Frequently Asked Questions

Sources (pdf format)

General

Q. Why should a pet's remains be donated to a veterinary college's EMP?
Q. What are the ethical concerns over the current source of cadavers for veterinary schools?
Q. Which veterinary colleges have implemented EMPs?

Use of Cadavers at the Vet School

Q. What are the cadavers used for?
Q. What are the educational benefits of an EMP?
Q. What is "cadaver surgery"?

Details of Procurement

Q. How are the donated animals embalmed for anatomy class?
Q. Is the quality of a donated cadaver equivalent to a cadaver from a biological supply company or other source?
Q. Can the vasculature be infused with latex?
Q. Is it difficult to obtain a sufficient number of appropriate cadavers (i.e., intact males and females, appropriate size and body condition)?
Q. Can an animal that died from natural causes be donated for use in an EMP?
Q. Can local veterinary clinics participate in an EMP?
Q. Can the educational memorial concept be applied to large animals?

Client and Community Relations

Q. How can the availability of an EMP be announced to clients?
Q. At the time of euthanasia, how can the EMP be offered to the client tactfully?
Q. How do you document the transition of an animal into an EMP?
Q. How can the veterinary college memorialize the animals?
Q. How is the euthanasia different if an animal's remains are being donated?
Q. Are there any other precautions in establishing an EMP?

Hospital Organization and Finances

Q. Does an EMP require extra staff?
Q. What are the costs associated with implementing an EMP?
Q. Will an EMP cause a reduction in the number of necropsy cases at colleges of veterinary medicine?

Other

Q. Can the educational memorial concept be applied to undergraduate anatomy laboratories?
Q. Who can help provide answers to additional questions?

Sources (pdf format)