Prolonged water deprivation: a case study in decision making by an IACUC.

Abstract

The purpose of this case study is to illustrate how a conscientious Institutional Animal Care and Use Committee (IACUC) tackles a controversial procedure and arrives at a decision. It concludes with a note describing how case studies can be used for training purposes. In order to maintain anonymity, only details relating to humane considerations are described. A protocol involving prolonged and repeated water deprivation of monkeys recently came before an IACUC. The protocol involved adult rhesus monkeys, Macaca mulatto, performing visual discrimination tasks as part of a project investigating the development and alleviation of strabismus in children. The monkeys were deprived of water for 22 out of every 24 hours for each of the 5 test days in any 1 week. After the 22-hour water deprivation period, each animal was placed in a restraint chair and tested for a period of 1 to VA hours. During the test period, one drop of water was given as a reward each time the monkey performed a required task. During the remaining 45 to 60 minutes of the 24-hour period, the animals were allowed as much water as they needed. On the 6 and 7 day of the week, the animals were also allowed free access to water. The cycle was then repeated. The IACUC was uncomfortable about the water deprivation aspects of the study but did not question other aspects of the protocol. Committee members thought that the monkeys were being subjected to undue suffering. They questioned whether such a long period as 22 hours water deprivation was either necessary for the protocol or tolerable for the animal. The committee required the work to be stopped temporarily while additional information was sought.