Assistant Laboratory Animal Technician (ALAT) Practice Exam

For which animals can cervical dislocation be used as a method of euthanasia?

1. Only on primates weighing less than 5 kg

2. On any rodent regardless of weight

3. Mice and rats weighing less than 200 g, rabbits weighing less than 1 kg, and some birds

4. All small mammals up to 2 kg

The correct answer is: Mice and rats weighing less than 200 g, rabbits weighing less than 1 kg, and some birds

Cervical dislocation is recognized as a method of euthanasia that is appropriate for certain small animals, particularly those that are less than specific weight thresholds due to their physiological characteristics and the method's effectiveness. Mice and rats that weigh less than 200 grams are often considered suitable candidates for cervical dislocation, as it can be performed quickly and can lead to rapid loss of consciousness and death if done correctly. Additionally, rabbits weighing less than 1 kg can be effectively euthanized using this method due to their smaller anatomical structure, which allows for the technique to be applied safely and humanely. Similarly, some birds can also fall under this category as they typically have smaller body masses, facilitating the application of cervical dislocation as a humane euthanasia method. The other options are narrower or incorrect regarding the application of cervical dislocation. For example, limiting the method to only primates weighing less than 5 kg does not align with established guidelines, as cervical dislocation is generally not permitted for primates due to ethical considerations and the need for more humane euthanasia methods. Similarly, stating it can apply to any rodent regardless of weight is inaccurate, as larger rodents may not be effectively euthanized using this method due to their physical size and