Bleeding Diathesis in Fawn Hooded Rats—Possible Implications for Invasive Procedures and Refinement Strategies

SIMPLE SUMMARY: The Fawn Hooded (FH) rat population is commonly used in biomedical research. It is widely acknowledged that the FH rat has a bleeding disorder, which may lead to abundant bleeding. However, the clinical consequences of this bleeding disorder have not been described in current literature. During our study, surgical procedures on FH rats led to an unanticipated loss of animals due to abundant bleeding. Adjustments made to minimize the impact of this disorder in animals undergoing invasive procedures are described. It is strongly recommended to take the bleeding diathesis into account when performing invasive procedures in FH rats and to apply the described refinements. ABSTRACT: The Fawn hooded (FH) rat is commonly used in biomedical research. It is widely acknowledged that the FH rat has a bleeding disorder; leading to abundant bleedings. Although this bleeding disorder is investigated to model the storage pool defect; its impact on commonly performed invasive laboratory procedures has not yet been described. Our research group experienced clinically significant consequences of this bleeding disorder following invasive procedures (including intraperitoneal injections and neurocranial surgery) in the Rjlbm: FH stock. The clinical consequences of the surgical and anesthetic protocols applied; are described including the subsequent procedural refinements applied to minimize the impact of this disorder. It is strongly recommended to take the bleeding diathesis into account when performing invasive procedures in FH rats and to apply the suggested refinement of procedures.