Animal research saves animals, too

February 14, 2003

Washington – The Foundation for Biomedical Research (FBR) today announced the launch of “Survivors,” an innovative public education campaign designed to promote the vital role that biomedical research plays in advancing animal health.

“The goal of this new campaign is to promote public respect and appreciation for the little-known fact that biomedical research involving laboratory animals plays a key role in advancing veterinary medicine as well as human medicine,” explained FBR President Frankie L. Trull. “It is our hope that Survivors will inspire public understanding and support for America’s biomedical research community.”

According to Dr. Theresa Fossum, professor of small animal medicine and surgery at Texas A&M University’s College of Veterinary Medicine, the official spokesperson for Survivors: “America’s cats and dogs are getting a new lease on life, thanks to animal research. Companion animals can live longer, happier and healthier lives thanks to the recent, remarkable developments in veterinary medicine.

“Pace-makers, CAT scans, MRIs, cardiac, orthopedic, cataract and transplant surgery, new techniques for minimally invasive surgery, linear accelerator radiation therapy and specially designed fertility drugs are just a few of ingenious innovations for companion animal health that were developed as a direct result of biomedical research conducted with animals in the laboratory. “

Sixteen months ago, Dr. Fossum performed an historic cardiac bypass on a two-and-a-half year old Golden Retriever, using a surgical technique that was originally developed to correct congenital heart abnormalities in children, but had never been successfully performed on a companion animal. Her patient had been diagnosed with a subaeortic stenosis and was not expected to live past his third birthday. The 92 minute procedure involved surgical entry though the septum to the right heart ventricle and into the left ventricle to remove an obstruction. Today, at four years of age, Luke is fully recovered from the open heart surgery and living an active and normal, healthy life.

“When I first began practicing,” explained Dr. Fossum, there were usually only two options for the anguished families of seriously ill pets. Because there were few drugs, fewer still surgical options, and next to no medical devices available for companion animals with chronic or fatal conditions, the choices were euthanasia or a life of pain and suffering. Thanks to animal research, those heartbreaking days are behind us.

“For over a century, lab animals have played a vital role in medical research and discovery. Many species - from the rat to the armadillo to the monkey - have contributed immeasurably to the development of new drugs, the design of sophisticated medical devices and the refinement of surgical techniques that enhance and extend human life.”

Says Ms. Trull: “Survivors has been designed to promote the little-known fact that lab animals also serve the magnificent cause of veterinary health – even though this vital research is typically vilified by animal activists.

“Virtually every important advance and promising treatment available today to ease the pain and suffering of animals was developed with animal research. From flea and tick medications, to rabies and distemper vaccinations, to treatments for heartworm, diabetes, arthritis and cancer, we recognize the vital role of animal research in the ongoing quest for excellence in veterinary medicine.”

Survivors, created by the Chicago ad agency & Wojdyla kicks off this month with radio and TV PSAs, Video News Release, shopping mall exhibits, posters and pamphlets. All will be distributed throughout the country starting today. The campaign features photographic portraits of four companion animals that represent the millions of pets in America that have benefited from biomedical research involving animals.

Updated Feb 14, 2003