When should veterinary supervision be consulted during animal research?

Veterinary supervision should be consulted whenever anesthetic agents are used because the administration of anesthetics involves specific knowledge about dosages, administration techniques, possible side effects, and the overall well-being of the animals. Ensuring that animals are under appropriate anesthesia is critical for minimizing pain and distress during procedures. A veterinarian can provide guidance on the best practices for anesthesia and monitor the animal's health before, during, and after the procedure to ensure a positive outcome.

Other circumstances, such as non-invasive procedures, IACUC approval processes, or the experience level of researchers, may not always necessitate veterinary consultation. Veterinary involvement is particularly crucial during any procedure that may impact the animal's physiological state, which includes the use of anesthetics. Therefore, maintaining veterinary oversight in such scenarios is essential for ethical and effective animal research.