Table 1. Feature of general health appearance score (Shu et al. 1999).

General health appearance

Score

Mouse bright-eyed alert, has a smooth coat with a sheen, responds to stimulus, shows interest in its environment

1

Fur slightly ruffled, a loss of sheen to the coat, mouse remains alert and active

2

Fur noticeably ruffled, parts of coat from clumps, mouse not as alert or active, less interested in environment outside of cage, signs of hyperventilating when handled

3

Mouse hunched over and sleepy, little interest shown in environment, fur clumped

4

Mouse non-reactive to stimulus, fur has a “bottle brush” appearance, i.e., standing on end, mouse hunched over preferring to sleep rather than react to environment, mouse cold to touch, paws are cold to touch

5