Duties of the Consulting Veterinarian
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(a) The consulting veterinarian provides guidance to Kent State University faculty, staff and students regarding handling, immobilization, anesthesia, analgesia, and euthanasia of laboratory animals. He visits animal care facilities weekly to assure adequate health care and to recommend necessary medical treatment. The veterinarian also ascertains that:
- animals and their environment are disease-free and healthy
- hygienic conditions are maintained
- access to food and water is convenient
- animals have sufficient space
- no unnecessary restraints are used
- temperature, humidity, illumination and ventilation are adequate
- appropriate health records are maintained
- only approved euthanasia procedures are employed
- proper surgical methods are employed
- post-surgical care is of highest quality
(b) The veterinarian is available to examine and treat any animal whenever necessary.
(1) To improve the quality and efficiency of the care given to animals, the veterinarian may be asked to provide educational programs for animal care personnel. He may also be asked to assist Kent State University personnel in training faculty and/or students in the proper care and use of laboratory animals.
(2) The veterinarian serves as an ex-officio member of the Animal Care Committee, providing the Committee with professional advice on the care and use of animals in research and teaching projects. His participation includes: . contributing to the establishment of appropriate policies and procedures . advice on experimental models
(3) When the veterinarian identifies problems or needed changes in animal care or use proce dures, he brings them to the attention of the appropriate animal facility director. The facility director works with the appropriate department chair and animal facility staff to resolve the problem. Issues unresolved at the department level are brought before the Animal Care Committee for discussion.
(4) When new additions or remodeling of Kent State's animal care facilities are considered, advice may be sought from the veterinarian.
(5) Advice may be sought from the veterinarian on any proposals for funding that involve the conduct, research or training using animals or upgrading of animal facilities.
(6) Requests for information on research being performed on animals may require the veterinarian to provide technical information to aid University officials in responding to the questions posed. The veterinarian may respond to the media himself only after consultation with the appropriate researcher, the director of the facility involved and the dean for Research and Graduate Studies.