The DLAR is responsible for supporting the preventive medicine program, and for providing a program of adequate veterinary care for the research animals. Research manipulation of an animal harboring a latent disease may precipitate overt health problems. Upon discovery of an illness in a research animal, DLAR personnel will contact the appropriate investigator to determine whether or not the illness is spontaneous or induced by research activities, and whether treatment would interfere with the intent of the research. Veterinary medical examinations to diagnose problems and therapy to address clinical problems are provided at no cost for spontaneous disease; charges are instituted for post-operative care and for treatment of conditions caused by research activities. If a serious illness in an animal makes further productive research use unlikely,  the responsible  investigator should contact a DLAR veterinarian regarding euthanasia of the animal. Likewise, a member of the veterinary staff may request euthanasia of animals which they determine to be suffering and/or not responding to medical treatment.

In the event that a medical emergency occurs or an animal appears to be in distress, the veterinarian can and will, without consent of an investigator, administer emergency therapy, pain relieving drugs, or perform euthanasia. However, reasonable effort will be made to contact the investigator prior to such actions.

Emergency assistance or medical care is available after working hours and on weekends. This can be accessed by calling the veterinarian or supervisor on call. Phone numbers are available through UTHSCA police at ext. 7-2801 and are posted on the bulletin board at 113D and 1.442U.

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For additional information:

• Clinical Diagnostic Services
• Major Survival Surgery
• Use of Analgesics

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