Mechanical apparatus for rigid suspension of the spinal column in mammals

An apparatus is described for rigid suspension of the spinal columns of mammals ranging in size from large dogs to small rabbits. This apparatus is unique in that the animal is suspended on its side, allowing free access to the entire spinal column for spinal cord studies and free access to the thoracic and abdominal regions for heart, lung, and visceral studies that may require simultaneous surgical procedures in both ventral and dorsal regions.