OSU response to story about veterinary training and research

Tuesday, February 24, 2009

(Feb. 23, 2009) -- Oklahoma State University issued the following statement in response to a Feb. 23 Daily O’Collegian article regarding a $5 million gift to the university by Madeleine Pickens and the use of dogs in the training and research done at the OSU Center for Veterinary Health Sciences.
   
•    We understand and respect Madeleine Pickens concerns regarding surgical training and research practices at the OSU College of Veterinary Medicine, which are utilized at most veterinary colleges in the country.  Apparently, Mrs. Pickens was provided information which unfortunately, in many respects, is not factually accurate.  While live animals are used to train veterinary students and do research, OSU follows guidelines from the USDA and the Animal Welfare Act for the use of animals in teaching and research at veterinary schools, as well as medical schools, throughout the country.

•    The surgeries performed by our students are procedures such as skin incision and abdominal exploration.  Organ removal and bone surgery are not included.  Animals receive the standard care provided all clinical patients.  No more than two surgeries are performed on any dog.  Terminal dog surgeries are used at the majority of United States veterinary colleges.  And, should students not wish to train on live animals, they are allowed to train on cadavers.  This method does not provide the level of training that live animals do, but is allowed.
 
•    For several weeks, we have been working with President Hargis on strategies that would provide adequate training and research but not result in euthanasia of these animals.

•     The Dean and faculty have proposed an approach to expand significantly its shelter medicine program into the surgical laboratory.  This method would still provide students basic surgical/anesthesia training and patient management through spay and neuter procedures, while providing a beneficial service to community shelters.  Animals would be returned to shelters for adoption.

•    Moving to this option would require increased staffing and additional funding.  We believe this option also is consistent with Mrs. Pickens’ vision for the health care for less fortunate animals.  

•    We are committed to preparing the finest doctors of veterinary medicine for our state as we have for more than 60 years.  And, we are committed to employing the most effective and humane practices to this end.