, all were killed.
Studying compensation after inner ear destruction
Guinea pigs were anaesthetised, and their inner ear was destroyed with a drill. Videos were made for over two days of their balance recovery.
Killing pregnant guinea pigs for tissue cultures
Pregnant guinea pigs were anaesthetised at specific time points of their pregnancy, including during labour, to then remove the uterus for tissue culture experiments.
Testing how oxytocin injections cause contractions
Pregnant guinea pigs were surgically implanted with electrodes on or near the uterus. They were injected with oxytocin in specific doses and timeframes, and the effects were measured.
Harvesting testicles for studies
Male guinea pigs were killed with CO2 to remove their testicles for experiments.
Testing a new tuberculosis vaccine
A new tuberculosis vaccine was tested by injecting guinea pigs with the bacteria, either with or without prior vaccination. After several weeks, all were killed.
Testing how heart calcium metabolism is different in species
Guinea pigs and rats were decapitated, and their hearts were quickly removed to study them.
Testing influences on the rate of a dissected heart
Albino guinea pigs were anaesthetised and dissected before they were killed.
Confirming the correlation of energy storage and stress in the inner ear fluid
Guinea pigs were anaesthetised and artificially ventilated. Ear fluid samples were taken through a hole in the skull, while exposing them to noise or lack of oxygen.
Comparing natural and genetically altered tuberculosis strains
Guinea pigs were infected with tuberculosis strains after being injected with bacterial proteins beforehand. In the end, all guinea pigs were killed and dissected.
Comparing effects of anaesthetics on breathing and heart rate
Guinea pigs, rabbits and rats were anaesthetised, and a tube was put into their windpipe through the neck. They were made to breathe anaesthetic gas.
Testing motherly instinct towards foster pups
Mice of different “status” (never pregnant, pregnant, new mums) were made to rescue foster pups they didn’t know from several places. Transgenic mice lacking a prolactin brain receptor were tested for anxiety behaviour in the standard elevated-plus-maze.
Testing new cancer vaccines
Mice were injected with cancer cells, followed by one of several potential vaccines. They were killed when tumours reached a certain size, or it became otherwise inhumane to keep them alive.
Testing if pregnancy affects the healing of teeth
Pregnant and non-pregnant mice were taken. After the pregnant ones gave birth, all mice were anaesthetised. Some of their teeth were forcefully moved. Two weeks later, all were killed.
Testing the effect of obesity during pregnancy
Pregnant mice were fed high-fat diets and had their babies removed via caesarean section. The foetuses were decapitated. Other newborn mice were separated to record their calls.
Testing how motherly mice are
Transgenic mice were compared to “normal” mice on rescuing pups and how they care for their babies. They were mated, gave birth, and then put through behavioural tests involving newborn mice. After a few weeks, they were killed.
Testing a medicine against drug addiction
Mice's tails were dunked in hot water. Rats were put through cycles of drug-seeking and withdrawal using self-injection of cocaine. Other rats were injected, and their behaviour was tested (with the notorious Forces Swim Test, among others).
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Testing the viability of xenotransplantation using islet capsules
Newborn piglets were killed for their pancreas. Encapsulated pancreas cells were then implanted into young mice, who were killed later to retrieve the capsules.
Studying the digestion of kiwifruit
Pigs were surgically fitted with an outside access to their intestine. Faeces were collected through anal stimulation, and samples were taken from the intestine for six-hour periods.
Testing feed supplements for their performance
Pigs were fed diets with different organic acids added. At a specific weight, they were slaughtered to collect samples.
Comparing the digestion of egg white in different forms
Pigs were acclimated to eating egg whites of different textures. After being deprived of water for two hours, they were fed again and then killed in intervals over six hours.
Testing ways of injecting nicotine
Pigs were anaesthetised and injected with nicotine through different methods. Blood samples were taken for two hours before the pigs were killed.
Measuring brain response to tail-docking
Piglets were bought at one to fifteen days old and anaesthetised. Their tails were cut off while measuring brain activity, and then they were killed.
Testing how cooking affects beef digestion
Pigs were fed ground beef for three days, either raw or cooked. They were then killed to cut out a part of their intestine.
Trialling a method to measure intestine fermentation
Young pigs were fed a test diet for two weeks while confined in metabolic chambers. After that, they were killed with an anaesthetic injected into the heart.
Testing how to gas piglets
Piglets were gassed plastic box to record their behaviour and vital signs.
Testing the accuracy of heart activity measurements
Pigs were anaesthetised, their open chests were equipped with electrodes and closed again. After measurements, the hearts were stopped, images were taken, and the hearts were removed.
Testing cholesterol absorption from baby formula
One-week-old piglets were kept in metabolic crates and fed baby formula for three weeks. They were then anaesthetised and killed to be dissected.
Studying the digestion of protein through serial slaughter
Ninety young pigs were housed individually for 13 days; their diet contained kiwi fruit and beef. All were killed to be dissected.
Studying the inner functions of the heart
Pigs were anaesthetised and their chests were cut open. Electrodes were inserted into their hearts so measurements could be taken before their hearts were removed.
Testing the effect of pain killers during tail docking
Piglets were anaesthetised and their tails were removed using different methods. During these procedures, the heart and brain activity of the pigs were measured.
Testing if pigs spread kauri tree sickness
A group of pigs was fed infected kauri roots for one day, and their faeces were collected for a week. Over 270 wild pigs were shot, and their stomach contents was sampled.
Trialing xenotransplantation for diabetes
Four pigs were used to harvest cells for transplantation into humans.
Studying sow and piglet behaviour in crates and pens
Sows and their newborn piglets were put in tightly confined crates or pens with slightly more room and their behaviour was observed.
Studying food intake in an autism "model"
Pregnant rats were injected to cause autism-like symptoms in their babies. The male babies were put through behavioural tests with control animals as well as a feeding study. Some were fasted for 16 hours and killed by flushing their hearts.
Testing the safety of a probiotic supplement
Rats were force-fed with a probiotic solution or control solution. After two weeks, they were killed for dissection.
Studying the effects of obesity and mussel powder on bone health
Rats were kept alone and fed different diets containing normal or high amounts of fat or sugar. Some were supplemented with Greenshell mussel powder. X-rays were done, and some rats' ovaries were removed. Ultimately, all were killed by bleeding them out.
Testing if a brain region controls memory
Some rats had their brains surgically heat-damaged. Electrodes were implanted to monitor brain activity and to stimulate the damaged parts with light. Rats then had to re-perform memory tests to see the impact before all were killed.
Studying the communication between inner ear and brain
Rats were anaesthetised, and their inner ear was partly removed, before parts of their brains were stimulated with wire electrodes. Reactions of the rat's eyes and brain were recorded. In the end, all rats were killed.
Testing a connection between tinnitus and brain function
Rats were anaesthetised and one ear was damaged with noise. Rats were taught that silence meant they would get electric shocks and freeze in fear. This was a test for tinnitus.
Testing diabetic rats’ hearts
Genetically diabetic fat rats and their lean littermates were anaesthetised. Ultrasound images were made from their hearts. All were killed and dissected.
Testing the effect of diabetes on pregnancy hormones
Rats were anaesthetised, and their brain was accessed through the mouth to measure reactions to stimulation. In the end, all rats were killed.
Trying to study schizophrenia
Half of a group of pregnant rats were injected to affect their babies' brain development. Some pups were allowed to grow up to test their behaviour.
Releasing a rat family into the wild to see where they go
A wild-caught rat was mated, fed a fluorescent dye, and released again with her pups. Traps, tunnels, and cameras were set up to track and eventually recapture the animals, which did not work 100%.
Comparing digestion of sheep versus cow milk yoghurt
Rats were fed cow milk, sheep milk, cow yoghurt or sheep yoghurt for two weeks. They were gassed with CO2 before their necks were broken.
Testing a rat poison that is unattractive for dogs
Rats were kept in small cages and fasted overnight. Then, they were given two food trays. One of them was scented with lion, tiger, or dog faeces.
Comparing digestion of sheep versus cow milk
Rats were fed a test diet containing beef protein and received cow milk or sheep milk instead of drinking water. After 28 days, all were killed.
Testing medication after heart attack
Rats were anaesthetised, and their hearts were exposed. A heart attack was simulated by blocking an artery. Some had dye injected into their brains, and some were injected with test drugs. All animals were killed.
Testing a medicine against drug addiction
Mice's tails were dunked in hot water. Rats were put through cycles of drug-seeking and withdrawal using self-injection of cocaine. Other rats were injected, and their behaviour was tested (with the notorious Forces Swim Test, among others).
Studying cell death in breast tissue
Mother rats had some of their newborns taken away, and several of her teats were sealed off after two weeks. They were killed after different waiting times to analyse the dying tissue.
Investigating how worms spread between lambs and calves
Lambs and calves were treated against parasites and then infected with worm eggs. Infection status was monitored. This was repeated several times before all sheep were killed.
Using sheep to try and model how well humans will heal after dental surgery
Sheep were anaesthetised, three teeth were pulled, and the sockets were treated differently. For months, regular samples were taken from the healing wounds before all sheep were killed.
Preclinical testing of a gene therapy for Batten disease
Sheep with and without a specific gene mutation were checked and scanned regularly for nine months. Affected sheep received gene therapy at different ages. Treated sheep were killed.
Testing if blocking a cell signal can prevent foetal brain injury
Pregnant sheep were anaesthetised, and the foetuses fitted with electrodes. The umbilical cord was blocked for most of them, and half were treated with a test drug. Mothers and unborn lambs were killed three weeks later.
Testing the combination of drugs for congestive heart failure treatment
Sheep were anaesthetised and subjected to surgery. Electrodes were used to pace their hearts faster while testing the effect of different drugs.
Testing the best way to deliver gene therapy drugs
Sheep were anaesthetised. Their heads were drilled into, and their brains injected with test drugs. They were killed after three weeks.
Testing the potency of pneumonia vaccines for sheep
Lambs were vaccinated twice, and regular blood samples were taken for 34 weeks.
Testing the effects and wash-out of painkillers
Lambs were treated with different painkillers or not at all before tail docking and castration. Their behaviour was monitored.
Developing “hyperimmune” milk
Sheep were injected with Covid-19 vaccines, and regular blood samples were taken. Some were mated and gave birth to sample their milk, too.
Studying the genetics of Batten disease on chimeric lambs
Sheep foetuses were removed. After swapping cells between them, they were inserted into other ewes. Lambs born were subjected to X-rays and, at one to three years old, were bled out for dissection.
Testing pacemaker adjustments
After causing them heart failure, sheep were surgically fitted with pacemakers and measurement devices. Those who survived the procedures were killed after six months.
Studying methane emission and meat quality
Sheep were bred for high and low methane emissions. Almost 2,000 were put through emission measurements. Over 17,000 were slaughtered.
Studying the effect of chemicals in normal and high blood pressure
Sheep were surgically fitted with a clip around an artery, or they served as control. Measuring devices were added before injecting different chemicals into the hearts of the conscious sheep.
Comparing muscle repair success with and without weeks of delay
Ewes were anaesthetised, and one side of a pelvis muscle was detached. After several weeks, the muscle was repaired. Gait was evaluated before all were killed.
Comparing different designs of dental implants
Sheep were anaesthetised. One leg bone was exposed and fitted with several implants. After 12 weeks, all were killed.
Trying to model human brain injuries
To study changes in different areas of the brain after brain injuries. Sheep were used to study the effects of traumatic brain injuries in humans.
Testing efficiency of strip-sowing 1080 bait
The toxin ‘1080’ was distributed as complete coverage and in a strip pattern. Effects on the wild rabbit numbers were evaluated.
Testing new formulations of eye medication
The eyes of albino rabbits were treated with different medications. At regular intervals, several of them were killed.
Taking blood samples over several days
Two New Zealand white rabbits were anaesthetised and restrained. Catheters were put into their ear veins to inject a solution and take regular blood samples.
Harvesting rabbit caecum for more lab tests
Domestic dwarf rabbits were anaesthetised, their caecum was cut out, and then they were killed.
Using rabbits as a model for human atherosclerosis
NZ White rabbits were fed pellets with or without added cholesterol for 10 weeks. They were killed with anaesthetic and taking blood from their heart until it stopped.
Testing new drug formulations
NZ White rabbits were given a new drug formulation or ketamine. Righting reflex, paw withdrawal, and blood parameters were checked every minute.
Infecting rabbits with a virus to have more samples of it
Samples of dead wild rabbits were taken to collect virus material. The virus was then used to infect rabbits and analyse their tissue.
Injuring the sinus tract to test medication
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and the sinus tracts in their nose were purposely injured to the bone. Two weeks after treatment, they were killed.
Teaching animal researchers
A range of animals is used to teach researchers handling and experimental methods.
Testing new drug formulations
Rats and rabbits were injected with a new anaesthetic, pinching their paw repeatedly to measure reflexes. Rats were giving the medication until they died.
Testing the behaviour of a drug in rabbits’ blood
NZ White rabbits were infused with different medications, and blood samples were taken regularly for 24 hours.
Testing a new drug delivery formulation
NZ White rabbits were injected with a radioactive solution, wrapped tightly, and recorded this way for 90min.
Placing metal into rabbits’ jaws
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised, and metal spheres were placed into their jaws. X-rays were taken to measure bone growth.
Using rabbits as glaucoma surgery model
The eyes of NZ White rabbits were surgically opened and treated with different solutions. At intervals, some were killed to analyse the eye tissue.
Monitoring vital signs of rabbits during intercourse
NZ White rabbits were anaesthetised and implanted with devices to measure vital signs. They were then monitored during intercourse.
Harvesting rabbit caecum for lab tests
Domesticated rabbits were anaesthetised. Part of their digestive tract was removed, and then they were killed.