Animal research and teaching programs at Vanderbilt are supported by the Division of Animal Care (DAC). The DAC is directed by Jeanne Wallace, DVM, DACLAM, and operates on an annual budget of $10.5 million. DAC leadership is assisted by a staff of 75 full-time employees. Seven veterinarians and seven veterinary technicians provide veterinary medical care to over 20 different species of vertebrate animals used in research and teaching at Vanderbilt. Husbandry is provided by a team of facility managers and floor supervisors who oversee forty animal care technicians. In addition, the DAC supports six full-time administrative personnel, a Shipping Coordinator, and a Training Coordinator.
Species is selected on the basis of prior knowledge and pilot studies, and in close consultation with the client. Necessary sample sizes are determined by power analysis conducted in collaboration with the Vanderbilt Center for Quantitative Sciences.
VO-CRO has extensive experience in pre-clinical animal models of ocular disease, and will work with the client to determine the best disease model for specific needs. Our scientists are experienced in delivering experimental compounds to animals by a wide variety of routes to test activity/efficacy, including the following:
- Intravitreal injection
- Sub-retinal injection
- Topical application
- Intraperitoneal injection
- Intramuscular injection
- Oral gavage
- Subcutaneous injection
