This scenario from Great Eastern University demonstrates the importance of being agile and innovative when faced with new challenges. A good deal of the Attending Veterinarian’s (AV) concerns regarding the use of desflurane could be addressed with a simple phone call to Dr. Patel’s previous institution. Depending on where that was located, the AV at Great Eastern could arrange for Patel’s previous veterinarian to visit and train during the first day of surgery. Alternatively, the AV or vet staff could visit Patel’s previous institution. Neither the AWARs nor the PHS policy prevent training in this manner1, which would reduce the number of animals needed.

By trying to insist the PI use isoflurane, the AV and IACUC may be missing a great opportunity towards refinement. An article by Lopez et al. that compared different types of inhalation anesthetics suggests that animals sedated with desflurane may have shorter recovery time2. Patel has scientific justification for the continued use of desflurane, and, with no indication from the Principle Investigator (PI) that the animals did not fully recover from the desflurane anesthesia, there wasn’t a welfare concern with the use of this anesthetic. To mitigate any safety concerns, the BioMedical Safety team should be consulted to ensure desflurane is safe for both people and animals.

If the AV still had concerns about using desflurane, then the purchase of additional animals could be explored. However, the University should provide funds for the training of the veterinary staff. It is the Institute’s responsibility to be sure “personnel involved in animal care, treatment, and use are qualified to perform their duties”3,4. Specifically, the proper use of anesthetic for any species of animal used by the facility is required by the AWARs.

Due to the lack of communication between the department Chair, IACUC Chair, and AV, Great Eastern University might want to review their processes for on-boarding new PIs. Thankfully, this situation has a few possible solutions to allow the PI’s research, as written, to go forward at Great Eastern University.