In 1973, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine accepted its first class. Since then, more than 2,500 students have achieved their dream of becoming a veterinarian. In addition, the school has educated research scientists, helped find cures for diseases and provided state-of-the-art care for thousands of pets each year. This Saturday from 9 a.m. to 3 p.m., LSU SVM celebrates 40 years of excellence at it annual open house.
Only 28 communities in the United States are lucky enough to have accredited veterinary schools. Once a year, the school invites the entire city to meet its experts and explore the latest developments in animal health care, rescue, therapy, welfare and research.
The self-guided tour includes a glimpse into the gross anatomy lab, equine treadmill, canine underwater therapy, cancer treatment center, intensive care units, surgery and radiology suites. Throughout the corridors, rescue representatives, students and faculty explain the animal-related issues, services and resources available to local owners.
Besides being fun, educational and free, Open House exposes animal lovers to the work of 80 exhibitors, a tremendous variety of domestic and exotic species, breeds and live animals they are unlikely to see elsewhere—such as Hildy the fistulated cow, who has a portal in her side so students can observe digestion. Children may also bring their own injured stuffed animals to be “sutured” by vet students at the Teddy Bear Clinic.
In addition to animal encounters with rescued rabbits, rehabilitated raptors and all creatures great and small, the open house offers special presentations including the parades of dog and horse breeds and a new equine acupuncture demonstration. That procedure highlights LSU's new Integrative Medicine initiative, which examines how holistic medicine techniques can complement traditional treatments. SVM now offers acupuncture and rehabilitation services for small animals, horses and farm animals.
For more information and a schedule of events, visit www.vetmed.lsu.edu.
The SVM Open House features many displays about the importance of adopting a family pet from a rescue rather than a shelter. Here are some of the purebred and beautiful mixed breeds available from Rescue Me.
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