Texas Branch
American Association for
Laboratory Animal Science
Meeting Program
February 11 - 13, 2015
Texas Branch AALAS
Board & Committee Members
President
Past President
President Elect
Secretary
Treasurer
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
Board Member
District VII Trustee
District VII Trustee
Commercial Liaison
Commercial Co-chair
Parliamentarian
Historian
Legislative
Membership
Membership Co-chair
Nominations/Elections
Publications
Publications Co-chair
Technician Branch Rep
Long Range Planning
Awards
Awards Co-chair
Education & Training
Education & Training Co-Chair
ALL Coordinator
Webmaster
Webmaster Co-chair
TSBR Representative
Metro Coordinators
Houston / Houston / Galveston
San Antonio
Central
Dallas / Fort Worth
West Texas
2015 Meeting Planner
2015 Local Arrangements
2015 Program Chair
2015 Program Co-chair
2015 Silent Auction
2015 Sponsorships
2015 Sponsorships Co-chair
2015 Tech Olympics
Angie Hitt, BS, RLATG, CMAR, CPIA
Leticia McGuffey
Jamie Greaver, BS, RLATG
Karen Guerra, MBA, RLATG, CMAR
Brian Gibson, DVM
Rusty Thomas
Lindsay Holmes
Adrienne Ferguson, BAS, LVT, RLATG, CMAR
Ryan Bird
Teresa Neubauer, CMAR, RLATG
Karen Guerra, MBA, RLATG, CMAR
Larry Ocanas
Brian Geyer
Lane Watkins, RLATG
Brian Gillman, RLATG
Nicole Monts de Oca, DVM
Belinda Proctor, RLATG
Jenni Adams
Steve Sterle, LATG
Carrie Schultz, PhD
Angelina Williams, DVM, DACLAM
Summer Boyd, MS, RVT, RLATG
Leticia McGuffey
Jennifer Volkmann, MLAS, RLATG, CMAR
Pamela Huskey, RLATG, CMAR
Tressie Roark, RVT, RLATG
Sheri Leavitt, RLATG, CMAR
Donna Schutz
Cordelia Rasa
David Disselhorst
Cindy Buckmaster, PhD, CMAR, RLATG
Kim Zody, RVT, RLATG & Sheri Leavitt, RLATG
Jack Simons, MS, RLATG
Gabby Kapp
Katrina Donelson, RLAT
Oscar Sanchez
Paula Rigling
Elizabeth Magden, DVM, MS, DACLAM
Luis Zorrilla, BS, LATG
Jessica Kurz, MPA, LATG, CMAR, CPIA
Jody Swain, DVM, MS
Becky Blackwood, DVM
Eli Rodriguez
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Texas Branch AALAS
Lifetime Members
Alfred Broome
William Hill
John Jardine
Gary Joiner
Wayne Jordan
Abe Levy
Charles Thalken
Bill Childers
Michale Keeling
J. D. McCrady
Jerry Fineg
U. Kristina Stephens
Patty Nunez Reyez
1986
1986
1994
1995
1991
1986
1990
2003
2004
2006
2006
2006
2006
Honorary Members
Michael Feldner
Archie I. Flowers
Robert Rhorer
Robert Young
David Gemmell
William Voss
Marcia Teachout
Kenneth Bhirdo
Robert Faith
Linda Stegenga
1983
1983
1983
1986
1989
1991
1992
2004
2004
2004
Thank you for all of your contributions
to Texas Branch AALAS and
the field of Lab Animal Science!
3
Schedule of Events
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
8:00 - 10:00
9:00 - 1:00
9:00 - 5:00
10:00 - 12:00
10:00 - 12:00
11:30 - 12:30
12:00 - 1:00
1:00 - 5:00
3:00 - 3:30
1:00 - 5:00
1:00 - 5:00
1:00 - 5:00
6:00 - 9:00
Set up in Exhibit Hall
AREA Program
Registration
Exhibit Hall Open (closed 12:00-1:00)
Vendor Presentations
New Board Member Orientation
Lunch break
Opening Session/Scientific Sessions
Break
Exhibit Hall Open
Silent Auction Bidding and Battle of the Baskets
Poster session
(3:00-4:00 Authors must be present for judging)
Evening Social
Phoenix Central & South
DeWitt Room
Phoenix Lobby
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix North
6th Floor Boardroom
Lunch on Own
Phoenix North
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Thursday, February 12, 2015
7:30 - 9:00
7:30 - 10:30
7:30 - 5:00
8:00 - 10:00
8:00 - 3:30
8:00 - 10:30
10:00 - 10:30
10:30 - 11:30
11:30 - 12:00
11:30 - 12:00
12:00 - 2:00
2:00 - 5:00
2:00 - 3:35
3:45
3:35 - 4:00
4:00 - 4:40
Continental Breakfast
Exhibit Hall Open (closed 10:30-11:30 & 12:00-2:00)
Registration
Scientific Sessions
Silent Auction Bidding
Battle of the Baskets
Break
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
Break
Exhibit Hall Open
Awards Banquet & Luncheon
Exhibit Hall Open
Scientific Sessions
Silent Auction Closes
Break
Scientific Sessions
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Lobby
Phoenix North
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix North
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix North
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix North
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix Central & South
Phoenix North
Friday, February 13, 2015
7:00 - 9:00
7:45
8:00 - 9:00
8:00 - 12:00
8:00 - 12:00
9:00 - 11:00
12:00 - 2:00
Continental Breakfast
Pick up for travel to UT Facility Tour
Registration
“Sew You Learned to Tie a Knot… But Did You?”
(Suture Lab)
Tour of University of Texas Facility
Round Table Discussions
TBAALAS Board Meeting
Hotel Lobby
4th Floor Meeting Room
5th Floor Meeting Room
DeWitt Room
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Scientific Session List of Speakers
*denotes award eligible
Wednesday, February 11, 2015
Moderator:
Karen Guerra
10:00
10:15
10:30
10:45
Pat Sikes (Charles River)
Steve Robbins (Steris)
Laura Trepanier (JAX)
Chris Rodgers (Harlan)
11:00
11:15
David FitzMiller (Kent Sci)
Karena Thek (BioServ)
11:30
11:45
Richard Cluck (Tecniplast)
TBD
Moderator:
Jamie Greaver
1:00
1:30
Angie Hitt
Ann Turner
Jamie Greaver
1:50
2:05
Andrew T. Pesek, Jr.
Melissa Wren
2:25
2:45
3:00
Christopher Southern
Sheri Levitt
BREAK
Moderator:
Jessica Kurz
3:30
Igor Smiljcic
3:45
Michelle Ladouceur-Wodzak
4:15
5:00
Matt Schmit
End of session
Phoenix North
Reducing Aggression in Mice
Chemical Handling & Application
Genetic Stability in Mouse Colonies
Laboratory Animal Diet, Bedding and Enrichment: Increasing Vivarium
Efficiency and Reducing Research Variables
Right-Sizing Small Animal Anesthesia
How Much Wood Could a Woodchuck Chuck, if a Woodchuck Could
Chuck Wood?
Ergonomics in the Work Place
Phoenix North
Welcome/Opening Remarks
AALAS Update
To Trance or Not to Trance: Benefits Versus Risks of Tonic Immobility
in Rabbits
*Evolution of MD Anderson’s Rodent Bench-top Anesthesia Units
The Impact of Colored Enrichment Devices on Laboratory Animal
Physiology & Metabolism
*Using Staff to Achieve Sustainability in Cagewash
*More Work? Really? Thanks, IACUC!!!
Refreshments in Exhibit Hall
Phoenix North
*Improving The Rack Washer and Cage Processing Safety Program in a
Large Animal Care Program
*Hi-Intensity Focus Ultrasound: A Non-Invasive Tool for Localized
Drug Delivery and Tissue Ablation
*Environmental Enrichment in the Management of Captive Psittacines
Thursday, February 12, 2015
Moderator:
Luis Zorrilla
8:30
9:30
Marcel Perret-Gentil
Stephanie Cormier
10:00
10:30
BREAK
Keynote – Dr. Dani McVety
11:30
12:00
BREAK
Awards Banquet & Luncheon
Phoenix North
Handy Dandy Tips to Improve Rodent Surgical Outcomes
Startup of a Germ-Free Facility: Complexities and Difficulties Along the
Way
Refreshments in Exhibit Hall
The Human Animal Bond and Beyond: The Science of Death, The
Art of Euthanasia, and Reversing Compassion Fatigue
Phoenix North
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Moderator:
David Disselhorst
2:00
Elizabeth Magden
3:00
3:20
3:35
4:00
4:20
Daveeta Levy
Lemenique Wafer
BREAK
Christina Du
Courtney Sands
4:40
End of session
Phoenix North
Acupuncture, Needles & Chi, Oh My! The Science of Acupuncture &
It’s Use in Laboratory Animal Medicine
Is There More to C. Bovis?
Environmental Influence on the Fecundity & Fertility of Zebrafish
Refreshments in Exhibit Hall
Novel Swine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Duodenal Adenocarcinoma with Secondary Bile and Pancreatic Duct
Obstruction in a Geriatric Rhesus Macaque (Macaca mulatta)
Friday, February 13, 2015
WORKSHOPS
8:00-12:00
“Sew You Learned to Tie a Knot… But Did You?” (Suture Lab)
8:00-12:00
Tour of University of Texas Facility
Robertson Room
Round Table Discussions
Moderator:
Jessica Kurz
DeZavala Room
9:00-10:00
Lessons Learned: Animal Facility Renovations/Construction
Panel: John Donaho, Glen Otto, David Lopez, Oscar Sanchez
10:00-11:00
Leadership: What’s It All About?
Panel: Karen Guerra, David Disselhorst, Egeenee Daniels
11:00
End of session
KEYNOTE SPEAKER sponsored by
The Human Animal Bond and Beyond: The Science of Death, The Art of
Euthanasia, and Reversing Compassion Fatigue
February 12th 10:30 AM
Dani McVety, DVM is a hospice veterinarian, and co-founder of Lap of Love, the
largest network of veterinarians dedicated solely to end-of-life veterinary care. With a
deep love for the human-animal bond, Dr. McVety enjoys just about anything that has
to do with pets! She frequently writes and speaks for professional and lay audiences on
end-of-life veterinary topics in hopes of empowering both parties to seek the highest
standards of care. Dr. McVety and Lap of Love have been featured on numerous local,
national, and professional media outlets including ABC, Fox 13, University of Florida
Alumni Magazine, DVM Newsmagazine, and many more. She proudly graduated from
the University of Florida College of Veterinary Medicine and is the youngest recipient
of the college’s Distinguished Young Alumni Award (2013).
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Poster Abstracts
*denotes award eligible
Innovative Device for Fast, Safe and Efficient Way of Transferring Birds
Rico Cabuco, Gerri Gay, Julie Wood*, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, Houston, TX
The zebra finch is a small songbird indigenous to Australia and Indonesia that has become a model system for many types
of behavioral studies. The Animal Resource Center (ARC) at UT Southwestern Medical Center has ongoing research
projects involving zebra finches. During husbandry practices within the finch colony, the ARC has come across some
challenges regarding the process of transferring birds between cages. It was common practice to hand catch birds
individually in order to transfer them to a new cage. In cages containing multiple birds, this practice was stressful to the
birds and presented a possibility of injury or escape. This practice was also time-consuming for the husbandry staff. A
technician designed and constructed a tunnel device that provided a safe and efficient way of transferring birds. The
tunnel device was created using the same materials, PVC coated wire mesh, as the original cage material. Hooks were
added on both ends to secure and lock the device on the cage. The addition of this device resulted in many benefits to both
the birds and the animal handlers.
Increasing Survival Rate of Pup in the Sand Rat (Psammoys Obesus)
Krysten Vera, RLAT*, Alcon Laboratories, Fort Worth, TX
Successful breeding is essential when trying to develop a new animal colony for research; particularly in an animal
species that little is known about. The Hebrew University in Jerusalem published that they had approximately 69% of
newborns survive to reach the weaning phase. We tried two different approaches to see which method would produce the
highest survival rate of pups. In the first method, we left the male in the breeder box with the female until after the female
gave birth. This is similar to the method used at the Hebrew University. In the second method, the males were removed
from the breeder box prior to the female giving birth. To ensure conception, females were weighed weekly. Once the
females gained approximately 10-25 grams in a 1-2 week time frame, it was assumed the conception was achieved. By
removing the male at the earlier stage, we increased our survival rate for pups from 86% to 94%.
Argulus japonicus in Goldfish (Carassius auruatus)
Lemnique Wafer, DVM, Jesse C. Whitney, V. Behrana Jensen
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
Argulus species in the family Argulidae, also known as the fish lice or fish louse, are members of a group of branchiuran
parasites and are known to parasitize both marine and freshwater fishes. They are not commonly found in laboratory
animal settings, but are important to identify as they can cause severe clinical signs. During rounds at our facility, the
branchiuran parasite Argulus japonicus was identified and collected from the caudal and anal fins of three goldfish
(Carassius auruatus).These goldfish were asymptomatic and after manual removal of the Argulus japonicus, no further
cases were noted. As soon as any Argulus species are identified, management and treatment are recommended as soon as
possible, because infections can rapidly escalate. Currently, there are no FDA-approved drugs for the control and
treatment of Argulus. Diflubenzuron (Dimilin®, Chemtura) and other compounds with a similar mechanism of action
such as, lufenuron (Program®, Novartis Animal Health) have been used with success. Good biosecurity, including
screening and quarantine of incoming fish and continuous observation of all fish is the best way to avoid an Argulus
infestation.
Going Green Not What You Think
Cynthia Evans, BS, RLATG, Tonya Betts, Teresa Neubauer, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Producing a consistent and abundant supply of wheat grass (Triticum aestivum) for our locust colony is important to both
their health and reproductive capability. Growing this grass has posed a number of challenges, including reduced
germination and mold growth, after planting. We examined our own handling and storage methods to insure seed quality
at time of planting. A number of questions were formulated to focus on our internal processes. These included: 1) Why
was mold growing on seeds planted on top of the soil? 2) Were seeds being stored at correct temperatures in our facilities?
3) Were new saucers providing adequate drainage and air circulation? We found that storage conditions, including
temperature and humidity, can have an effect on seed performance. Additional methods for mold control were also
implemented to optimize grass growth and supply. We now produce enough grass to keep our locusts healthy and
reproductive.
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Development of a Behavioral Assessment "Wellness" Program for Captive Geriatric Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Emily Mocarski, BA, RLATG*, Susan Pavonetti, Dr. Steven Schapiro, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
The aging demographic of captive chimpanzees, particularly in a laboratory setting, compels new approaches for their
care and well-being. Several chronic illness cases in our geriatric population have required the assistance of the care staff
for increased daily observations to identify any behavioral changes in these particular animals. Clearly, the need for more
frequent and detailed observation of our geriatric colony will be increasing over time. Therefore, we developed a
behavioral assessment “wellness” program by compiling an ethogram of 17 behaviors to provide an activity profile of all
chimpanzees over 35 years of age. While care staff complete daily routines (feeding, cleaning, health checks, etc.), they
scan the group and mark any behaviors of interest that are observed. This program has been beneficial in training care
staff to more closely monitor the chimpanzees for small changes in daily behavior that could be indicative of clinical
changes. It also allows us to establish a baseline behavioral profile for all geriatric chimpanzees from the data collected.
This baseline profile can be utilized in our formal quality of life assessment program to identify behavioral deviations that
would promote discussion of the necessity for the humane euthanasia of an animal.
Specialized Care for Geriatric Captive Chimpanzees (Pan troglodytes)
Jennifer P. Bridges*, Janye M. Gilbert, Susan P. Lambeth, Steve J. Schapiro
UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
Providing care for geriatric chimpanzees is a growing need in captive populations. Utilizing a behavioral management
approach, we incorporated socialization, positive reinforcement training, and enrichment to provide specialized care for
two geriatric chimpanzees with different ailments. One chimpanzee has limited mobility on the right side from a stroke.
The other has advanced arthritis in the shoulders and back. Both have gained significant weight due to decreased
mobility. To start, we formed a new social group with these two chimpanzees. To address decreased mobility and
increased weight gain, multiple feeding baskets were placed at various heights on their enclosure, requiring the animals to
stand or climb during each feeding. Additionally, the animal’s caloric intake was lowered from 2000 to 1600 calories by
reducing the amount of biscuits and replacing them with lower calorie items without sacrificing necessary nutrients and
protein. Each animal was trained to voluntarily enter a transport box and weighed monthly for 7 months. Each animal
lost between 4-5kg. Subjectively, we noticed increased mobility, though no data were formally collected to confirm this
impression. Providing individualized care utilizing behavioral management techniques can be an effective way to affect
weight and mobility in geriatric chimpanzees.
Bed-r'Tea for Mice and Me!
Kourtney Sumrall, BS, RLATG*, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Providing enrichment in the form of nesting materials to mice is an essential part of fulfilling their natural instincts and
needs to construct a shelter. Building nests reduce stress and provides a haven for the mice to retreat to and seek shelter
and warmth while under laboratory conditions. A commonly used nesting material provided in research environments is
compressed cotton squares or “nestlets”. Prepackaged Envrio-dri® material or “tea bags”, along with compressed kraft
paper disks or Bed-r’Nests™ are perceived to be superior to the nestlets as they are made out of materials that mimic the
feeling of items used to build nests in natural environments, such as twigs and grass. The use of these products also
eliminates a common issue seen in nude mice where cotton fibers collect into the eye inhibiting vision and causing
discomfort. Tea bags and Bed-r’Nests™ are also efficient and easy to add in a cage, eliminating the need to measure
nesting material by hand. The premeasured form allows for a uniform amount of material to be added per cage. This
decreases costs associated with over filling cages and allows for a superior health check by providing a less obstructed
view. By providing optimal enrichment, the facility, researchers, and mice can benefit.
Duodenal Adenocarcinoma with Secondary Bile and Pancreatic Duct Obstruction in a Geriatric Rhesus Macaque
(Macaca mulatta)
Courtney Sands, DVM, Julia L. Goldman, Roger E. Price, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Intestinal adenocarcinomas in Rhesus macaques are relatively common findings, especially in older individuals. The most
common locations of these tumors occur at the ileocecal junction and colon, and typically show clinical signs of weight
loss, anorexia, decreased stool production, and intermittent diarrhea. In this case a 28-year-old intact male Rhesus
macaque presented for jaundice and lethargy. Blood work revealed increased liver enzymes, increased cholesterol &
bilirubin and a decreased total protein. Due to poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. On necropsy, a severely
distended and tortuous bile duct was seen. Other significant findings included an enlarged and firm liver, and a 1.5-inch
mass incorporating the duodenum, pancreas, and biliary tract. Histological examination of the tissues revealed a duodenal
adenocarcinoma, which occurred near the entrance into the duodenum of the pancreatic and common bile duct. This
partial to complete occlusion of the bile duct led to the uncommon clinical signs exhibited in this patient.
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Determining Anthelmintic Resistance in Laboratory Sheep Using FECRT
Albert Trent Singleton, AAS, RALAT*, Chris Suckow, DVM, DACLAM
University of Texas Medical Branch-Galveston, Galveston, TX
The aims of this study were to determine the anthelmintic resistance levels of laboratory sheep to commonly used agents
using the Fecal Egg Count Reduction Test (FECRT) and to select the most efficacious anthelmintic to add as part of our
sheep conditioning SOP. Sheep parasite burden and anthelmintic resistance can vary greatly depending on vendor
husbandry practices. A large parasite burden can cause multiple problems with sheep, including anemia and other
hematologic changes which could result in certain sheep needing to be excluded from a study. Therefore using the
McMaster Technique and FECRT, four different products at the manufacturer’s recommended dosing (ivermectin 0.002
mg/kg, moxidecin 0.2 mg/kg, levamisole 8.0 mg/kg, and albendazole 7.5 mg/kg) were evaluated for efficacy. The results
of this study in 40 female adult Merino sheep will help us choose which product is most efficacious to reduce parasite
burden and help prepare our sheep for research. In conclusion, we will present which anthelmintic demonstrated the
greatest fecal egg count reduction. Our ultimate goal is to optimize our sheep conditioning program so we can provide
better research subjects to our researchers.
Team Approach to Improving Rodent Survival Surgery
Adrienne Duran, BAS, LVT, RLATG, CMAR*, William Norton, Grant Fuhrman, RVT, RLAT, Katherine Naff, DVM,
DACLAM, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
MD Anderson’s Houston Campus is home to a diverse animal research program that encompasses over 700 animal use
protocols and 200 principle investigators. The majority of animal research conducted at Houston is performed in mouse
and rat models, and a substantial proportion of this research requires rodent survival surgery. Historically, 100% of rodent
survival surgery at MD Anderson-Houston is conducted by research faculty or staff, with operators trained by more
experienced research personnel. While researcher-to-researcher training is ideal for teaching protocol-specific surgical
procedures, this paradigm may be less effective for teaching foundational principles of aseptic technique, intraoperative
care, and post-operative analgesia. The Dept. of Veterinary Medicine & Surgery (DVMS) identified the gap between
laboratory-based surgical training and accepted best practices for rodent survival surgery as potential OLAW compliance
and animal welfare concerns. In response, DMVS developed a 3-pronged approach for identifying and addressing
investigator knowledge gaps in basic principles of surgery and patient care. This approach entails semi-annual rodent
survival surgery record reviews by the IACUC veterinarian; observation of surgery and completion of surgery checklists
by DVMS personnel; and free hands-on training through nonsurvival surgery wet labs organized and taught by DVMS
veterinarians and technologists. Unlike some research programs of comparable size, MD Anderson does not have a formal
post-approval monitoring program, nor is there an institutional requirement for a veterinary-supervised training program
or competency assessment in rodent survival surgery. Despite these limitations, we feel that our collegial approach to
training and oversight has reduced the number of surgery-related adverse animal events since it was first implemented two
years ago.
A New Look at Rabbit Husbandry and Environmental Enrichment
Elysia Fulcher BA, LVT, RLAT*, Texas A&M University, College Station, TX
The Guide’s recent revisions regarding rabbit housing recommendations prompted our staff to reevaluate our rabbit
housing and environmental enrichment practices. Our first objective was to allow our rabbits’ greater freedom of
movement and less restricted vertical space by successfully pairing or group housing them in dog runs instead of
individually housing them in the traditional rack caging system. Our second objective was to use our new housing
enclosure to provide our rabbits with safe, fun-filled, stimulating environmental enrichment. The third objective was to
use the facilities and materials we already had available to accomplish our new housing and enrichment ideas. We utilized
an unused dog room with empty runs, and set the runs up with hiding boxes, a litter pan, food, water, balls, hanging bells,
and bunny blocks. Then, we added groups of rabbits divided by sex and monitored their compatibility carefully. The new
housing was extremely successful allowing the rabbits to exhibit their natural social behavior and to display their natural
curiosity with the new toys and environment. In conclusion, rabbits can be successfully, easily, and happily housed in
pairs or in groups by working with the materials you already have.
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Best Types of Enrichment /Toys for Laboratory Rats
Dionne Nichols, ALAT*, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
The purpose of this experiment is to determine which type of enrichment is better utilized and enjoyed by laboratory rats.
Various forms of environmental enrichment were placed in several rat cages and monitored on a weekly basis.
Observations were recorded daily, before and after photos were taken of the enrichment to check utilization at the end of
each week. Cedar Chewing sticks and The Jolly Poly Ball (ball with holes) and Bio-tunnels (cardboard tubes) in the
animal cages the rats seem to have maintained the animals' interest. However with the Nyla bones (various flavors tested)
which at
the time was our current enrichment, the mice tended to show little to no interest with the bones showed no significant
signs of chewing This experiment may show that laboratory rats may actually prefer certain forms of enrichment over
others, and in the process perhaps leading into increased social interaction with cage mates possibly minimizing barbering
and aggression amongst cage mates.
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Vendor Presentation Abstracts
Wednesday, February 11th
Reducing Aggression in Mice
Pat Sikes, MS, Christina Winnicker, DVM, Charles River Laboratories
Mice fight! Male mice fight more! What does aggression mean and how can we lessen it and its impact on research and
animal welfare? Aggression is defined as behavior directed toward another that elicits an aggressive or defensive
response by the recipient. If the behavior is elicited toward humans, a likely cause is fear. Normal dominance behavior
between males in the wild is usually mitigated by escape or appeasement. Wild mice do fight and they are injured, but
they are rarely killed by other mice. In cages, dominance-related behavior can escalate to injury or killing because there is
no way to escape. Aggressive mouse strains in common use include SJL, BALB/c, and FVB. Although some consider
C57BL/6 mice to be aggressive, in general they are not when compared to other mouse strains. However, they may
appear to be more aggressive because they are the most commonly used in research and thus there are many of them to
observe.
Male mice in the laboratory fight over territory, resources and dominance rank. Female mice can be aggressive toward
each other and their mates, but this is usually related to defense of the nest and of pups. Strategies for mitigating
aggression include maintaining stable social groups from a young age with no periods of individual housing, elimination
of enrichment items that may be a protected resource and the cleaning of olfactory stimuli in the cage, with the exception
of transferring nesting material. Strategies for mitigating fear-driven aggression resulting in jumpiness or difficulty in
handling include acclimation of the animals to human handling and research procedures, as well as decreasing the stress
associated with handling through the use of transfer items such as tubes or cups rather than handling by the tail or scruff.
Chemical Handling & Application
Steven Robbins, Steris Corporation
The use of cleaning and disinfectant chemistries is a critical aspect of insuring an animal population’s health and wellness.
Many of these chemicals require special handling and application techniques to insure that they meet their efficacy claims.
The improper use, handling, and application of these chemicals can also pose health risks and reduce productivity in a
facility. This presentation will provide general guidelines and best practices that will address many of the common issues
associated with chemical handling and application.
Genetic Stability in Mouse Colonies
Laura Trepanier, Jackson Laboratories.
This presentation will go over the basics of genetic stability in mouse colonies. It will include critical factors that affect
strain phenotypes: strain background, environmental factors, and genetic drift; how quickly sub-strains can develop and
their research implications; and best practices to maintain a genetically consistent mouse colony
Laboratory Animal Diet, Bedding and Enrichment: Increasing Vivarium Efficiency and Reducing Research Variables
Chris Rogers, Harlan Laboratories
TBD
Laboratory Animal Diet, Bedding and Enrichment: Increasing Vivarium Efficiency and Reducing Research Variables
David FitzMiller, Kent Scientific Corporation
An anesthesia system designed to accommodate the physiological characteristics of small animals, including rats and
mice, has the potential to provide great practical value to the life science research community. Small animal surgery
requires an investment in equipment and time. The task of anesthetizing research subjects is complicated by the
equipment itself, which is designed for use on larger species, such as humans or horses. Laboratory animal anesthesia is
governed by societal concerns to minimize harmful exposure to the research subjects and to the people performing the
surgery. Today’s economy puts pressure on laboratories to conserve time and resources while maintaining successful
research. A miniaturized anesthesia system designed to administer inhalant anesthetics to small animals can address those
challenges by providing the following advantages: 1) improved laboratory safety by minimizing exposure to anesthetic
gas; 2) precision anesthetic dosing resulting in faster, more efficient performance of procedures, and reducing morbidity
rates; and 3) reduction of expense by using less anesthetic, eliminating outside calibration services, improving laboratory
space utilization, and increasing successful outcomes.
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How Much Wood Would a Woodchuck Chuck if a Woodchuck Could Chuck Wood?
Karena Thek, MBA, CMAR, Bio-Serv
Come to the presentation to find out! Ha!
Learn more about woodchucks as a research model.
Ergonomics in the Work Place
Richard Cluck, Tecniplast, USA
This presentation focuses on ergonomic issues that lab animal facilities face on a daily basis, such as cage changing,
working in hoods, handling animals and working in washrooms. Ergonomics and the financial aspects of ergonomics that
affect our industry will be defined. Lastly, solutions that assist us in alleviating or mitigating the effects of these
ergonomic issues will be presented. This presentation is generic in scope and uses solutions by a number of different
facilities and vendors.
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Platform Presentation Abstracts
*denotes award eligible
Wednesday, February 11th
To Trance or Not to Trace: The Benefits verse the Risks of Tonic Immobility in Rabbits
Jamie Greaver, BS, RLATG, University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
Trancing or Tonic Immobility (TI) is a transitory and reversible state of paralysis which some animals enter as the result of
external stimuli. Often called animal hypnosis, this behavior is associated with the fear and stress response to predation
and may function as a way to deter predators. In a veterinary setting rabbits often need to be restrained for minor
procedures, such as nail clipping, physical examination, and clinical evaluation. TI can be an effective method of restraint
without anesthesia, particularly for a fractious or fearful rabbit. However, every activity, including TI, has inherent levels
of benefits and risks. Research has shown that after recovering from a state of TI, rabbits show an increased heart rate,
respiratory rate, and corticosteroid levels, indicating a stressful state. Whether the stress following a period of TI
outweighs the risks of a rabbit having a prolonged struggle against having nails clipped or being examined should be
thoroughly thought out and discussed with a veterinarian.
Evolution of MD Anderson’s rodent bench-top anesthesia units
Andrew T. Pesek, Jr., BS, RLATG, CMAR*, MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
We successfully worked with MD Anderson’s in-house cabinet shop to develop a simple sketch into a working rodent
anesthesia unit using hardware store off-the-shelf parts. This presentation will review design, scale model, prototype,
testing, and final product. The original units were designed to sit on fixed procedure room bench-top down draft openings
for anesthetic gas scavenging via building exhaust. In newer facilities, the basic anesthesia unit gas scavenging apparatus
was modified to use a stand-alone closed cabinet charcoal filtration system. Further modifications of the gas scavenging
allowed connection directly to building exhaust, allowing for flexibility to use the anesthesia unit in any room with
exhaust connection capability.
The Impact of Colored Enrichment Devices on Laboratory Animal Physiology and Metabolism
Melissa A. Wren, DVM, Robert T. Dauchy, BA, CMAR, RLATG, Steven M. Hill, PhD, David E. Blask, PhD, MD
Tulane University School of Medicine, New Orleans, LA
Light, via the circadian neurohormone melatonin signal, entrains the master biological clock located in the
suprachiasmatic nuclei (SCN) of the brain and influences every major biological rhythm and impacts the health and
wellbeing of all mammals. The Guide endorses enrichment strategies to improve animal health and wellbeing. Previous
studies using tinted laboratory cages demonstrated significant disruptions of metabolic and endocrine parameters in rats.
We examined the effects of colored enrichment devices (CEO's) on daily circadian plasma melatonin and physiologic
parameters. Adult male Sprague Dawley rats (n = 6/group) were maintained on a lighting regimen 12L(300 lux; lights on
0600 h):12D in standard rodent cages containing either red (A), amber (A), opaque (0), or clear (C) tubing. Percent time
spent within the CEO's during week 2 was significantly (P < 0.05) longer R>A>O>C compared to week 4 with A
>A>C>O. Plasma melatonin was low in the light phase (>10.0 ± 0.2 pg/ml; mean± 1 SE) in all groups, but markedly
higher during dark phase (0400 h) in A (213 ± 74 pg/ml), compared to R>C>O. Results show tinted CEO's significantly
altered circadian rhythms of plasma measures of metabolism and physiology in rats.
Using Staff to Achieve Sustainability in Cagewash
Chris Southern, CMAR, LATG*, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Personnel in cage wash no longer simply use a hose and bucket to sanitize animal housing and equipment. Most facilities
today have a large rack washer, a sterilizer, and maybe a tunnel washer, each with biological, chemical, and physical
hazards. Training to properly use the machines and work safely is clearly of paramount concern. Thus, working as a cage
washer is challenging in terms of safety, equipment, and regulatory compliance while performing repetitive, awkward,
sometimes heavy, and fairly routine tasks. The speakers will address managing specific topics of various cagewash
operations that are actually more complex than they appear. Targeted for facility directors to cagewash staff the audience
will learn about opportunities to support staff that want to stay in cagewash; what type of qualifications are needed in staff
working in an automated facility; how automation is used to promote safety and efficiency; the ergonomic risk factors and
management techniques to promote ongoing personnel health and safety; and the expectations of inspectors and reviewers
to balance and satisfy practicality.
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More Work? Really? Thanks IACUC!!!
Sheri Leavitt, BS, RLATG, CMAR*, University of Texas Medical Branch, Galveston, TX
At UTMB-Galveston, the Laboratory Biosafety Training Program (LBTP) has established courses for ABSL2 and ABSL3
users. The 8th Edition of the Guide states: "The institution should provide appropriate education and training o members of
research teams-including principal investigators, study directors, research technicians, postdoctoral fellows, students, and
visiting scientist -to ensure that they have the necessary knowledge and expertise for the specific animal procedures
proposed and the species used" (Conarello and Shepard 2007, The Guide pg. 16). In 2012, the IACUC tasked the LBTP
with developing a mandatory ABSL2 course for all new and existing users to ensure that all personnel working in an
ABSL2 facility have a uniform understanding and knowledge of ABSL2 principles and practices. To satisfy the IACUC
mandate, all participants that completed the training course received a course completion certificate that was also provided
to the IACUC and is maintained in the LBTP database.
Improving the Rack Washer and Cage Processing Safety Program in a Large Animal Care Program
Igor Smiljcic, RLAT*, UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
The Animal Resource Center (ARC) at UT Southwestern Medical Center (UTSW) is a large program that operates seven
cagewash facilities with a variety of brands of cagewash equipment with varying ages. Recently the department
performed a review of AAALACi’s new position statement on safety requirements for walk-in cage/rack washers and
bulk sterilizers. AAALACi has identified three key factors that must be considered when developing the safety plan for
cage wash equipment: 1) ease of egress, 2) a de-energizing mechanism, and 3) personnel training. The possibility of
entrapment must be eliminated, and in the case of cage/rack washers an emergency shut- off mechanism must be easily
accessible. The ARC examined the safety features on the current cagewash equipment and determined that additional
safety improvements could be made to the existing cagewash equipment as well as other types of equipment such as walkin coolers/freezers, dump stations, VHP chambers, and sterilizers. Several challenges were encountered when trying to
modify and standardize safety features to existing equipment. To enhance each piece of equipment it took extensive
research and some creative thinking. We will outline the safety improvements that were made, new safety signage that
was posted, and how the personnel safety training was heightened.
High-Intensity Focused Ultrasound: A Non-InvasiveTool for Localized Drug Delivery and Tissue Ablation
Michelle Ladouceur-Wodzak, CMAR, RLATG, RVT, LVT*, Robert Staruch, Chenchen Bing, Rajiv Chopra
UT Southwestern Medical Center, Dallas, TX
High-intensity focused ultrasound (HIFU) is a noninvasive therapy modality that concentrates ultrasound waves from
outside the body into a focal spot several centimeters beneath the intact skin. Similar to a beam of light through a
magnifying glass, high pressures or intense heat can be generated at the focus of an ultrasound beam where energy is
highly concentrated, and not outside the focus where energy is low. HIFU is considered noninvasive because unlike
radiation, the effects of ultrasound are non-ionizing. For accurate treatment guidance, MRI can be used to define target
regions and to monitor heating in real-time by continuously acquiring images of temperature changes in the body. This
combination of HIFU with MRI guidance makes HIFU a truly noninvasive alternative to surgical intervention. Case
studies for two exciting applications of HIFU will be presented in small and large animal models: localized drug delivery
in the brain and localized thermal ablation.
Environmental Enrichment in the Management of Captive Psittacines
Matthew Schmit, BSc, RLAT*, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
This presentation introduces the concept of Environmental Enrichment and how to apply it to keeping parrots .n provides
techniques and enrichment activities that can be utilized by parrots in private aviculture, zoo and laboratory settings.
Additionally, many of the activities can be utilized by other species of small and large animals, including primates. It
breaks the sometimes complex and overwhelming concept of Environmental Enrichment into simple ideas and includes
many pictures of examples.
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Thursday, February 13th
Handy Dandy Tips to Improve Rodent Surgical Outcomes
Marcel Perret-Gentil, DVM, MS, University of Texas as San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
It is those simple tips that are often missed in rodent surgery that could help in minimizing post-surgical complications
including mortality. The presenter will use his years of experience to provide multiple, simple, practical and time proven
tips on improving overall surgical outcomes in rodents. The presentation will place great emphasis on practical solutions
with many images to help participants retain the information presented and apply to their rodent surgery programs. This
presentation is designed for individuals who have minimal, moderate and advanced rodent surgery experience to help
them improve surgical and experimental outcomes.
Startup of a Germ Free Facility: Complexities and Difficulties Along the Way
Stephanie Cormier, RLAT, CMAR*, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Starting a new germ free facility can be challenging due to both limited resources and limited detailed information. Some
of the major difficulties include learning the new technology, establishing standard operating procedures, deciding on type
of equipment to be used, establishing a budget and hiring/training new staff. To start the facility, extensive “trial and
error” testing was performed to define procedures for daily maintenance and sterility testing. Through this research,
standard operating procedures were established and put into place. Once we established the cost of equipment and
frequency of equipment change out, along with staffing needs, our budget was established along with our per diem rates.
Researchers utilizing the germ free facility have completed several successful projects in experimental isolators and in our
BSL2 housing space. Due to the success of our breeding program and germ free practices, we can now continue to
provide germfree and gnotobiotic research opportunities to our research staff with very limited turnaround time.
KEYNOTE SPEAKER
The Human Animal Bond and Beyond: The Science of Death, The Art of Euthanasia, and Reversing
Compassion Fatigue
Dani McVety, DVM, Lap of Love Veterinary Hospice
Veterinary medicine is the only health care profession licensed to end life. Euthanasia is not only a necessary, essential,
and permanent part of our job, but also an art form that requires immense personal focus, unparalleled empathy, and a
unique form of compassion in varying situations. Treating this most important part of our profession with honor, dignity,
and professionalism is perhaps the best way we can combat feelings of compassion fatigue. In the end, death is not a
failure of medicine but the natural progression of biology.
Acupuncture, Needles & Chi, Oh My! The Science of Acupuncture & It’s Use in Laboratory Animal Medicine
Elizabeth Magden, DVM, MS, DACLAM, cVMA, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Bastrop, TX
Five thousand years ago, acupuncture was first used as a blood-letting therapy. Since then techniques have been greatly
refined, and today acupuncture is used to treat a variety of conditions. Acupuncture involves the insertion of thin, sterile
needles into defined acupuncture points that stimulate physiologic processes through neural signaling. In the late 1990's
both the NIH and WHO issued statements in support of acupuncture, and since then, thousands of additional scientific
studies have shown the benefits of acupuncture treatment. The use of acupuncture has recently been introduced in
laboratory animal medicine, and has been used on a variety of species. We have used acupuncture in nonhuman primates
to successfully treat arthritis-related pain, cardiac arrhythmias, respiratory depression, and to enhance wound healing.
Acupuncture has also been used in rodents and rabbits to treat a variety of conditions. Acupuncture may be a good
treatment option for pain relief in studies that preclude the use of pharmaceutical intervention. However, acupuncture does
alter physiologic processes in the body, and care should be taken to ensure these alterations do not adversely affect the
research. Given the benefits of this noninvasive therapy, acupuncture should be considered along with traditional western
medical techniques when treating laboratory animals.
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Is There More to C. bovis?
Daveeta Levy, DVM, UT MD Anderson Cancer Center, Houston, TX
Corynebacterium bovis (C. bovis) is a bacterial organism that causes hyperkeratotic dermatitis, especially in
immunodeficient mice. It is known to form gross clinical signs of red, scaly skin. This is a case of an unusual, systemic
form of C. bovis causing arthritic malformations. An 8 month old, athymic nude, female mouse (Mus musculus) was
observed to have severe arthritic malformations in all carpi and tarsi. Additionally, on physical exam, the body condition
score was 2/5 with red, scaly skin. The mouse had previously been orthotopically injected, in the pancreas, with cells
derived from a human pancreatic tumor and showed no signs of distress postoperatively. The mouse was humanely
euthanized and necropsied. Additional diagnostic tests included a CBC, serum chemistry, and bacterial culture of the
synovial fluid. Histological evaluation revealed an infiltration of mononuclear inflammatory cells encompassing the
majority of the organs in the body, including the heart, lungs, kidneys, and joints. Synovial fluid analysis revealed a
positive culture for C. bovis, however the gram stain was unremarkable. The clinical diagnosis was an immune-mediated
polyarthritis that strongly suggests Corynebacterium bovis as a contributing factor; association with this disease has not
been previously described in literature. Recognition of this condition and its etiology is important in colony management
of laboratory mice.
Environmental Influence on the Fecundity and Fertility of Zebrafish (Danio rerio)
Lemnique Wafer, DVM, Jesse Whitney, V. Behrana Jensen, Thomas Gomez, Rene Flores, Bradford S. Goodwin Jr.
University of Texas Health Science Center at Houston, Houston, TX
Zebrafish (Danio rerio) have become a popular vertebrate model for behavior and biomedical research. Although many
research projects depend on maximization of production of zebrafish embryos and fry, only a limited amount of literature
has been published investigating the effects of environmental enrichment on their fertility and fecundity. We propose that
zebrafish in a breeding tank with substrate will show greater fertility and fecundity than those in a bare tank. Substrates
examined in this study include plastic plants and plastic grass. Based on our initial observations, zebrafish with substrate
in their micro-environment appear to have greater embryo production. Our eventual goal is to identify specific
environmental substrates that maximize breeding efficiency and successful hatching in zebrafish. Findings will also help
determine the feasibility and importance of environmental enrichment in this particular species, a growing area of
importance in laboratory animal medicine and biomedical research.
Novel Swine Model of Retinitis Pigmentosa
Christina Du, DVM, MS, Baylor Scott & White, Temple, TX
Retinitis Pigmentosa (RP) is an inherited progressive disease that eventually leads to total blindness. The most common
human phenotype, P23H rhodopsin is an autosomal dominant mutation that may show clinical signs during the teenage
years. Night blindness, then peripheral blindness and lastly tunnel vision blindness are usually seen during the progression
of the disease. There is no cure, but recent development of a P23H rhodopsin transgenic swine model may help bridge the
gap between blindness and sight. The pig is an ideal model for RP since it has similar anatomy to the human eye in size
and structure. Like humans, the pig has dominant rods in periphery and dominant cones in the macula. Using ERG and
multimodal diagnostic imaging (Spectralis), we hope to follow the disease progression in transgenic and wild-type pigs
and compare the progression to humans. This presentation looks at the challenges of husbandry, anesthesia and data
collection of this wonderful new model for retinitis pigmentosa.
Duodenal Adenocarcinoma with Secondary Bile and Pancreatic Duct Obstruction in a Geriatric Rhesus Macaque
(Macaca mulatta)
Courtney Sands, DVM, Julia L. Goldman, Roger E. Price, Baylor College of Medicine, Houston, TX
Intestinal adenocarcinomas in Rhesus macaques are relatively common findings, especially in older individuals. The most
common locations of these tumors occur at the ileocecal junction and colon, and typically show clinical signs of weight
loss, anorexia, decreased stool production, and intermittent diarrhea. In this case a 28-year-old intact male Rhesus
macaque presented for jaundice and lethargy. Blood work revealed increased liver enzymes, increased cholesterol &
bilirubin and a decreased total protein. Due to poor prognosis, humane euthanasia was elected. On necropsy, a severely
distended and tortuous bile duct was seen. Other significant findings included an enlarged and firm liver, and a 1.5-inch
mass incorporating the duodenum, pancreas, and biliary tract. Histological examination of the tissues revealed a duodenal
adenocarcinoma, which occurred near the entrance into the duodenum of the pancreatic and common bile duct. This
partial to complete occlusion of the bile duct led to the uncommon clinical signs exhibited in this patient.
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Friday, February 13th
Workshop Abstracts
Sew You Learned to Tie a Knot… But Did You?
Marcel Perret-Gentil, DVM, MS and Luis Zorrilla, BS, LATG, University of Texas-San Antonio, San Antonio, TX
Rough tissue handling and prolonged tissue exposure to room air increases surgical trauma. This in turn affects postoperative recovery and data outcome. During this workshop, participants will learn commonly used suture and knot-tying
techniques, among other things. The workshop will focus on appropriate hand-eye coordination to quickly improve
surgical skills. Participants will have an opportunity to learn techniques that will lead to gentle handling while completing
suturing tasks at incredible speeds. A variety of training tools, including a newly developed state the art inanimate mouse
model, to practice suturing will be introduced. These suturing tools aid in the development and instruction of basic and
advanced surgical skills. These affordable and portable products are perfect for beginners just learning or experts who
need to further refine complex suturing techniques. In this workshop, participants will first be provided with an overview
of basic suturing principles. Participants will have an opportunity to practice and improve their suturing skills at each
station. Common errors and complications will be introduced and addressed. This workshop is designed for individuals
who have minimal or no suturing skills, but is also a great opportunity to upgrade skills for those with considerable
experience.
Round Table Discussion Abstract
Lessons Learned: Animal Facility Renovations/Construction
Panel: John Donaho, Glen Otto, David Lopez, Oscar Sanchez
Building or renovating an animal facility is a daunting task. Aside from meeting all regulations and guidelines for quality
animal care and use and employee safety, a facility project also requires you to accommodate the types of research your
institution is doing now, and plan for what it may be doing years from now. This round table platform will hear from
panelists who have had recent experience with animal facility design and renovation. They will provide personal
experiences and input on planning and managing successful facility projects, and how to avoid common pitfalls. Audience
participation encouraged.
Leadership: What’s It All About?
Panel: Karen Guerra, David Disselhorst, Egeenee Daniels
In recent years, we have seen a pressing need within the laboratory animal community for a focus on management and
leadership. Accordingly, with the emergence of organizations such as ILAM and LAMA, there has been a renewed
importance placed on the development of strong leaders, managers and supervisors in lab animal programs. This round
table platform will hear from panelists who have had varied leadership experiences in lab animal, ranging in focus from
training to employee management and development. Based on personal experience, they will provide suggestions/tools to
improve your leadership/management style, project management and communication skills or approaches. Audience
participation encouraged.
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Silent Auction Information
Be sure to stop by the table to see what treasures you can bid on!
Bidding is open from 1:00-5:00 on Wednesday and 8:00-3:30 on Thursday.
Pick up your treasures from 4:00-5:00 on Thursday in Phoenix Central & South.
Battle of the Baskets
A Friendly Competition Between Metro Areas
Each of the Metro Areas will have a basket full of items on display near the Silent Auction
table in Phoenix Central & South. You will be able to purchase raffle tickets and place
them in the specific basket for which you would like to ‘vote.’ The basket with the most
number of raffle tickets will be declared the WINNER. This Metro area will get to hold the
title
“Winner of the Battle of the Baskets” for the entire year!
Wednesday 1:00 – 5:00 PM
Thursday 8:00 - 10:30 AM
The goal of the Silent Auction & the Battle of the Baskets is to generate funds for the Technician
Assistance Award. This award helps Texas Branch AALAS send a well-deserving technician to the
National AALAS meeting.
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Awards Banquet
Immediately following the keynote speaker on Thursday, please take a short break and
then join us at noon in Phoenix North for the Awards Banquet. Lunch will be served.
Keynote Speaker: 10:30-11:30
Break: 11:30-12:00
Lunch and Awards: 12:00 – 2:00
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SOCIAL EVENT
COME DRESSED IN YOUR BEST “WEIRD
SCIENCE” THEMED ATTIRE!
Prizes awarded for best outfits.
Don’t miss our laboratory photo
booth with fun props & disguises!
Grab a questionnaire, interview your
colleagues, and make new
friends…prizes go to the most social
participants!
Enjoy some delicious food and
consumable potions (cash bar).
WHEN: Wednesday, February 11, 6:00 – 9:00 pm
WHERE: Phoenix Central & South
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Special Thanks to Our Sponsors:
Current as of 1/9/15
Audio/Visual
Edstrom Industries, Inc.
SoBran, Inc.
Program Printing
Charles River Laboratories
Getinge USA
Thoren Caging Systems
Awards
Alternative Design
Harlan
LGL
Total MRO
Meeting Bags
Animal Care Systems
Allentown Inc.
Lynx Product Group
LABEX of MA
Technician Olympics
Anderson Bedding Products
Keynote Speaker
Tecniplast, USA
Session Break
Ancare Corporation
Innovive, Inc.
Suture Workshop
Kent Scientific
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DOUBLE TREE AUSTIN
CONFERENCE CENTER
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Vendor Booths
Current as of 1/9/15
Allentown, Inc.
Harlan Laboratories
PJ Murphy Forest
Products
Purina LabDiet
Ancare Corporation
Innovive, Inc.
Animal Care Systems
InterMetro Industries
Corp.
Quip Laboratories, Inc
Art's Way Scientific,
Inc.
Kent Scientific
Corporation
Rocky Mountain Lab
Supply
a-tune software Inc.
Lab Products, Inc.
SMC-Roe
BetterBuilt
Lab Supply
Superior Laboratory
Services, Inc
Biomedical Solutions,
Inc.
Labex of MA, Inc.
TOPAZ Technologies,
LLC
CEDAR CREEK AME
LGL Animal Care
Products, Inc.
Tecniplast
Charles River
Lovelace Intelligent
Systems
The Andersons Bedding
Products
Dudick, Inc
Lynx Product Group
The Jackson Laboratory
EDSTROM
INDUSTRIES
ENV Services, Inc.
MedWaste Solutions,
Inc.
Oak Hill Genetics
Thoren Caging Systems
Getinge USA
Pharmacal Research
Laboratories, Inc
Transnetyx, Inc.
Total MRO
Veterinary Anesthesia
Systems Inc.
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Program Printing Courtesy Of:
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