In fact, much of the knowledge of the body's anatomy and functions can be traced to scientific findings from animal research. Through studies of animals, researchers seek fundamental biological knowledge which may later be applied toward improvements in the health of humans and animals. As Models to Study Disease Humans and animals share hundreds of common illnesses. Consequently, animals can act as models for the study of human illness. Dogs suffer from cancer, diabetes, cataracts, ulcers and bleeding disorders such as haemophilia, so naturally they are part of this research.
Cats suffer from some of the same visual impairments as humans.
From animals, we learn how disease works within the body, how the immune system responds, who will be afflicted, and much more. Once researchers have some knowledge of a particular disease, treatment plans are devised and animals are used to test these potential therapies. Data from animal studies are essential before new therapeutic techniques and surgical procedures can be tested on human patients. From new drugs to innovative surgery, medical treatments are tested in animals to ensure our safety. Diagnostic tools such as the X-ray and implants such as heart pacemakers and artificial hips are safe and effective only because they were tested first in animals.