A tethering system for intravenous and intragastric drug administration in the baboon

A system for minimally restraining adult baboons with chronic intravenous (IV) or intragastric (IG) catheters for long term pharmacological and behavioral studies is described. The system consists of an adjustable foam-padded backplate and harness which is custom-fitted to each animal. A flexible stainless-steel cable connects the backplate to a liquid swivel through which the drugs are administered. Methods for the preparation and surgical implantation of IV and IG catheters are also described. Intravenous catheters were sequentially implanted in the internal jugular, femoral, axillary and external jugular veins. Catheters have remained patent for as long as 45 months, and catheter life appears to be conjointly determined by both site and number of successive implantations. The advantages of the harness/tether system over previously used chair-restraint procedures include greater freedom of movement, fewer restraint-related health problems, and longer experimental life of the animals.