Hand-held observations (Observe animals' reactions when they are removed from their cage and held.) 1) Reactivity: Choose the item from the following list that best describes the ease with which the animal can be removed from its cage (scored).
1: Very easy (animal sits and allows itself to be picked up) 2: Easy/normal (animal does not resist) 3: Somewhat difficult (rat stands) 4: Difficult (animal cringes and becomes rigid or runs around and is difficult to grab) 5: Very difficult (animal attacks)
2) Handling: Choose the item from the following list that best describes the ease with which the animal can be handled after having been removed from cage (scored).
1: Does not resist/ very easy to handle 2: Squeaks or does not squeak but exhibits mild resistance; easy to handle/normal 3: Animal freezes and does not move; becomes rigid in hand 4: Very difficult (animal struggles, squirms, appears distressed, attempts to bite)
3) Palpebral closure: Choose the item from the following list that best describes the closure of the animal's eyes when held in the hand (scored).
1: None/normal/ (eyes are open) 2: Slightly sagging/half shut (eyelids slightly lowered) 3: Shut (eyelids are closed)
4) Lacrimation: Holding the rat, observe areas around eyes and choose the item from the following list that best describes the animal's condition (scored).
1: No lacrimation/normal 2: Moisture only around eyes 3: Moisture flows from eyes
5) Salivation: Holding the rat, observe areas around mouth and choose the item from the following list that best describes the animal's condition (scored).
1: No salivation/normal 2: Moisture only around mouth 3: Moisture flows from mouth
6) Piloerection: Holding the rat, observe coat (for degree of piloerection) and choose the item from the following list that best describes the animal's condition (scored).
1: None/normal 2: Around head and back (mild piloerection only around head and back) 3: Generalized (piloerection all over body)
7) Others (to be recorded as description): Note in detail any findings related to dirtiness of hair cast, bite marks, missing nails, gauntness (stomach can be touched, median vertebrae protrude) or death (findings). Enter a minus sign (-) in the findings column if no such behavior is observed.