We’re Not Crazy, We’re Just a Little Unwell

Recognizing Abnormal Behavior in Laboratory Animals

But first…

• Certification Training• Training on MSDS Sheets• Basic Biotechniques such as gavaging, blood

draws, ear notching• How to operate the anesthesia and CO2 machines

What is Abnormal?

ab·nor·mal

adjective

Deviating from what is normal or usual, typically in a way that is undesirable or worrying

Abnormal Behavior

• Unusual/Strange• Not ordinary• Unexpected• Not Accepted• Disturbing• Deviant

Abnormal Animal Behavior

• Two Categories– Maladaptive– Malfunctional

Maladaptive

Malfunctional

Why Care?

• Not necessarily a ‘normal’ organism– Brain chemistry may be different– Issues with metabolism could be present– Blood parameters may be altered

• Unnatural behavior• Scientific data may be skewed• Data may be considered invalid

STRESS / DISTRESS

Comes in ALL Varieties

No more! Please!!

Anxiety

Anger

So, What’s a Lab Critter To Do?

Maladaptive Behavior

• Responsive behavior to the environment• Individual is not dealing with environment well• Humans– Turning to substance abuse– Avoidance behavior

• Animals– Infanticide– Avoidance behavior

Maladaptive

• Cannot adapt to environment• Exhibit inappropriate behavior

Fearful

• Due to current environment• Due to previous experiences• Two types– Aggressive Fear– Paralytic Fear

Aggressive Fear

Aggressive Fear

Paralytic Fear

United Kingdom Metro News

Self Directed Display

• Mouthing of limb– Does not break skin– Causes no injury

Malfunctional Behaviors• Abnormal brain chemistry or development

brought on by the environment• Humans– Stereotypic behavior– Compulsive disorders

• Animals– Stereotypic behaviors– Compulsive behaviors

Stereotypic Behavior

• Definition:– Unvarying inappropriate repetition

•Lacks a goal

The Classic Circle

Let’s Jump!

• And spin, and dig, and bar chew…

Salute

Compulsive Behavior

• Repetition of an inappropriate goal• THIS is where it gets UGLY

Overgrooming• Self explanatory• Varying degrees of severity

Barbering

Classic Hair Pullers

Classic Self Overgrooming

Itchy Mouse Syndrome

• To the point of irritation/infection!

Self Injurious Behavior (SIB)

• Self explanatory• Varying degrees of severity• Really really ugly…

“Bailey in bandages” – c. Susan Cleghorn

SIB

BAD

WORSE

Floating Limb

• While sitting passively, a limb performs an involuntary, upward movement

• Activity may last from a few seconds to several minutes

• Really Really REALLY ugly…

Floating Limb

Non-aggressive Aggressive (with bite)

Active Floating Limb With Bite

No Rest for the Weary…

When is Abnormal Normal?

Innate Behaviors

• Protection of young• Imprinting in baby birds

Transgenic & Knockout Phenotypes

• Grooming and appearance• Home cage behaviors– Nesting/huddling– Fighting– Stereotypical behaviors– Altered sleep patters

• Reaction to handling• Motor insufficenies

Wiley-Liss, 2000

Quick Example

University of Kansas Medical University of Kansas Medical CenterCenter

Even Hairloss!

Dr. Gabriel DiMattia – University of Western Ontario Dept. of OncologyDr. Gabriel DiMattia – University of Western Ontario Dept. of Oncology

Love

Additional Photo Credits

• Viktor Reinhardt, DVM, PhD• Kathy Benson, PhD• Jim Weed, PhD• Dawn Abney• Hanno Wurbel, PhD• Joe Garner, PhD• Online Elephant Encyclopedia

FIN

ANY QUESTIONS??