Guideline #3

Oocyte Removal Surgery for Frogs

1. References: NIH Guidelines for Egg and Oocyte Harvesting in Xenopus Species: Microsoft Word - oocyte_harvest 2019 ARAC Approved.doc (nih.gov)

2. Purpose/Scope: To provide information to principal investigators who may request to perform oocyte removal surgery for frogs.

2.1 Surgeries must be done with aseptic technique including sterile instruments and powderless gloves. Sterile skin preparation would cause disruption of the slime/mucous layer, which contains antimicrobial agents that help protect the animal.

2.1.1 In consultation with the attending veterinarian (AV), preparation of the surgical site could be considered with a rinse of 0.9% sodium chloride alone or 0.5% povidone iodine (with a final rinse of 0.9% saline) as a steady stream for at least 5 seconds.

2.2 Multiple surgeries for frog oocyte removal may be approved by the IACUC, provided there is adequate scientific justification. The committee recommends a maximum of three surgeries per frog: two survival surgeries (one on each ovary) plus one non-survival surgery (collecting all oocytes) to minimize the distress experienced by any individual frog. If the investigator requires more than three surgeries, further justification must be provided.

2.3 There should be a minimum of one month between surgeries to ensure full recovery and healing of the incision site.

2.4 After surgery, single housing, or small group housing, may be considered as part of post-surgical care.

2.5 Frogs should be monitored daily during the postoperative period for dehiscence or infection, at a length determined by the IACUC.

2.6 Frogs should be individually identified so surgery number can be accurately recorded.

LAST REVIEWED AND ADOPTED BY THE IACUC: July 21, 2022