There are striking similarities between the physiological systems of humans and various species of animals. For example, much of what we know about the immune system has come from studies with mice, and much of what we know about the cardiovascular system has come from studies with dogs. Research results from animals also provide the information necessary to design human trials that must be completed for legal approval of new devices, drugs, or procedures. It is important to be able to gauge how a new drug or procedure will affect a whole biological system before using it on humans. This is critical for scientific as well as ethical reasons. Laboratory animals are an integral part of the research process.
Nearly every major medical advance of the 20th century has depended largely on research with animals. Our best hope for developing preventions, treatments, and cures for diseases such as Alzheimer's, AIDS, and cancer will also involve biomedical research using animals.
A volume in the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine series, this second edition has over 40% new material, including the addition of six new topics and many others that are completely rewritten. The book comprehensively covers the biological and disease aspects of laboratory animal medicine while examining other aspects such as the biohazards associated with the use of animal experimentation and factors complicating the bioethics of animal research.
Features:- Organized by species for in-depth understanding of biology, health, and best care of animals
- Features the inclusion of chinchillas, quail, and zebra finches as animal models
- Offers guidance on program and employee management
- Covers regulations, policies, and laws for laboratory animal management worldwide
Author info:Edited by
Lynn C. Anderson, VP and Global Scientific Leader, Animal Welfare and Lab Animal Medicine, Covance Laboratories, Inc., Princeton, NJ, USA;
Glen Otto, Director, Animal Resource Center, University of Texas, Austin, TX, USA ; Kathleen R. Pritchett-Corning, Senior Clinical Veterinarian, Office of Animal Resources, Harvard University Faculty of Arts and Sciences, Cambridge, MA, USA and Mark T. Whary, Associate Director, Division of Comparative Medicine, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA;
James G. Fox, Massachusetts Institute of Technology, Cambridge, MA, USA
