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Guide for Investigators: Monitoring Immunization Reactions in Rabbits
Standard Operating Procedure, Veterinary Clinical Services
Section of Comparative Medicine, Yale University

Purpose:

To monitor and document the development and treatment of immunization-related lesions on rabbits used for antibody production.

Background:

Immunization sites occasionally become inflamed resulting in granulomas or ulcerated sores that require treatment. The usual cause of inflammation stems from the use of complete freund's adjuvant that is often used for primary immunization.

Procedure:

1. YARC technicians trained to recognize immunization reactions observe the rabbits daily. They will report any abnormalities to Veterinary Clinical Services. However, laboratory staff also must check animals 7-10 days post injection to provide additional monitoring.
2. An individual record must be maintained for each rabbit by the laboratory staff. A sample record is attached. Use the record to document primary immunization (date of immunization, antigen, adjuvant, route, and volume). Also, describe any lesions and treatment that may occur. The record should include a cartoon drawing (outline) of a rabbit in ventral recumbency, so that location and size of lesions can be documented pictorially.
3. Lesions must be described in detail. Descriptions should include size, color, texture, if treatment is required and if ulceration is present. For example; 2cm non-ulcerated firm nodule that does not seem painful, no treatment necessary at this time or 4cm ulcerated sore, surrounding area firm, irregular and inflamed, treatment initiated.
4. Notify VCS at 785-2501 or submit a Request for Animal Health Service Report (attached, also available in the animal room) if:

   	The lesion is ulcerated
   	Five or more granulomas are present
   	Any single granuloma exceeds 3 cm

5. VCS will proceed to treat the lesions as required. In most cases, treatment will include clipping the fur, cleaning the area with betadine, applying triple antibiotic ointment and administration of analgesics. Sedation of the rabbit may be required for initial treatment. On occasion, lesions will require surgical debridement. VCS will document all treatments on the animal's record and inform the laboratory of ongoing treatments and progress.
   No boosting or bleeding is permitted until a lesion is completely healed.

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Last Modified: February 2, 2004

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