[Improved model of a fecal collection device for the prevention of coprophagia in the rat].

Previous fecal collection cups with tape fixation frequently led to serious necroses of the rat tail due to strangulations, and did not allow for growth of the tail. A recently developed new model gives space for rapidly growing tails and is securely fixed by a cannula perforating both fecal collection cup and tail. It is transparent, cheap to be made, and easy to empty and was tested in 118 animals for two and four weeks. In no case the cup did loosen or had to be removed due to infections, strangulations or any local problems.