Technical Assistance

Licensed qualified veterinary technicians are available to assist all researchers with various procedures including the following:

To arrange for any of these procedures, contact the CM-LAF, and ask to speak to a veterinary technician (or email us). A mutually convenient time will be arranged. It is recommended that you bring a copy of your protocol with you so we can follow the approved procedures and use the drugs approved for your project.

INJECTIONS:

The veterinary staff can perform intra-muscular (IM), subcuticular (SQ), intravenous (IV), intraperitoneal (IP) & intradermal (ID) injections. They also can administer drugs orally, topically, intragastrically as required. The minimum cost is for 15 minutes of time, or $5.00 for this service.

Fees

BLOOD COLLECTION:

The veterinary staff can perform blood collection from any of our lab species. Anesthesia maybe required depending on the species and location of the collection. The location and anesthesia choice used will be that approved on your protocol.

Fees

ANESTHESIA:

The veterinary technicians can anesthetize all our lab animals with either injectable or gas inhalant anesthesia. Sedation, premedication, induction, intubation, and maintenance can be provided by our staff. Instruction on how to use equipment, and monitor animals can be provided as well.

Fees

ANTIBODY RAISING IN RABBITS:

We can immunize your rabbits and collect blood samples as per your protocol. Generally we follow the SOP on "Rabbit Immunization and Blood Collection". The researcher provides the antigen/adjuvant preparation in a state ready for injection. Terminal blood collection is also a service we provide.

Fees

POST OPERATIVE CARE AND MONITORING:

This service is automatically provided free of charge to all animals having received anesthesia & surgery. Researchers must submit surgical records (FORMS) to room 204 or outlying areas - LAF desk/office immediately or place in box outside of door after hours.

Veterinary technicians will examine each animal after surgery/anesthesia daily for 3 days (or 2 days for rodents). Any complications that arise are immediately reported to the veterinarian. The researcher will be contacted for permission to treat the animal, before therapy is instituted. Emergency after hours phone numbers are important for the CM-LAF to contact researchers evenings and weekends.

EUTHANASIA:

All euthanasia is performed according to the AVMA Panel on Euthanasia. Veterinary technicians will perform procedures that are approved on your protocol by the IACUC.

Fees

X-RAYS:

Facilities are available for taking radiographs, including dental X-Rays. Veterinary technicians can anesthetize, position the animal, take X-Rays at the correct exposure, and develop the film. Researchers that wish to participate in the process must register with the OES Radiation Safety to obtain permission.

Fees

SURGICAL PREPARATION:

Veterinary staff can prepare your animal for surgery (in addition to anesthesia) by:

  • shaving the incision site
  • disinfecting the skin of the patient
  • placing an intravenous catheter and administering fluids
  • placing monitoring equipment (blood pressure cuffs, EKG etc)

In addition the staff can set up the surgical suite with equipment, provide surgeons attire and assist with gowning, and provide sterilized instruments and supplies. Veterinary staff can also assist during surgery by scrubbing in and providing an "extra pair of hands". Throughout surgery they can provide additional supplies, reposition the patient, collect samples and perform diagnostic tests, monitor anesthesia, monitor physiological parameters, and administer drugs.

Following surgery, veterinary staff can administer analgesics, recover the patient from anesthesia, prepare reports/forms, and monitor the animal.

Fees

DIAGNOSTIC TESTS:

  • Complete Blood Count (CBC)
  • White Blood Cell Count (WBC)
  • Packed Cell Volume (PCV)
  • Total Protein (TP)
  • Biochemical Profile
  • Urinalysis
  • Serology
  • BacterialCulture and Sensitivity
  • Cytology

The above tests can be performed by the LAF. You can supply the sample, or the veterinary staff can collect the sample for you. Contact veterinary services first so your test can be scheduled and to ensure we have the correct supplies to perform your test. Click on Fees below for costs.

Fees