OVC Research Facilities

The Ontario Veterinary College has well developed facilities for animal based research studies in addition to conventional bench top based research capacity. These include a 12,000 sq. ft Laboratory for Translational Biomedical Discovery, Magnetic Resonance Imaging and spectroscopy facilities are also available.

A focus of the Ontario Veterinary College involving these facilities is the development of large animal models in the investigation of human disease. Specialists in basic science and several clinical disciplines collaborate and have a broad range of experience in the development of large animal models to investigate a variety of different animal and human diseases. A number of links have been established with several medical schools, National Centres of Excellence and commercial interests. Established links exist with colleagues in the school of engineering, particularly in the areas of image processing, medical device development and material testing and physical properties of tissues. Other current areas of research interest include models of orthopedic disease, neurological disease, and oncology.

Laboratory for Translational Biomedical Discovery

This facility was generously funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation and was completed in 2007. Its focus is to provide research space and short term accommodation for larger animal models. The building houses surgical facilities, including arthroscopic, laparoscopic and thoroscopic equipment, are suitable for all animal species. Flexible laboratory space, gait analysis for animals and people and is physically linked to the Central Animal Facility for accommodation for small and medium sized animals, with accommodation for larger animals also being available on campus. Radiographic, fluoroscopic and ultrasound diagnostic imaging facilities are available in the facility. Rooms are booked for periods of time appropriate to each project. A variety of lockable storage units are available for short term storage of equipment and supplies. Anesthetic equipment, including sophisticated monitoring devices for all species of animals is available, along with species appropriate preparation areas. An intensive care area can be used for studies where intensive monitoring is required. Basic post mortem facilities are available, primarily for specimen collection.

Surgical Facilities

The large surgical suite has sufficient space for extensive peripheral equipment. Intraoperative fluoroscopy and radiography are available

Intensive care

Available for studies where extensive monitoring is required. A large hydraulic table is available where larger subjects need to be contained at a working height

Flexible Laboratory Space

Two separate laboratories are available, one for clean work and one for general work.  Both laboratories have basic bench space and storage capabilities, allowing maximum flexibility for researchers to bring their own equipment into the room. The clean laboratory has a biosafety hood. Both rooms have piped medical gases.

Diagnostic Imaging

The Laboratory for Translational Biomedical Discovery is equipped with C-arm fluoroscopy equipment (Phillips BV Endura), a mobile x-ray machine (Siemens Mobilett),  with computed radiography processing system (Kodak  CR500), and  an ultrasound machine (GE Logic 5), allowing both basic and interventional procedures to be performed. All of the imaging equipment is connected to a local workstation with a viewing station in the surgical suite.

Gait analysis

The gait analysis area can accommodate people and animals and has a force plate and video gait analysis equipment along with a small animal treadmill.

Lockable Storage Units

Anesthetic Equipment

Anesthetic equipment is available for all species regardless of size.

Anesthetic Monitoring Devices

Postmortem Facilities

Magnetic Resonance Imaging

The Magnetic Resonance Imaging facility was partly funded by the Canadian Foundation for Innovation with additional support form various sources including Pet Trust. The facility was opened in November 2004 and has a 1.5T GE magnetic resonance system. It has the capacity to perform conventional and functional imaging in addition to spectroscopy capabilities. Medical physicist support is available. The facility is capable of imaging a wide range of species ranging from cats to horses. Specialty coils can be built for specific applications. The unit is self contained with anesthesia induction and recovery facilities for all species.

To inquire about or register a project in the MRI facility please see these directions.

Forms and Fee schedules

Project registration form

Fee schedule