Anatomical Evaluation of Rat and Mouse Simulators for Laboratory Animal Science Courses

Abstract

According to the European Directive 63/2010/EU, education and training involving living rats and mice are classified as an animal experiment and demands the implementation of the 3Rs. Therefore, as a method of refinement, rat and mouse simulators were developed to serve as an initial training device for various techniques, prior to working on living animals. Nevertheless, little is known about the implementation, anatomical correctness, learning efficiency and practical suitability of these simulators. With this in mind, a collaborative research project called “SimulRATor” was initiated to systematically evaluate the existing rat and mouse simulators in a multi-perspective approach. The objective of the study presented here was to identify the anatomical strengths and weaknesses of the available rat and mouse simulators and to determine anatomical requirements for a new anatomically correct rat simulator, specifically adapted to the needs of Laboratory Animal Science (LAS) training courses. Consequently, experts of Veterinary Anatomy and LAS evaluated the anatomy of all currently available rat and mouse simulators. The evaluation showed that compared to the anatomy of living rats and mice, the tails were perceived as the most anatomically realistic body part, followed by the general exterior and the limbs. The heads were rated as the least favored body part.

A 3D-Printed Dummy for Training Distal Phalanx Amputation in Mice

“…The results from this study support the idea that dummy-based training might allow researchers to train the DPA in an animal-free way as a strategy for optimizing hands-on skills while complying with the 3Rs. In this regard, the existing literature suggests that participants who had the opportunity to utilize training dummies exhibited enhanced reliability in both animal handling and surgical procedures [17,24,37,38]. Furthermore, the advent of 3D-printing technology enables the creation of dummies with realistic haptic properties, thus facilitating the set-up of realistic procedures.…”

“…The use of dummies has become an established part of modern teaching in veterinary training (e.g., for learning endodontics in dogs [20]) and human medicine (e.g., for learning anatomy) [21]. However, animal-based dummies have limitations, such as a lack of biological diversity and the tendency to represent real organisms inaccurately [22][23][24]. Developing realistic animal-based dummies is crucial for achieving genuine reduction and replacement.…”

A Novel Improved Thromboembolism-Based Rat Stroke Model That Meets the Latest Standards in Preclinical Studies

“…Directive 63/2010/EU states that education and training performed on live rats and mice are classified as animal experiments and require the implementation of the 3R principles [ 52 , 53 ]. These address replacement, reduction and refinement in animal testing [ 54 , 55 ].…”

Three-Dimensional Interactive Graphical Model of the Hindlimb Muscles of the Rat

“…In our experience, obtaining a 3D picture of the muscles that are the subject of the experiment helps in mastering the surgical skills needed to prepare the muscles for physiological testing and, thus, the model can serve to train new students before starting their experiments. Like physical rat simulators [Corte et al, 2021], using our 3D model may reduce the number of animals used for scientific experiments as well as for education and training, thereby contributing to the 3R principle (Refine, Reduce, Replace). For this, it is crucial that the model is anatomically correct.…”