Surgical

The LARIF has two operating theatres designed for performing surgical procedures on large animals.

Each theatre has a preparation room to enable simultaneous use and efficient workflow during complex multi-animal studies.

Advanced mobile imaging modalities are available during surgeries to guide intervention and enhance precision, such as:

  • Fluoroscopy
  • Radiography
  • Ultrasonography

Adjacent laboratories facilitate clinical investigations such as sample collection and processing. The close proximity of facilities enables integration between surgical procedures and research activities.

A surgical room in the Large Animal Research and Imaging Facility.

Our surgical facilities are designed to meet the highest standards of animal care and research integrity, supporting multidisciplinary projects that bridge veterinary science and human health.

The theatres are used for applications, including:

  • Biomedical device evaluation - testing and validating novel medical devices intended for human use
  • Embryo transfer - generating genetically modified large animals to improve disease resistance, or act as models of human diseases
  • Innovative vaccine delivery - investigating and refining unique methods of vaccine administration in large animal models
  • Pharmacological research - implantation of physiological sensors to support drug studies and other therapeutic investigations
  • Physiological instrumentation - implanting devices and sensors before intensive care or physiological monitoring studies
  • Surgical innovation - developing new surgical techniques or improving existing procedures to advance veterinary and translational medicine
  • Tissue and organ collection - harvesting tissues, organs, and reproductive materials for experimental and clinical research.
Specialised care

Anaesthesia and post-operative recovery are managed and/or supervised by a team of veterinary anaesthetists, all of whom are current, or prospective, Specialists* in Veterinary Anaesthesia and Analgesia. 

This team also oversees the critical care unit, ensuring a high standard of animal welfare throughout all our procedures.

Surgical expertise, or assistance, can be provided by:

  • LARIF-based research surgeon
  • Royal (Dick) School of Veterinary Studies' animal hospital colleagues
  • Royal Infirmary of Edinburgh (NHS Lothian)
  • University of Edinburgh Medical School

*Specialists are recognised by the European Board of Veterinary Specialties and the Royal College of Veterinary Surgeons.

Best-practice

Visiting researchers can conduct surgical procedures within LARIF provided they hold the appropriate licenses and studies comply with best-practice guidelines for animal research.

All proposed activities must receive approval from named individuals on the University's Establishment License and the Head of Large Animal Services to ensure compliance with regulatory and ethical standards.

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