Evaluation of a novel rodenticide: acute sub-lethal effects of a methaemoglobin-inducing agent

In a series of experiments the welfare of para-aminovalerophenone (PAVP) sub-lethally poisoned rats (Rattus norvegicus) was assessed. The experiments: (i) examined the acute methaemoglobin (MetHb) profile over time; (ii) refined the LD50 estimate for PAVP in adult female rats; (iii) developed and validated three neurological tests; and (iv) assessed rats for neurological deficit following prolonged […]

Evaluation of a novel rodenticide: welfare assessment of fatal methaemoglobinaemia in adult rats (Rattus norvegicus)

This study assessed the welfare of rats (Rattus norvegicus) poisoned with a lethal dose of the methaemoglobin (MetHb) inducing compound para-aminovalerophenone (PAVP). Twenty rats were orally gavaged with either PAVP (treated) or the vehicle only (control). Spontaneous and evoked behaviours were recorded and blood samples collected post mortem for analysis of MetHb%. Female and male […]