Device for craniocervical isolation in rabbits

PURPOSE: To evaluate the craniocervical isolation collar, for use in rabbits, with regard to the following aspects: effectiveness of the craniocervical attachment for up to 120 hours; ease of handling; freedom of the animal to move about and ingest food; and the physical integrity of the animal during and after use of the device. METHODS: Starting from an Elizabethan collar, a craniocervical collar was prepared for use in rabbits with the following modifications: a wide cut in the device in the shape of a half-moon, coinciding with the animal's mouth; inner division of the device into two compartments to individually isolate and immobilize the ears; multiple perforations in the upper compartment for better ventilation; adaptation of the cervical-thoracic band to attach the collar to the cervical region, keeping the fasteners on the animal's back. The device was used on 18 male New Zealand rabbits for up to 120 consecutive hours. RESULTS: The device was effective in the craniocervical isolation and separation of ears in rabbits without interfering with the animals' respiration, ability to swallow food, or causing physical trauma, while allowing the animals to move about freely and rest comfortably. Attaching and removing the device was easy and quick and it remained in place for up to 120 hours without the need to reposition it. CONCLUSION: The modified craniocervical isolation collar made it possible to conduct the experiment with isolation of the rabbits' ears, ease of handling, and without causing limitations in relation to the animals' ability to eat and move about freely.