Non-aversive photographic measurement method for subcutaneous tumours in nude mice

CARRANZA MARTIN, ANA CRISTINA ; CARBONE, CECILIA; AYALA, MIGUEL; RESASCO, AGUSTINA; DIAZ, SILVINA LAURA

LABORATORY ANIMALS

ROYAL SOC MEDICINE PRESS LTD

Lugar: LONDRES; Año: 2019 vol. 53 p. 352 - 361

0023-6772

We have developed a new method for the measurement of subcutaneous tumour volume which consists in taking photographs of mice in their home cages, to refine the standard method of measurement with calipers. We consider this new method to be non-aversive, as it may be more compatible with mice? behavioural preferences and, hence, improve their welfare. Photographs are captured when mice voluntarily go into an acrylic tube containing graph paper that is later used as a scale. Tumour volumes measured with the caliper and the non-aversive photographic method were compared to those obtained by water displacement volume and weight. Behavioural and physiological changes were evaluated to assess animal welfare. Significant differences were found between measurements obtained with the caliper and the non-aversive photographic method, versus the reference volume acquired by water displacement (P˂0.001). Nevertheless, there was good consistency for these measurements when tumours were measured repeatedly, with all Intra-Class Correlation Coefficients above 0.95. Mice on which the non-aversive photographic method was employed were significantly less reluctant to establish contact with the experimenter (P