As an alternative to creating a disease model, TIPS promotes the use of animals with naturally occurring diseases. Naturally occurring animal models are increasingly recognized as viable tools for studying disease and its treatment in humans. Increased life expectancy allows scientists to see disease progression over a relatively short period of time.
- Pets share a similar environment as their owners and are exposed to the same toxins and carcinogens.
- There is a high rate of compliance in veterinary clinical trials.
- People tend to own the same breed and want to prevent common diseases within that breed.
Common diseases that are shared across species include:
- Osteosarcoma
- Lymphoma
- Diabetes
- Spinal disease
- Cardiomyopathy