Rodent run

Abstract

A rodent enclosure dimensioned in length, width and height so as to allow a rodent to run freely along the length of the enclosure, but not turn around without standing on its hind legs. The enclosure has a floor with bars extending transversely to allow access for a force sensor's probe from below. A force measurement device for use with the rodent enclosure to measure the tactile response of a rodent comprising a measurement probe connected to a device body. The probe has a tip which can be engaged with a rodent's paw through the floor of the enclosure. The device body has a fixed body part and a rotatable body part arranged to allow relative rotation between them. A rotation sensor detects the relative rotation and outputs a measurement parameter having values that are calibrated against force values associated with forces applied to the probe's tip.

What is claimed is: 
     
         1 . A rodent enclosure dimensioned in length, width and height so as to form a run for a rodent of pre-specified size and type along the length of the enclosure between its ends,
 wherein the width is dimensioned to allow the rodent to run freely along the length of the enclosure,   wherein the width is limited, at least away from the ends of the enclosure, so that the rodent cannot turn around while standing on all fours, but can turn around when standing on its hind legs, and   wherein the enclosure has a floor with apertures along its length and width to allow access for a force sensor's probe filament from below to the rodent's paw pads.   
     
     
         2 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , including supports to elevate the floor of the enclosure when the enclosure is placed on a base surface, thereby to provide probe filament access through the floor of the enclosure to an operator. 
     
     
         3 . The enclosure of  claim 1 , wherein the rodent enclosure has side walls and/or a roof panel which are sufficiently see through to allow sight of a rodent in the enclosure by an operator. 
     
     
         4 . The enclosure of  claim 3 , wherein the sufficiently see-through walls and/or panels are tinted so as to be see-through for an operator, but opaque to the type of rodent the enclosure is designed for.