ANU Bioscience Services
CMBE
Standard Operating Procedure
004
Version 2.0
Uncontrolled if printed
Effective From : 30 Nov 2010
Review due: 29 June 2011
References:
Reporting of illness. Injuries and abnormalities in animals
Related to: All personnel required to work with animals within an ABS Animal
Facility
TITLE:
Using Animal Monitoring Score Index & Cards
OBJECTIVE
To ensure that any animal identified as “At risk” in a welfare capacity is adequately
monitored to avoid undue pain, suffering or death of the animal.
BACKGROUND
Monitoring score cards are to be used for animals which have been identified as having
an illness, disease, phenotype or undergoing a procedure that may impact the welfare of
the animal.
RISK STATEMENT:
As this is an administrative procedure there has been no physical safety risks associated
with it.
PPE
There is no additional PPC&E required for this procedure
PREREQUISITES

Competent in identifying sick and abnormal animals
EQUIPMENT REQUIRED
 Writing implements
 Score cards
Standard Operating Procedure
004 - Using Animal Monitoring Score Index & Cards
Version 2.0
PROCEDURE
DEVELOPING THE SCORING INDEX:
1. A Scoring Index must be developed where the Protocol indicates that an animal is “At
risk” in a welfare capacity. It is the responsibility of the Chief Investigator to ensure that
the Index is available and approved by the AEEC. The Index must include:

Normal basic physical characteristics

Expected changes to physical characteristics based on procedures performed
Refer to example below
2. Where an animal is not part of a Protocol that has been identified as requiring a
specific scoring index by the AEEC, a Generic Scoring Index is available, see below
3. The Scoring Index must be available in all rooms where affected animals are kept.
USING THE SCORING INDEX:
1. Under each Observable:

Identify the description that best applies to the condition of the animal and
note the relevant column number.

Record the appropriate score on the card/sheet against that observable.
COMPLETING THE CARD/SHEET:
NOTE: New cases must be flagged with a red cage card so the facility veterinarian
knows to examine the animal during rounds (Please refer to the procedure “Reporting of
Sick & Abnormal Animals”)
1. Immediately upon identifying an abnormality or sickness, complete an “Animal
Monitoring Score Card/Sheet”, ensuring the following is included:
o Animal details and date first observed.
o Note the Examination interval, eg: Daily/Weekly.
o Score the animal according to the clinical signs observed. (Refer to the
scoring index which is available in every room)
o Cross out observables that are not applicable, eg: surgery/site wound
2. The information is to be readily available either on a card attached to the animal
cage or in a folder within the relevant animal room. Where the information is
contained in a folder, the cage must be noted to direct observers to check and
score the animal.
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED
Standard Operating Procedure
004 - Using Animal Monitoring Score Index & Cards
Version 2.0
SCORING OUTCOMES
1.
If an animal reaches a score of ‘3’ on any given examination interval, it is to be
euthanased immediately. This could be either “3” in one observable or a
cumulative score across a number of observables at that exam, eg: 1+1+1, or
2+1. Ensure a record is made on the card/sheet as to the reason behind its
euthanasia.
2.
If an animal has 3 consecutive exam intervals scoring a total of ‘0’, cease
monitoring the animal and record the information on the card/sheet.
NOTE: Where an exam interval will fall “Out of Hours” relevant staff must be notified to
ensure the animals are checked.
3.
Score Cards/Sheets must be kept for future reference for the researcher or
facility veterinarian.
4.
EXAMPLE SCORE CARD/SHEET
ANIMAL OF INTEREST: MONITORING CARD
Animal Details:
Phenotype:
ENU 101 Spot
Spotty,
paralysis
First Noted: (date)
10/03/2010
Exam Interval:
Daily
Date
OBSERVABLES
10/03
11/03
12/03
13/03
14/03
15/03
Coat
0
0
0
0
0
1
Activity
0
0
1
1
1
1
0
0
0
1
1
1
Breathing
Movement
Eating/Drinking
Condition
Dehydration
Faeces/Urine
Body Weight
Surgery
Site/Wound
Comments
Culled
INITIALS
SF
SF
SF
SF
SF
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED
SF
Standard Operating Procedure
004 - Using Animal Monitoring Score Index & Cards
Version 2.0
VERSION HISTORY
Version
Number
Date Initiated
Changes Made
Made by
1.0
2.0
23 Nov 2010
April 2011
Original
Addition of new example score card
Minor formatting and editing changes
SUMMARY



All animals that are identified as being “At Risk” must have a monitoring score
card/sheet available for review in the room
Ensure animals are checked at the correct intervals as indicated
If an animal reaches a score of ‘3’ on any given examination interval, it is to be
euthanased immediately. This could be either “3” in one observable or a
cumulative score across a number of observables at that exam
I have read the full version of the above summarised SOP and recognise the risks
associated with this procedure.
Name
Date
Signature
Supervisor
Date
Signature
A copy of this summary page must be kept in each employee’s handbook.
UNCONTROLLED IF PRINTED
Example of Scoring Index
ABS GENERIC SCORING INDEX
SCORES
OBSERVABLES
0
1
2
3
Unkempt, thin, wounds
Discoloured,
skin discharge
Huddled/inactive OR
overactive
Rapid, deep (abdominal
movement)
uncoordinated, walking on
toes, reluctant to move
Declining or seizuring
Laboured, cyanosis (blue
extremities)
Staggering, paralysis,
limb dragging
Coat
Normal
Rough
Activity
Normal
Isolated, abnormal posture
Breathing
Normal
Rapid, shallow
Movement
Normal
Slightly uncoordinated/ abnormal
Eating/Drinking
Condition
Dehydration
Normal
Normal
Nil
Increased/Decreased for 24 hrs
Thin
Skin less elastic
Faeces/Urine
Normal
Moist faeces
Increased/decreased for
48 hrs
Loss of fat, no growth
Skin tents
Diarrhoea or dry faeces,
abnormal urine
(volume/colour)
Body Weight
Normal
Reduced growth
Weight loss >15%
Increased/decreased >48
hours. Obese*
Loss of muscle
Skin tents, eyes sunken
Uncontrolled diarrhoea,
blood in faeces. Nil urine
or incontinent
Weight loss >10% over
short period or >20% over
time
Surgery Site/Wound
Normal,
healing
Discharge
Discharge ++ or gap
forming
Bleeding heavily, wound
reopened, red
Other Information
If surgery has taken place, please indicate time, date and surgeon in comments section
Specific requests/comments regarding animal/strains should be recorded on the database and made by
email, these forms are ONLY for daily monitoring