Clinical Medicine

Veterinary care of all research animals at UMC is the responsibility of the LAF veterinary staff. The Animal Welfare Act and Guide for the Care and Use of Laboratory Animals places the ultimate responsibility for veterinary care on the Attending Veterinarian. Persons other than a veterinarian may conduct aspects of the veterinary care program. However, direct and frequent communication with the veterinarian is required to ensure the delivery of appropriate veterinary care. Accurate, timely clinical veterinary care records are critical regulatory documents that must maintained by the institution. The investigator or their staff should communicate all animal health concerns or veterinary care procedures instituted to the LAF veterinary staff for inclusion in the animal’s clinical records.

Email Animal Treatment to: lfulton@animal.umsmed.edu

Diagnostic Services

The LAF veterinary staff utilizes several commercial diagnostic laboratories to assist with clinical pathology specimens (serum chemistry, hematology, microbial cultures and sensitivities, histopathology, etc.). Veterinary diagnostic services are often necessary and are performed to aid the LAF veterinary staff in formulating the optimal treatment regime for animal health problems.

Necropsy services are a valued research component. The collection of tissues and biological fluids is often a necessary part of an animal study. Also, a diagnostic necropsy may provide postmortem answers to antemortem animal health concerns. The LAF veterinary staff will conduct or assist with necropsy services for research protocols.

Euthanasia Services

The LAF will conduct laboratory animal euthanasia services for investigators. Techniques used must be in the investigator’s IACUC-approved Animal Activity Protocol form. All euthanasia methods must be consistent with the June 2007 AVMA Guidelines on Euthanasia. To schedule LAF euthanasia services contact the LAF office (984-1385). A service charge will be assessed to the investigator for the cost of supplies, any chemical agents, and technical time.

Antibody Production

The LAF veterinary staff is available to assist with IACUC-approved protocols for antibody production in rodents and rabbits. Consultation or technical assistance for production and harvest of antibodies should be scheduled through the LAF office at 984-1385.

Animal Treatments

The LAF veterinary staff may prescribe medical treatments (antibiotics, anthelmintics, analgesics etc.) for animals due to illness and protocol-related health concerns. When prescribed the veterinary staff may provide the investigative team with an Animal Treatment Record. The investigative team is responsible for administering medications prescribed by the veterinary staff and documenting these activities on the Animal Treatment Record. When the treatment is complete the Animal Treatment Record should be returned to the LAF veterinary staff so it can become part of the animal’s permanent medical record. The LAF veterinary staff may participate in carrying out treatments when requested and coordinated by the investigative team.