Hospital for Large Animals

Hospital for Large Animals. It is a leading academic veterinary medical center specializing in the care of horses, cattle, and other livestock. Affiliated with the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, the hospital is a core component of the New Bolton Center campus in Kennett Square, Pennsylvania. It provides advanced clinical services, trains future veterinarians, and conducts pioneering research in equine surgery and bovine health.

History

The hospital's origins are intertwined with the development of the New Bolton Center, which was established in the 1950s through a gift from the Bolton family to the University of Pennsylvania. Its creation was driven by a growing need for specialized veterinary care for the agricultural and equine industries in the Northeastern United States. A pivotal figure in its early development was Dr. W. R. "Bob" Pritchard, a renowned expert in bovine surgery and theriogenology. The facility gained international recognition in the 1970s under the leadership of surgeons like Dr. Jacques Jenny, who advanced techniques in equine orthopedic surgery. Throughout the late 20th century, it expanded its role in treating performance horses from the surrounding regions, including the Delaware Valley and the Mid-Atlantic states.

Facilities and Services

The hospital operates within a extensive campus that includes dedicated medical and surgical wards, advanced diagnostic imaging suites, and specialized isolation units. Key facilities feature a state-of-the-art equine MRI scanner, a surgical suite designed for complex procedures like fracture repair, and a high-speed treadmill for gait analysis. The George D. Widener Hospital for large animals houses intensive care units for critical patients. Supporting services include a full-service clinical pathology laboratory, pharmacy, and an ambulance service for patient transport. The adjacent Marshak Dairy supports clinical work and research in dairy cattle medicine.

Clinical Specialties

Clinical care is organized into specialized services that leverage the expertise of board-certified faculty. The Equine Field Service provides ambulatory care across Pennsylvania and neighboring states. The hospital is nationally recognized for its Equine Sports Medicine program, which serves athletes from disciplines like thoroughbred racing and equestrianism. Other major specialties include Equine Internal Medicine, which manages complex medical diseases, and Equine Surgery, renowned for procedures treating colic and lameness. The Food Animal Field Service focuses on herd health for dairy and beef cattle operations, while the Theriogenology service addresses reproduction in both equine and bovine patients.

Education and Training

As a primary teaching hospital for the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine, it is integral to the education of Doctor of Veterinary Medicine students. Senior students complete clinical rotations in services such as Equine Emergency and Critical Care under the supervision of faculty clinicians. The hospital is also a major center for postgraduate veterinary education, offering American College of Veterinary Surgeons-approved residency programs in specialties like Large Animal Surgery and Large Animal Internal Medicine. These programs often collaborate with other institutions, including the University of California, Davis and Cornell University. Continuing education for practicing veterinarians is provided through seminars and workshops.

Notable Cases and Research

The hospital has managed numerous high-profile cases, including the treatment of the champion racehorse Barbaro for catastrophic injuries sustained at the Preakness Stakes. Its clinicians have published groundbreaking research on topics such as laparoscopic surgery in horses, the management of equine protozoal myeloencephalitis, and advanced techniques in fetlock arthroscopy. Collaborative studies with organizations like the United States Department of Agriculture and the Morris Animal Foundation have contributed to advancements in infectious disease control and pain management in large animals. The work of its faculty has been recognized by awards from the American Association of Equine Practitioners and the World Equine Veterinary Association.

Category:Veterinary hospitals in the United States Category:University of Pennsylvania Category:Buildings and structures in Chester County, Pennsylvania