The scope of a laboratory animal program needed at a veterinary school

Area of Science:

• Veterinary Medicine
• Laboratory Animal Science

Background:

• Laboratory animal medicine is a rapidly expanding veterinary specialty.
• There is a need for comprehensive instruction in this field within veterinary curricula.

Purpose of the Study:

• To advocate for the integration of laboratory animal medicine into veterinary professional curricula.
• To highlight the importance of specialized training for veterinarians in biomedical research.

Main Methods:

• The abstract outlines recommendations for curriculum development.
• It emphasizes the role of faculty veterinarians with advanced training.

Main Results:

• Instruction should cover animal biology, pathology, care, and management.
• Opportunities for laboratory animal veterinarians in research should be detailed.

Conclusions:

• Veterinary schools should embrace responsibility for teaching laboratory animal medicine.
• Advanced training in this specialty enables veterinarians to significantly contribute to animal welfare and biomedical research.