Even though Xenopus is one of the two most popular non-mammalian animals used in biomedical research, its value in the lab suffers from a lack of standardization regarding their optimal care, breeding, and housing.
Filling the need for such a reference, The Laboratory Xenopus sp provides researchers and lab managers with a practical, step-by-step manual that emphasizes the humane care and use of captive clawed frogs in basic as well as biomedical, and toxicological research.
The Only Book of Its Kind Available to Researchers
Amply illustrated with 50 color illustrations of management practices and technical procedures, this how-to guide:
- Offers quick reference on the humane care and use of clawed frogs in the laboratory
- Illustrates management practices and technical procedures with figures and tables
- Provides sources of additional information on frogs, feed, and sanitation supplies
Supported with hypothesis-driven research, this well-organized manual explores the full range of responsibilities facing individuals who work with this species. The content is divided into intentionally brief sections that allow for the quick retrieval of essential information regarding important biological features and experimental methodology, as well as compliance and veterinary care, husbandry, housing, and water quality management.
The book has an accompanying website with more information, including interesting frog trivia.Important Biological Features
Introduction
Habitat and Geography
Behavior
Anatomic and Physiologic Features
General Features
Integument
Sensory
Gastrointestinal and Excretory
Reproduction
Respiratory
Cardiovascular
Thermoregulation
Longevity
Aestivation
References
Husbandry
Introduction
Macroenvironment
Microenvironment
Housing Systems and Water Sources
Static/Closed Systems
Flow-Through Systems
Modular/Recirculating Systems
Filtration Systems and UV Water Sanitation Systems
Mechanical Filtration
Biological Filtration
Chemical Filtration
Ultraviolet Sterilization
Water Quality
Ph
Alkalinity
Temperature
Conductivity
Hardness
Ammonia (Nh3)
Nitrate and Nitrite
Chlorine/Chloramines
Dissolved Oxygen
Total Dissolved Gases—Percent Saturation (TDG%)
Carbon Dioxide
Water Clarity
Miscellaneous Water Toxicants
Monitoring Water Quality
Stocking Density
Photoperiod
Nutrition
Types of Food
Frequency of Feeding
How Much to Feed
Sanitation
Environmental Enrichment
Identification
Transportation of Xenopus
Record Keeping
References
Management
Regulations and Regulatory Agencies
Occupational Health and Safety: Injury and Zoonotic Risks
References
Veterinary Care
Physical Examination
Quarantine
Clinical Problems
Bacterial Infections
Red Leg Syndrome
Chryseobacterium (Formerly Called Flavobacterium) Spp
Mycobacterium Spp
Chlamydia Spp
Viral Infections
Ranavirus
Lucke Herpesvirus
Fungal Infections
Batrachochytrium Dendrobatidis
Saprolegnia Spp. and Other Water Molds
Parasitic Infections
Pseudocapillaroides Xenopi (Capillaria Xenopodis)Rhabdias (Strongyloid Lungworms)
Cryptosporidia
Acariasis (Mites)
Noninfectious Diseases and Conditions
Dehydration and Desiccation
Gas Bubble Disease
Chlorine/Chloramine Toxicities
Neoplasia
Rectal And Cloacal Prolapses
Gout
Skeletal Deformities
Bite Wounds
Ovarian Hyperstimulation Syndrome
Thermal Shock
Poor Egg Production, Poor Egg Quality
Diagnosis of Infectious Diseases in Laboratory Xenopus
General Comments on the Treatment of Infectious Diseases
Treatment of General Trauma and Abrasions
Anesthesia
Tricaine Methanesulfonate (Ms-222)
Benzocaine Gel
Ketamine
Eugenol (Clove Oil)
Propofol
Aseptic Surgery
Analgesics and Post-Operative Care
Euthanasia
References
Experimental Methodology
Catching and Handling Xenopus
Compound Administration Techniques
Blood Sample Collection and Interpretation
Blood Sample Collection
Processing the Samples
Xenopus Hemocytology: Characteristics
Interpretation of the Hemogram And Serum Clinical Chemistries
Egg/Oocyte Collection
Surgical Laparotomy for Egg/Oocyte Harvest From Xenopus
Raising Xenopus Tadpoles
Necropsy
Necropsy Equipment
Necropsy Technique
References
Resources
Organizations
Electronic Resources
Electronic Resources for X. Tropicalis
Electronic Resources for X. Laevis
Guidelines and Protocols For Harvesting Oocytes
Additonal Guidelines
Periodicals
Books
Vendor Contact Information
Microchips
Carriers Who Will Ship Xenopus
Frog Suppliers (Frogs and Food)
Modular Housing for Laboratory Xenopus
Sanitation Supplies
Water Quality Sensors
Water Filtration Systems
Water Test Kits (Spectrophotometric)
Water Purifiers
Taxonomy and Natural History
Anatomy and Histology
Physiology
Ontogeny
Genetics
Medicine and Surgery
Xenopus Listservs
Index
Biography
Sherril L. Green, DVM, PhD, Diplomate ACVIM, is a professor and Chair of the Department of Comparative Medicine at Stanford University School of Medicine. She earned her veterinary degree from Louisiana State University School of Veterinary Medicine and completed her residency training in large animal medicine at the University of Florida’s School of Veterinary Medicine. She obtained her doctorate degree in neurobiology from the University of California-Davis. Dr. Green has a long established interest in husbandry and veterinary care of laboratory Xenopus. She has authored numerous scientific papers on laboratory Xenopus and frequently lectures on this topic at national professional meetings. More information about Dr. Green can be found at www.TheLaboratoryXenopus.com.
The Laboratory Animal Reference Series published by the GRG Press has yielded another excellent pocket reference for a less commonly used non-mammalian animal of biomedical research. Xenopus spp have increased in popularity as laboratory animals and continue to serve an important role in biomedical research. The Laboratory Xenopus sp. is a practical reference for the humane care and maintenance of captive clawed frogs. It is well referenced and provides important biological information on husbandry, veterinary care, and experimental methods. This reference is thorough but brief and provides a good overview of the subjects. The sections of the book that focus on husbandry and experimental methods are particularly valuable. The section on veterinary care is well written and reflects the author's mastery of the subject. It is illustrated appropriately and fairly priced
—Robert A. Wagner, VMD, JAVMA, March 15, 2011, Vol. 238, NO.6."This book succeeds admirably in providing a convenient … source of information addressing the unique characteristics and needs of Xenopus sp. in laboratory settings … providing a wealth of information that is hard to find in one place. The book is comprehensive, easy to read, and has complete and current references. It should be in the library of every veterinarian and researcher interested in the biology, breeding, care, use, and common diseases of Xenopus sp."
—Peter Vogel, DVM, PhD, DACVP, Director, Veterinary Pathology, St. Jude Children's Research Hospital, Memphis, writing in Journal of the American Association for Laboratory Animal Science, Vol. 49, No2., March 2010"The Laboratory Xenopus sp.: A Volume in The Laboratory Animal Pocket Reference Series successfully follows the series' general format to provide easily accessible and useful information regarding the humane care and use of Xenopus frogs used in research, instruction, or testing.
…General information is presented as applicable to both Xenopus laevis and Xenopus tropicalis, but each species is also discussed independently when differences exist.
…This book would be useful for anyone providing husbandry and/or veterinary care for Xenopus sp. in a research environment. It includes abundant practical husbandry and clinical information, and it is written clearly for comprehension by personnel with varied educational backgrounds. There have been limited publications with extensive information about Xenopus sp. previously, and this book is a welcome comprehensive resource for the Xenopus sp. utilizing laboratory animal science community."
—Leanne Alworth, in American Society of Laboratory Animal Practitioners
