Sacred Cows and Golden Geese: The Human Cost of Experiments on Animals
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In this compelling report, anesthesiologist Ray Greek and veterinarian Jean Swingle Greek argue against the use of animals in medical experiments. Although the Greeks believe that animal experiments are immoral and wasteful, they...
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In this compelling report, anesthesiologist Ray Greek and veterinarian Jean Swingle Greek argue against the use of animals in medical experiments. Although the Greeks believe that animal experiments are immoral and wasteful, they avoid the philosophical arguments used by most animal rights activists to generate sympathy for animals. Instead, they marshal a devastating amount of scientific evidence about the human consequences of animal-based medical research. Because of important differences in animal and human physiology, they contend, animals often have a wildly different response to diseases and medications than do humans--according to the authors, every year roughly 100,000 Americans die of adverse reactions to drugs that proved, in animals, to be perfectly safe. Why then do we continue to support widespread animal testing? They pack their well-written, shocking expos? with horror stories--about the unnecessary expense of animal experiments; about medications that, though animal tests suggested they were safe, caused liver and heart failure, hemorrhages and death in humans; and about the potentially life-saving drugs that have been kept off the market for humans because they cause harmful side effects in animals. Throughout, the authors make a strong case for the adoption of nonanimal research alternatives such as clinical observation, in vitro and epidemiological studies, diagnostic imaging of patients, mandatory postmarketing drug surveillance, autopsies, computer modeling and larger, longer clinical trials. Their powerful, courageous appeal is essential reading for concerned citizens and open-minded physicians, veterinarians and scientists. (May) Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. From Library Journal Every day we use products, take medications, and benefit from medical procedures that have all been tested on animals. If we think about it at all, we assume that the testing has made the products and procedures safe for human use. The authors, both of whom are medical professionals who have performed experiments on animals, assert that this is not necessarily the case. In fact, they contend that the animal model has harmed and even killed people. Yet animal testing is an institution required by the FDA and relied upon by pharmaceutical companies as they attempt to avoid malpractice litigation. Indeed, the medical research establishment, including higher education, depends upon research dollars to keep this industry operable. Sacred Cows and Golden Geese covers the history of animal experimentation, legislation that promulgates it, the real cost to humans, and alternatives. It is a well-written, if disturbing, book that should serve to awaken us from complacency. -Peggie Partello, Keene State Coll. Lib., N.H. Copyright 2000 Reed Business Information, Inc. --This text refers to the Hardcover edition. See all Editorial Reviews
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