Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals

Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Name	Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals
Location	North Grafton, Massachusetts
Region	Worcester County, Massachusetts
State	Massachusetts
Country	United States
Healthcare	Private
Type	Teaching
Affiliation	Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine
Beds	100+
Founded	1978

Henry and Lois Foster Hospital for Small Animals. It is the primary veterinary teaching hospital of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University, located on its campus in North Grafton, Massachusetts. The hospital provides advanced medical, surgical, and emergency care for companion animals while serving as a core clinical training site for veterinary students and a hub for biomedical research. Named for philanthropists Henry Foster and his wife Lois, the facility is a cornerstone of one of the nation's leading veterinary institutions.

History

The hospital was established in 1978 alongside the founding of the Tufts University School of Veterinary Medicine, now known as the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine. Its creation was part of a broader initiative to establish a new model for veterinary medical education in New England. A significant expansion and renovation was completed in the 2000s, funded in part by a major gift from the Cummings Foundation, which also resulted in the renaming of the parent school. This modernization greatly increased the hospital's clinical capacity and technological capabilities, allowing it to serve as a major regional referral center. The facility has been integral to the school's growth, supporting its missions in clinical service, education, and research since its inception.

Facilities and services

The hospital operates a 24/7 emergency and critical care unit, one of the busiest in the Northeastern United States. It houses over 100 inpatient cages and wards, along with specialized suites for advanced imaging including computed tomography, magnetic resonance imaging, and digital radiography. Other key facilities include dedicated operating rooms for soft tissue and orthopedic surgery, an interventional radiology suite, a linear accelerator for radiation oncology, and a full-service clinical pathology laboratory. The hospital also features specialized areas for cardiology, neurology, and dermatology services, providing comprehensive diagnostic and treatment options for a wide range of conditions in dogs, cats, and other small companion animals.

Clinical programs and specialties

The hospital is organized into numerous specialty services staffed by board-certified diplomates of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine, the American College of Veterinary Surgeons, and other specialty colleges. Key clinical programs include the Angell at Tufts cardiology service, a renowned oncology service offering chemotherapy and radiation therapy, and a neurology/neurosurgery service with advanced capabilities. Other prominent specialties include emergency and critical care, diagnostic imaging, anesthesiology, dermatology, and ophthalmology. The hospital's interventional radiology service is particularly noted for performing minimally invasive procedures for conditions like tracheal collapse and certain cancers.

Education and training

As the primary teaching hospital for the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine, it is the central clinical rotation site for final-year veterinary students pursuing their Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. The hospital also hosts a large and competitive internship and residency program, training future specialists in collaboration with the American Veterinary Medical Association's American Board of Veterinary Specialties. These postgraduate programs provide rigorous training in disciplines such as surgery, internal medicine, and emergency care. The clinical environment is designed to integrate hands-on learning with didactic instruction, preparing the next generation of veterinarians for practice and specialty board certification.

Research

Clinical research conducted at the hospital is closely integrated with the broader research initiatives of the Cummings School and the Tufts University system. Investigators are involved in translational studies across fields such as comparative oncology, cardiac disease, neurodegenerative disorders, and pain management. The hospital provides a vital setting for clinical trials, often in collaboration with institutions like the National Institutes of Health and the Morris Animal Foundation. This work aims to advance treatments for both animal and human diseases, contributing to the field of One Health. Research findings are regularly disseminated through publications in journals like the Journal of the American Veterinary Medical Association.

Notable staff and achievements

The hospital has been home to many distinguished veterinarians, including Dr. Lawrence J. Kleine, a pioneer in veterinary radiology, and Dr. John E. Rush, a leading figure in veterinary cardiology. Its clinicians have achieved numerous firsts, such as performing early pioneering procedures in canine interventional cardiology and advancing surgical techniques for complex orthopedic conditions. The hospital's expertise is frequently recognized through referrals from veterinarians throughout New England and beyond, and its staff often present at major conferences like the North American Veterinary Conference. Its commitment to advancing care has solidified its reputation as a leading academic veterinary medical center.

Category:Veterinary hospitals in the United States Category:Tufts University Category:Buildings and structures in Worcester County, Massachusetts Category:Teaching hospitals in Massachusetts