Large Animal Rescue Team


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The UC Davis-Anderson Sling

One of the main rescue tools used by the UC Davis Large Animal Rescue Team, is the UC Davis-Anderson Sling.  This sling is used across the country by veterinary hospitals and emergency rescue teams because of its unparalleled design and safety.  Unlike other large animal slings, the UCD-Anderson Sling evenly distributes weight to the animals skeletal system and away from pressure points.  This type of support drastically reduces the chance of injuring the patient or causing the patient to react violently when placed into the sling.  The UCD-Anderson Sling is also the only sling that can be used safely in airlifts. 


An empty Anderson sling with co-creator Dr. John Madigan

The UCD-Anderson Sling is the brainchild of Charles Anderson, Dr. John Madigan of the UCD School of Veterinary Medicine, and Richard Morgan of the UC Davis VMTH.  The concept for a new sling began in 1987 when it became evident that a new type of support sling was needed by the UCD Vet School.  After 8 years of design changes and testing the final version of the UCD-Anderson Sling was completed.  The sling is used primarily for supporting non ambulatory patients, often after major orthopedic surgery requiring that the patient be non-weight bearing until healing has occurred.  The UCD-Anderson Sling's ability to double as a safe and effective means for airlifting large animals has made it a tremendously valuable tool in veterinary medicine.


A horse demonstrates the full UCD-Anderson Sling at the UC Davis VMTH.

For more information regarding the UC Davis-Anderson Sling, please check out the links below.



Article on the UCD-Anderson Sling

Available horse slings in California