手术植入虚假超声波发射器对草鱼的影响

分别于2010年10-12月、2010年11月-2011年10月研究了手术植入虚假超声波发射器对草鱼的短期和长期影响.结果表明： 手术植入超声波发射器在术后30 d内对草鱼的生长具有明显的负面影响,30 d后这种负面影响逐渐消失;1尾草鱼及2尾草鱼分别在60 d及360 d研究周期内死亡,死亡率分别为4.2%及6.7%;术后30 d草鱼切口均已愈合,术后360 d,所有草鱼缝线均已脱落;2尾草鱼及1尾草鱼分别在60 d及360 d研究周期内通过未愈合的切口排出发射器,发射器排出率分别为8.7%及3.3%;保留在草鱼腹腔内的发射器都被自然包裹在纤维囊中,且与肠道、体壁及内脏存在多重粘连.手术植入超声波发射器应用于草鱼的超声波遥测技术是可行的,但草鱼在术后应至少暂养30 d以便切口愈合及生长恢复.     

Indicators for post-surgery recovery in Mongolian gerbils (Meriones unguiculatus)

Telemetric investigations of various parameters are widely used to estimate an animal's state. However, the implantation of the transmitters includes anaesthesia and surgery and has short and longer lasting impacts on the studied object. The aim of the present paper was to evaluate these effects in Mongolian gerbils, namely the hypothermia caused by the anaesthetic and the enduring disturbance of daily rhythmicity until complete recovery. The surgery associated with the implantation of the transmitters differed both in severity and type of anaesthesia. Whereas normal values of body temperature were restored within hours, restoration of daily rhythm required several days, depending on the severity of the surgical procedure. Also, the sensitivity of the body temperature to activity changes was different until the rhythms were re-established. A method based on the rhythm magnitude and shape was proposed to estimate the time until complete recovery of the animals.     

Comparison of two methods (left carotid artery and abdominal aorta) for surgical implantation of radiotelemetry devices in CD-1 mice

The goal of this study was to compare two surgical methods, the left carotid (LC) and the abdominal aorta (AA), for mouse instrumentation with telemetry devices, to determine the best method for measuring cardiovascular (CV) parameters by radiotelemetry in freely moving mice. Surgery success rate, postsurgical recovery rate, clinical parameters, CV data (baseline and response to nicotine) and circadian rhythm measurements were compared between these techniques. Brains of LC-implanted mice were evaluated for potential ischaemia by direct observation of the Circle of Willis anatomy and histopathology. For this purpose, a total of 31 CD-1 male mice were instrumented with PA C20 devices (10 with LC and 21 with AA). Mortality, morbidity, physical examination, body weight (BW), water and food consumption (W/FC), mean blood pressure (MBP) and heart rate (HR) were monitored daily during the recovery period (10 days). CV baseline data were recorded continuously during two periods of four days, and finally, both LC- and AA-implanted mice received an acute subcutaneous administration of 1 mg/kg nicotine; BP and HR were recorded during 5 h after nicotine administration. Results showed that, in LC-implanted mice, 80% survived surgery and recovered well. In contrast, only 57% of mice implanted with the AA technique survived surgery and some presented lethal complications. Both techniques had similar recovery times for BW and W/FC, comparable return to normal circadian rhythm (day 6 post-surgery) and similar CV baseline values. No significant differences were observed in CV response to nicotine between both groups of implanted CD-1 mice. No histopathological changes suggestive of ischaemia were noted in the brain of mice implanted in the LC. Six out of the eight LC-implanted mice remained in good health and had good pressure signal for at least 100 days post-surgery, while most of the AA-implanted mice lost the signal pressure within 14-49 days post-surgery. In conclusion, we believe that LC implantation in mice is superior to the AA technique and is more appropriate for long-term telemetry studies, especially for smaller (transgenic) animals.     

Radio tagging American mink (<Emphasis Type="Italic">Mustela vison</Emphasis>)—experience with collar and intraperitoneal-implanted transmitters

American minks (Mustela vison) are difficult to radio tag because of their similar head and neck circumference as well as their semi-aquatic and frequently subterranean behaviour patterns. During a radio-telemetry study of American mink, we compared collar transmitters and intraperitoneal-implanted transmitters with reference to animal welfare and practicability in the field. Between October 2003 and March 2004, we fitted eight minks with collar transmitters. Six showed serious neck injuries caused by carrying the radio collars. From April 2004 to June 2005, radio transmitters were surgically implanted in the peritoneal cavity of 14 minks by veterinarians. After surgery, the observation of mink in a quarantine cage for 72 h appeared adequate to ensure that they do not attack the sutures. During quarantine, minks were calm and took the offered food (fresh carp). The replacement of five failed implanted transmitters after 2–10 months revealed that the transmitters were floating freely in the peritoneal cavity, and no local reactions were observed. Except for one male, intraperitoneal implants do not appear to affect short-term survival or reproductive potential of minks. For long-term telemetry studies, we recommend implanted transmitters instead of external radio collars to radio tag American minks.     

An assessment of the use of telemetry for primate reintroductions

Primate reintroduction has been characterised historically by a lack of assessment and systematic monitoring after release. It is impossible, however, to determine correctly the results of primate release programmes without the detailed information that monitoring can bring. Technological advances, such as telemetry, have made monitoring primates after release more accessible for many species, helping in the design of rehabilitation and reintroduction protocols, and facilitating reintroduction success. Accurate monitoring has implications for both conservation and welfare concerns. Traditionally the use of telemetry has been used predominantly in ecological and socio-behavioural research projects for wild primates but the benefits of using telemetry for monitoring primates after release are increasingly recognised. Our aim was to collate information on the use of telemetric devices in primate reintroduction programmes. Surveys were distributed to native primate sanctuaries globally to assess how telemetry is used to monitor primates after release. Of 16 primate species, almost half (44%) classified as endangered and 13% critically endangered (IUCN 2002), were tagged with telemetric devices. There are numerous methods for tagging animals but attachment methods for tagging released primates in this study were collars, back-packs, and subcutaneous implants. Over half (60%) of survey participants have used telemetry, with collars being the most frequently used attachment type (82%). Telonics was the most frequently used telemetric company (34%). Based on suggestions from the surveys we communicate practical methods for applying telemetric devices to monitor primates, and we make recommendations for telemetry manufacturers, in terms of device design and materials used. Recommendations include the use of an on-off programming schedule, waterproof casing for radios, a safety break-away collar, using chili powder to deter removal of the device, and habituating the animal to the device through the use of fake collars and communicating desirability of wearing the device. In terms of materials used practitioners should avoid leather as it creates sores on the animal or work the material so that it is softer, and reduce the visibility of collars to predators i.e. through the removal of shiny bolts that can be attractive to birds of prey or small cats.     

Effects of acoustic tagging on juvenile green sturgeon incision healing,swimming performance,and growth

Ultrasonic telemetry is a preferred method for fish-movement studies. Despite surgical tag implantation being the most common method for affixing tags, many studies lack tests addressing the assumption that tagging has no effect on fish performance or survival. The threatened, anadromous green sturgeon, Acipenser medirostris, has little documentation concerning its movements. We evaluated the effects of surgery and tag implantation in juveniles. We compared three groups: tagged fish with dummy transmitters implanted in the peritoneal cavity, sham fish that underwent surgery without tag implantation, and control fish that were handled and anesthetized but did not undergo surgery. We found no differences in growth or critical swimming velocity among groups. Photos of incisions were taken towards the beginning and at the end of the study to assess inflammation and to score each incision for closure and suture retention. Inflammation declined similarly for tagged and sham fish during the study. U_crit was not related to the extent of inflammation or to post-surgery time. All fish showed healing during the study (ca. 140 day duration) and 10 % of tagged and sham fish showed signs of inflammation by the study end. These results suggest that current ultrasonic surgical tagging methods do not significantly affect the short-term growth or swimming performance of juvenile green sturgeon. Additionally, effects of surgery can be mitigated by minimizing the number of suture entry points and by using rapid-absorbing sutures.     

Age‐depending effects of narcosis and transmitter implantation on circadian body temperature and activity rhythms in mice

Summary

The effects of narcosis and of telemetry transmitter implantation on core temperature and locomotor activity were investigated in female laboratory mice of various age (3, 15 and 52 weeks old). Following surgery a transient hypothermia was observed. The body temperatures measured 30 min after beginning of narcosis were lower in juvenile and in presenile mice (29.6° ±0.8°C resp. 30.0° ±0.2°C) than in adult animals (31.9° ±0.3°C). The following temperature increase was fastest in juvenile mice. Normal body temperature was reached after 6h 20’ already. Adult and presenile mice needed 8h 30’ resp. 7h 30’. The temperature increase seemed to be independent from activity behaviour of the animals. No substantial differences could be obtained whether the transmitters had room or body temperature before implantation and whether the animals were warmed after surgery by an infrared bulb or not. Probably, the temperature increase depended mainly on the elimination rate of the drug.

Normal circadian core temperature and activity rhythms reappeared on average within 5–6 days in juvenile mice and a little faster in adult (4–5 days) as well as in presenile ones (3–4 days). However, interindividual differences in recovery time were more pronounced than age‐dependent variations.

Circadian core temperature and activity patterns were quite similar in all three age classes investigated. Ontogenetic differences concern, besides changes in daily mean values, mainly a temperature amplitude increasing with age, as well as a high percentage of ultradian components in the activity pattern of juvenile mice compared to older ones.

Telemetry systems are widely used for long‐term measurements of core temperature in laboratory animals (Clement et al., 1989; Refinetti and Menaker, 1992). In our investigations of ontogenetic changes of the circadian temperature and activity rhythms in mice we used an integrated telemetry and data acquisition system (Dataquest, Data Sciences Inc., USA). It comprises implantable wireless transmitters, telemetry receivers, a consolidation matrix and a data acquisition system. The aim of a preliminary study was to analyse the effects of narcosis and transmitter implantation. The time required to recover normal values of body temperature and of locomotor activity as well as normal circadian rhythms was determined, considering also ontogenetic variations.     

Intraperitoneal implantation of life-long telemetry transmitters in otariids

Background

Pinnipeds, including many endangered and declining species, are inaccessible and difficult to monitor for extended periods using externally attached telemetry devices that are shed during the annual molt. Archival satellite transmitters were implanted intraperitoneally into four rehabilitated California sea lions (Zalophus californianus) and 15 wild juvenile Steller sea lions (Eumetopias jubatus) to determine the viability of this surgical technique for the deployment of long-term telemetry devices in otariids. The life history transmitters record information throughout the life of the host and transmit data to orbiting satellites after extrusion following death of the host.

Results

Surgeries were performed under isoflurane anesthesia and single (n = 4) or dual (n = 15) transmitters were inserted into the ventrocaudal abdominal cavity via an 8.5 to 12 cm incision along the ventral midline between the umbilicus and pubic symphysis or preputial opening. Surgeries lasted 90 minutes (SD = 8) for the 19 sea lions. All animals recovered well and were released into the wild after extended monitoring periods from 27 to 69 days at two captive animal facilities. Minimum post-implant survival was determined via post-release tracking using externally attached satellite transmitters or via opportunistic re-sighting for mean durations of 73.7 days (SE = 9.0, Z. californianus) and 223.6 days (SE = 71.5, E. jubatus).

Conclusion

The low morbidity and zero mortality encountered during captive observation and post-release tracking periods confirm the viability of this surgical technique for the implantation of long-term telemetry devices in otariids.

     

Tag retention and survival of juvenile bighead carp implanted with a dummy acoustic tag at three temperatures

Bighead carp Hypophthalmichthys nobilis and silver carp Hypophthalmichthys molitrix (together, the bigheaded carps) are invasive fishes in North America that have resulted in substantial negative effects on native fish communities and aquatic ecosystems. Movement and behavior of adult bigheaded carps has been studied previously using telemetry, while similar studies with juvenile bigheaded carps have yet to be attempted. Recent technological advances in telemetry transmitters has increased the availability of tags sufficiently small enough to implant in juvenile carps. However, the effects of surgical implantation of telemetry tags on juvenile bigheaded carps have not been evaluated. We determined tag retention and survival associated with surgical implantation of acoustic telemetry tags into juvenile bighead carp (range 128–152 mm total length) at three temperatures (13, 18, and 23°C). In addition, we assessed the effect of surgically implanted transmitters on the fitness, defined as changes in weight or critical swimming speed, of carp implanted with transmitters. Survival was high among tagged fish (85%) with 47% of tags retained at the conclusion of the 45‐day study. No substantial decline in fitness of the fish was observed in tagged fish compared to untagged fish.     

Behavioural responses of juvenile Steller sea lions to abdominal surgery: Developing an assessment of post-operative pain

Marking and tracking of marine mammals is required to gain a better understanding of life history traits; however, some marking procedures used are likely painful. Recent technological advances include intra-abdominally implanted archival telemetry devices for the life-long monitoring of individual animals. No research to date has assessed any aspect of post-operative pain in marine mammals. This study specifically evaluated behavioural responses in nine juvenile Steller sea lions to the abdominal surgery required for insertion of telemetry devices. Behaviours predicted to reflect post-operative pain, including posture and body movements, were assessed during 3-day pre-, 3-day post-, and days 10–12 post-surgery. The proportion of time sea lions spent on land standing increased from 0.00 to 0.07 and then decreased to 0.04, for pre-, post-, and late post-surgery respectively. Similarly, the proportion of land time spent with the back arched increased from 0.01 to 0.57, and then decreased to 0.33. The time sea lions spent on land with pressure on their ventral side while sitting or lying down declined from 1.0 pre-surgery to 0.17 post-surgery, and increased to 0.20 late post-surgery. The time sea lions spent in locomotion on land and in the water decreased from 0.05 in pre-surgery to 0.01 post-surgery, and returned to 0.06 by late post-surgery. These results suggest that behaviours such as back arch, standing, time spent with pressure on the ventral side, and locomotion may be useful in the assessment of pain following abdominal surgery in sea lions. The presence of these behaviours and their persistence for up to 12 days after surgery suggest that more work is required to further develop safe and effective analgesic methods for this procedure.     

The effects of intraperitoneally implanted dummy acoustic transmitters on the behaviour and physiology of juvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L

The behavioural and physiological effects of surgical implantation of dummy miniature acoustic transmitters into the peritonealcavities ofjuvenile Atlantic salmon, Salmo salar L., were assessed. lntraperitoneal implantations had no significant effect on growth, feeding or swimming behaviour in either parr or smolts. Recovery from the surgical implantation was both rapid and total; infection was absent; and physiological processes such as smoltification and maturation of testes in precocious parr were unaffected. Expulsion of the transmitter through the body wall, not through the implantation wound, occurred in a number of fish but without adversely affecting the animals. The intraperitoneal implantation technique is discussed in relation to its use during biotelemetry studies.     

The impact of low levels of carbon dioxide on rats

The widespread use of individually ventilated cage (IVC) systems today has made the impact of CO(2) on rodents a highly important matter. Leaving cages from these systems without ventilation increases CO(2) concentrations inside the cages, as CO(2) generated from the animals is no longer removed actively. In modern IVC systems the CO(2) levels may reach 3-5% within a very short time, as the cages are very tightly sealed. The aim of the present study was to investigate the effects of 1%, 3%, and 5% CO(2) by studying the preferences of the animals as well as changes in the heart rate and systolic blood pressure as measured by telemetry. The rats avoided the cages, which contained 3% CO(2). In the telemetric study an anaesthetic effect on the rats were seen at 3% as a drop in the heart rate, and at 5% CO(2) a drop in the systolic blood pressure was also seen. The results from the present study could indicate that CO(2) levels of up to 3% do not affect the animals, or at least only to a minor extent, but that if the animals are exposed to CO(2) levels of higher than 3% they are affected directly as seen by changes in physiological parameters and preferences.     

Removing the rubbish: frogs eliminate foreign objects from the body cavity through the bladder

During the course of a telemetry study on three species of Australian frogs (Litoria caerulea, Litoria dahlii and Cyclorana australis), we found that many of the surgically implanted transmitters had migrated into the bladder. We subsequently implanted small beads into L. caerulea and they were expelled from the body in 10-23 days. Beads implanted into cane toads (Rhinella marina) to document the process were either expelled or were enveloped into the bladder. This appears to be a unique pathway for expulsion of foreign objects from the body, and suggests that caution should be employed in telemetry studies when interpreting the separation of some animals from their transmitters as a mortality event.     

Trends in the reporting of tagging procedures for fish telemetry studies that have used surgical implantation of transmitters: a call for more complete reporting

The intracoelomic surgical implantation of telemetry transmitters in fish is becoming the “standard” tagging approach for most field telemetry studies. Subsequently, efforts must be made to ensure the welfare of the fish are maintained and that fish do not experience significant mortality or sublethal impairments in health, behavior or physiology as a result of surgical procedures. Therefore, it is essential to adequately report information relating to all aspects of the surgical procedure to enable the reader to make an accurate interpretation of study results. We conducted a quantitative literature review aimed at characterizing trends in data reporting by examining a sample of fish telemetry studies published in peer-reviewed outlets during the last 20 years. We used a repeatability score, based on 16 predetermined criteria, to evaluate the reporting of surgical procedures in telemetry studies. The majority of studies failed to report basic information relating to the surgical procedures used. Repeatability scores were highly variable between studies and ranged from 0–93.8%. No single study provided complete information (mean repeatability score = 50.7%) and repeatability showed no trend over time. Some study information was consistently well reported (e.g. tag size and dimensions, the type of anaesthetic used and the location of incision). In contrast, the type of suture knots, duration or level of anaesthesia and precautions taken to minimize infection were consistently left out of the methods section of most telemetry studies. Our review was confounded by the large proportion of studies that cited other sources for their surgical methods, many of which themselves lacked complete information. We recommend that future electronic tagging studies that involve intracoelomic implantation include the minimum reporting standards presented in this paper. Increasing the detail of reporting will improve the quality of data presented, minimize welfare and ethical concerns and allow transparency for study repeatability.     

Complete life cycle of the canid tapeworm, Echinococcus multilocularis, in laboratory rodents

Mongolian gerbils, Meriones unguiculatus, when treated at intervals of 2-6 days with prednisolone tertiary butyl acetate, sustained infection with adult Echinococcus multilocularis in the small intestine, with the tapeworm exhibiting normal strobilation and egg production as in the natural canid host. Host age is critical for the survival of the tapeworm in normal gerbils; parasites survive for only 2 days in 20-wk-old animals, 4 days in 4-wk-old animals, but at least 7 days in 3-wk-old animals. The host age dependence in parasite recovery between days 28-37 postinfection was not affected by treatment from around the day of infection. Starting the treatment before infection (on day -17 relative to infection) remarkably improved the tapeworm's survival within the intestine of older animals. Eggs produced in this rodent model system 28 days postinfection were infective to rodents such as Mongolian gerbils and gray red-backed voles, Clethrionomys rufocanus bedfordiae, by oral or intraperitoneal inoculation. The E. multilocularis/Mongolian gerbil system can replace the natural canid hosts as a new way to obtain infective eggs and to analyze host-parasite interactions. The development of an alternative definitive host for zoonotic tapeworms may accelerate experimentation in this field.     

AN INTRAPERITONEAL RADIO TRANSMITTER FOR SEA OTTERS

A small intraperitoneal radio transmitter was developed and used successfully in California sea otters. The transmitter weighs about 120 g and has an internal antenna. Thirty-five implanted transmitters were located for an average of 526 d. The carcasses of five animals that died were recovered; there were no complications associated with the transmitters in these individuals. Reproductive performance of the adult females with implanted transmitters appeared normal. The main advantages of this transmitter are its reliability and long life. It has enabled the collection of significant new information on California sea otters.     

Teaching animal habitat selection using wildlife tracking equipment

We present a hands-on outdoor activity coupled with classroom discussion to teach students about wildlife habitat selection, the process by which animals choose where to live. By selecting locations or habitats with many benefits (e.g., food, shelter, mates) and few costs (e.g., predators), animals improve their ability to survive and reproduce. Biologists track animal movement using radio telemetry technology to study habitat selection so they can better provide species with habitats that promote population growth. We present a curriculum in which students locate “animals” (transmitters) using radio telemetry equipment and apply math skills (use of fractions and percentages) to assess their “animal's” habitat selection by comparing the availability of habitat types with the proportion of “animals” they find in each habitat type.     

Effects of buprenorphine on body temperature, locomotor activity and cardiovascular function when assessed by telemetric monitoring in rats

Buprenorphine is a potent analgesic commonly used clinically in humans and rodents experiencing severe pain. However, effects of therapeutic doses on locomotor activity and the cardiovascular system have not been studied in conscious animals. The effects of buprenorphine were therefore evaluated in this study using telemetric monitoring in conscious animals. Telemetry transmitters were implanted in the peritoneal cavity of Wistar rats with a pressure catheter in the aorta and electrodes for electrocardiogram (ECG) recording subcutaneously. After a single subcutaneous administration of saline, each rat was administered single subcutaneous doses of 0.006, 0.03 or 0.15 mg/kg body weight (bw) of buprenorphine. During a 10 h period after administration, buprenorphine induced a varying dose-dependent increase in body temperature, heart rate, dP/dt and systolic-diastolic blood pressure, as well as a corresponding decrease in QT time. At high dose, however, QT time was still decreased 24 h post-administration, but no arrhythmias or visual changes were observed in the ECG complex. Body temperature and heart rate increased at the high dose of buprenorphine, even at 20-24 h after administration. Moreover, the high dose of buprenorphine induced a biphasic response in diastolic blood pressure, with an early and pronounced increase that, at 14 h after administration, reversed to a decrease, failing to normalize within 24 h post-dosage. The results indicate that buprenorphine induces long-lasting effects (such as body temperature and cardiovascular effects) in the rat after a single subcutaneous dose at 0.15 mg/kg bw.     

A telemetric thread tag for tracking seed dispersal by scatter-hoarding rodents

The seeds of many tree species are dispersed more than once, and this secondary seed dispersal is believed to enhance seedling recruitment. However, the effectiveness of secondary seed dispersal has rarely been assessed because it is difficult to track seeds until they die or germinate. We describe a new technique that uses thread tags attached to radio transmitters (telemetric thread tags) to track long-distance multistep seed dispersal by scatter-hoarding rodents. These telemetric thread tags can be turned off with a magnet and are reactivated when the seed moves. This method allows for seed tracking with minimal cache disturbance or distance bias, over long time spans, multiple seed movements, and with few effects on animal behavior. We used telemetric thread tags to track seed dispersal of the palm tree Astrocaryum standleyanum in a Neotropical forest, and achieved near-complete recovery of dispersed seeds tracked over distances as far as 241?m. We were also able to record the recovery time and fate of cached seeds without disturbing caches. Neither the removal rate nor the dispersal distance differed between seeds with telemetric thread tags and thread-tagged seeds. We conclude that telemetric thread tags can be used to document secondary seed dispersal by scatter-hoarding animals with unprecedented efficacy and precision. Given the size of these tags relative to the size of seeds and their dispersers, this method is applicable to the majority of tree species that are secondarily dispersed by scatter-hoarding mammals.     

Predicting the factors influencing the inter- and intraspecific survival rates of riverine fishes implanted with acoustic transmitters

Biotelemetry is a central tool for fisheries management, with the implantation of transmitters into animals requiring refined surgical techniques that maximize retention rates and fish welfare. Even following successful surgery, long-term post-release survival rates can vary considerably, although knowledge is limited for many species. The aim here was to investigate the post-tagging survival rates in the wild of two lowland river fish species, common bream Abramis brama and northern pike Esox lucius, following their intra-peritoneal double-tagging with acoustic transmitters and passive integrated transponder (PIT) tags. Survival over a 2-year period was assessed using acoustic transmitter data in Cox proportional hazards models. Post-tagging survival rates were lowest in the reproductive periods of both species, but in bream, fish tagged just prior to spawning actually had the highest subsequent survival rates. Pike survival was influenced by sex, with males generally surviving longer than females. PIT tag detections at fixed stations identified bream that remained active, despite loss of an acoustic transmitter signal. In these instances, loss of the acoustic signal occurred up to 215 days post-tagging and only during late spring or summer, indicating a role of elevated temperature, while PIT detections occurred between 18 and 359 days after the final acoustic detections. Biotelemetry studies must thus always consider the date of tagging as a fundamental component of study designs to avoid tagged fish having premature end points within telemetry studies.