Appendix D – IACUC Protocol
IACUC #:
Use of Prolonged Restraint
Mod #:
University of California, Irvine
Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
For Office Use Only
Protocol #:
Lead Researcher:
"Physical restraint is the use of manual or mechanical means to limit some or all of an animal’s normal movement for the
purpose of examination, collection of samples, drug administration, therapy, or experimental manipulation" 1.
Professional judgment should be used to determine what is meant by prolonged restraint in terms of actual time.
Depending on the species and the type of restraint used, the length of time which could lead to distress in an animal will
vary. Brief restraint for the purpose of injection, blood collection or veterinary examinations is not considered prolonged
physical restraint.
If animals will be physically restrained without the use of sedation or anesthesia, submit this appendix.
Provide the following information for the use of prolonged restraint in live animals without sedation or anesthesia.
Section 1: Description of Restraint Methods or Devices
A. Restraint Methods or Devices
Describe in detail the method(s) and device(s) used for restraining animals
(To add more rows, place cursor in the last cell and press key “Tab”)
Method or Device
Detailed Description
B. Scientific Justification
Provide scientific justification for the use of prolonged restraint without the use of sedation or anesthesia.
C. Duration of Restraint
Indicate how long animals will be restrained and explain how this was determined to be the minimum duration
required to achieve the research objects.
D. Animal Training or Acclimation to Restraint
Describe how animals will be trained or acclimatized to the restraint device or method.
E. Effect of Restraint on Normal Activities of Animals
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IACUC Protocol Application - Appendix D
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Discuss whether animals will be able to perform normal activities (e.g. eat, drink, sleep, pass urine/feces) while
restrained:
F. Monitoring During Restraint
1. Describe how the animals will be monitored for distress and how often this monitoring will be performed
while the animal is under restraint.
2. Explain the methods used to prevent soiling of the animals due to feces/urine that may potentially be
excreted during the duration of the restraint (e.g., placing absorbent material under animals, etc.).
Section 2: Guidelines and Researcher Agreement

Restraint devices are not to be considered normal methods of housing.

Alternatives to physical restraint should be considered.

Restraint devices should not be used simply as a convenience in handling or managing animals.

Animals that fail to adapt should be removed from the study

The purpose of the restraint and its duration should be clearly explained to personnel involved in the study.
Veterinary care must be provided if lesions or illnesses associated with restraint are observed. The presence of
lesions, illnesses or severe behavioral change may necessitate temporary or permanent removal of the animal from
restraint.
By checking this box, the Lead Researcher and all research personnel assure that they have reviewed
these guidelines and agree to implement them.
1
Reference:
The Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals, National Research Council, 8th Edition, 2011, p. 29.
UCI Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee
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IACUC Protocol Application - Appendix D
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