3.12. Non‐Human Primates and Intrathecal Procedure

Intrathecal procedure

1. Capture the monkey at least one week before the treatment. The monkeys will be individually homed and enrichment toys will be provided. 

2. Fast the monkey at least 12 h before the procedure (will begin in the morning). Sedate the monkey with 6.7 mg/kg ketamine (intramuscular) and allow it to fall into deep sleep (at least 15 minutes). 

3. Clean the area around the injection site with 70 % ethanol before administering 0.03 mg/kg buprenorphine hydrochloride (intramuscular) for pain management. 

4. Keep the monkey lying sideway and in a hunched position to facilitate a better visualization of the vertebrae column during needle insertion. Shave the fur around lumbar area, and sterilize the area with iodine (thrice) followed by 70 % ethanol. 

5. Prepare the solution using an appropriate syringe attached to a 24-gauge needle. Locate the spinous process and carefully insert the needle into the invertebrae disc of L4-L5 vertebrae. Outflow of cerebral spinal fluid indicates successful injection into the invertebrae disc. 

6. Allow the solution to spread along the column for one minute before removing the needle. Allow the monkey to recover from anesthesia and check for any pain symptoms.