Improving the environment of mice by using synthetic gauze pads

We conducted a study to evaluate the use of synthetic gauze pads for improv ing the environment of mice. To evaluate differences in clinical and pathol ogy parameters, we used two treatment groups of mice, which were housed wit h or without gauze pads. The mice were assigned to the study at 5 to 7 week s of age, and the study lasted 1 year. The mice were housed individually in stainless-steel ventilated cages with wire-mesh floors. Clinical observati ons, body weights, and food consumption were recorded frequently during the study. A complete necropsy, with histopathologic evaluation of tissues and collection of blood for clinical pathology, was performed at completion of the study. The mice with gauze pads preferred to rest on them. In addition , these mice showed a statistically significant reduction in food consumpti on, but their body weights and weight gains did not differ from those of an imals without gauze pads. Synthetic gauze pads provide an improved environm ent for mice housed in cages with wire floors and may produce reduced food consumption. Gauze pads in the cages of mice do not seem to influence body weight gain, clinical signs, clinical pathology, or morphologic pathology.