- Rapid
weight loss (>20% in 1 week)
-
Extended period of weight loss progressing to emaciation
-
Diarrhea or vomiting if debilitating or prolonged (more than 3 days).
- Rough
hair coat, hunched posture, distended abdomen, or lethargy if debilitating
or prolonged (more than 3 days)
-
Respiratory distress (dyspnea) or cyanosis.
-
Persistent cough, rales, wheezing, or nasal discharge.
-
Persistent bleeding from any orifice.
-
Persistent anemia leading to debilitation.
-
Distinct icterus (jaundice; yellow color to skin).
-
Markedly discolored urine, polyuria, or anuria if prolonged (more than 3
days).
- Central
nervous system signs such as head tilt, tremors, spasticity, seizures,
circling, or paresis if associated with anorexia and if hindering animal’s
ability to obtain food or water.
-
Paralysis.
-
Persistent lateral recumbancy.
-
Impaired mobility or lesions interfering with eating, drinking, or
ambulation.
- Tumors:
-
that are >10% of the animal’s original body weight
-
with a mean tumor diameter >2 cm in mice
-
with a mean tumor diameter >4 cm in rats
-
that are ulcerated > 1 cm diameter
-
Extensive necrotic tissue or skin ulceration (>10% body surface affected).
-
Excessive or prolonged hyperthermia or hypothermia (more than 3 days).
-
Persistent self-induced trauma.
-
Clinical signs of suspected infectious disease requiring a necropsy for
diagnosis.
- Other
clinical signs judged by experienced veterinary or technical staff to be
indicative of a moribund condition.
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This web page is maintained by Certification Coordinator
Revised: 12/31/07 gea
