Veterinary Medical Services

Technical and Consultation Services for Research Procedures

The staff of Veterinary Resources (VR) provides technical training such as blood withdrawal, administration of anesthetics, animal transportation, etc. to support investigators in their research activities.  Training may also be provided for surgery, pathology and radiology. Inquiries and prior arrangements for these services can be arranged by contacting the Human and Animal Research Protections Office.  Through pre-research consultations, budgeting for these services can be included in research grant applications.

Pre-Research Consultation

The VR's Comparative Medicine Program at UM,B, through its faculty, provides information and advice regarding:

· Special caging or experimental techniques

· Selection of appropriate animal species to carry out specific animal techniques

· Animal models of human diseases

· Anatomical and physiological peculiarities of animals used in research

· Techniques of anesthesia, analgesia, chemical restraint, and dosages

· Techniques of blood and other sampling and drug or chemical administration

· Pathological and clinical effects of intercurrent animal disease

· Estimates of animal purchase prices

 

The UMBC IACUC encourages such consultations prior to the preparation of grant and contract applications.

Clinical Medicine 

When an investigator, research staff member, student, technician or any other person associated with institutional animal use believes an animal is abnormal, sick, in discomfort, or otherwise requiring aid, a call should be placed to VR. A staff veterinarian will respond and take appropriate action in consultation with the investigator.  It is essential that the investigator, student, fellow or technician initiate clinical calls  at the earliest sign of the abnormality.   VR maintains complete animal diagnostic laboratories, two aseptic surgical suites, treatment and radiographic facilities.

Pathology

VR provides diagnostic pathology service to investigators using animals in their research.  The purpose of this service is to identify intercurrent disease in the animal population and to assist investigators in identifying protocol related problems, which affect animal health and impact on successful research endeavors.  Inquiries should be directed to VR designated representatives. Carcasses must not be frozen but refrigerated instead.  A complete description of the animal's history should be included.  A preliminary diagnosis will be available following the examination.  A final diagnosis will follow as soon as possible after histopathology, microbiology, and other diagnostic procedure results are available. 

Sources of Research Animals

 

Animals used at UMBC are purchased from pre-approved commercial suppliers and dealers. Approval of sources is based on the health status, genetic quality, costs, vendor reputation and reliability. A pre-approved list of vendors can be obtained from the Administrator for Human and Animal Research Protections.  Investigators with specific requests for animals from commercial sources not currently approved must contact the IACUC Chair who will ensure that a proper investigation of the source is obtained.  No animals may be brought onto UMBC property without prior consultation and approval of the IACUC. When dealing with commercial suppliers, who have multiple production colonies, it is often best to try to obtain animals from the same colony to prevent differences in biological response.

Animals from other sources, such as other universities, have a great potential for carrying pathogens.  The current health status of animals requested from these sources, must be reviewed by the VR staff and the animals must be quarantined and tested by UM,B Veterinary Resources before they are placed in the UMBC colonies to ensure that they are pathogen free.

No animal may be housed in UMBC facilities unless a protocol is approved and the animal ordering procedures are followed. The introduction of animals without authorization by the IACUC places the facility and the research of other investigators at great risk for loss of animals and data, which could jeopardize the results of research endeavors, publication and funding. 

Last updated 04/28/2008

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