College of Veterinary Medicine

Extended experience in laboratory animal pathology. Species seen at the Research Animal Resources Center (RARC) include rats, mice, other rodents, zebrafish, captive wildlife used in research, dogs and cats, and agricultural species. Diagnostic modalities to be explored include necropsy and histopathology in combination with microbiology, serology, molecular testing, and parasitology. Understanding of the special challenges presented by transgenic mice will be emphasized.

This externship is directed at students interested in pursuing a residency in veterinary pathology. Experience in laboratory animal necropsy with special attention to distinct anatomical structures of laboratory rodents and diseases of research animals is offered. There is emphasis on comparative pathology and transgenic mouse models of human disease. There are opportunities for short rotations at the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory, the Wisconsin Primate Research Center (WPRC), the School of Veterinary Medicine, the National Wildlife Health Laboratory, and Covance, all of whom employ veterinary pathologists in the Madison area.

Five diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Pathologists at the RARC and WPRC.
Three diplomates of the American College of Laboratory Animal Medicine at the RARC.
Multiple Boarded specialists within 5 minutes walking distance at the School of Veterinary Medicine and the Wisconsin Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory.

Complete online access to all major veterinary journals, as well as an extremely well-equipped specialized laboratory animal library in the building. Computer, microscope, and workspace provided. Weekly laboratory animal rounds; biweekly rounds for dermatopathology and diagnostic cases. Monthly transgenic mouse pathology rounds. Monthly morbidity and mortality rounds. Monthly comparative pathology rounds that include pathology of humans.

The student is expected to attend necropsies during the course of the rotation, as well as assume responsibility for histopathology on at least one case. The student will learn how necropsy and histopathology reports are written; there will be close supervision by the attending pathologist. The student is expected to develop and complete a written project, as well as make a short presentation to the RARC veterinary staff on a topic of importance to laboratory animal medicine. A positive attitude and willingness to learn are important.

The senior student will have access to the veterinary staff of ~15 veterinarians associated with the RARC and the Wisconsin Primate Research Center, including five pathologists, for eight hours per day and five days per week during his/er rotation. The student is not expected to be on call during the rotation unless s/he wishes to be.