This half-block clinical rotation is designed to expose interested students to the field of Laboratory Animal Medicine. The rotation can be divided into 2 general sections: 1) clinical service involving the diagnosis and treatment of colony animals; 2) didactic training in the biology and medicine of traditional laboratory animal species. In addition to rodents we maintain dogs, cats, swine, cattle, horses, reptiles, fish and birds.
Goal/Rationale of the Course
Enrolled students typically fall into two categories. 1. Students who are considering a possible career in laboratory animal medicine. 2. Students who have in interest in pocket pets, etc. who want to gain more clinical exposure with these species. With these two student needs in mind the clinical rotation should in the end allow a student to make a final determination on a career choice of laboratory animal medicine (yea or nay), as well as exposing students to clinical cases with pocket pets and specific training via wet labs with various clinical and surgical procedures on specific species.
The Division of Laboratory Animal Medicine (DLAM) is housed within the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine (LSUSVM). The LSUSVM contains state of the art diagnostic equipment, multiple boarded specialist in almost every field recognized by the AVMA. The DLAM is overseen by two ACLAM boarded veterinarians and has two active resdients in Laboratory Animal Medicine.
Hours are typically 8:00 to 5:00 P.M. (but not limited to) on weekdays and only emergencies or treatments on the weekends. Students are expected to participate in all clinical aspects including treatments and emergencies after hours. After hours emergencies are uncommon. Students provide actual support and we emphasis hands on experience.