‘the Magic of Animals’ the Theme of 25th Annual Veterinary Teaching Hospital Open House April 2-3

Animal lovers may enjoy a behind-the-scenes experience at Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital packed with flying falcons, horses, a mock surgery for youngsters where they can operate on stuffed animals, a petting zoo and an opportunity to learn how to save an animals life with first aid.

The hospital’s annual open house is from 9 a.m.-4 p.m. April 2-3 at the teaching hospital, located at 300 W. Drake Road. All events are free and open to the public.

This year’s event theme is "The Magic of Animals" and features veterinary experts who will lecture on a variety of topics for animal lovers and those preparing for a career with animals. The petting zoo provides youngsters a chance to visit baby goats, rabbits, hedgehogs and lizards. The open house also will feature a stump-the-vet booth where faculty from the College of Veterinary Medicine and Biomedical Sciences will take on visitors’ questions.

Guests can experience guided tours of the teaching hospital for up-close looks at veterinary medicine including a tour of the anesthesia ward. Tours also are offered for the Rocky Mountain Raptor Center from 10 a.m.-4 p.m. April 3. The raptor program, located behind the hospital, is dedicated to providing medical care, rehabilitation and release for injured birds of prey.

A schedule of lectures and demonstrations follows.

Fri., April 2:

10 a.m. – Demonstrations by the Fort Collins Police K-9 Unit.

11 a.m. – Dr. Tim Hackett, chief of critical care at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, speaks on animal first aid.

Noon- Search and Rescue dog demonstration.

1 p.m. – American Association of Equine Practitioners presents Dr. Racquel Rodeheaver, equine veterinarian at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, discussing equine first aid.

2 p.m. – Air Force Falcon show with a live demonstration of trained falcons and their bird handlers.

3 p.m. – "So, You Want to be a Veterinarian?" by Dr. Sherry McConnell, veterinarian and assistant dean for admissions and student affairs at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, highlights what students can do to prepare for a career in veterinary medicine.

Sat., April 3:

10 a.m. – Fly ball demonstration.

11 a.m. – Dr. Pat McCue, equine veterinarian at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital, lectures on foaling – the process of a mare giving birth to a foal – what to do, what not to do and when to call the veterinarian.

Noon- Rumenoscopy: A chance to look through a scope and view a cow’s stomach.

1 p.m. – Finding Fido: How to choose an appropriate pet for your family, by Colorado State University’s Students for Human Animal Relationship Education

2 p.m. – Platte Valley Hunting and Retrieving Club demonstration.

3 p.m. – The Raptor Center presents Raptors; Freedom or Captivity? which examines the physical characteristics required for a good bird of prey habitat and the typical behaviors of these special birds.

3 p.m. – Hearts and Horses demonstration. This therapeutic riding school in Loveland is for the physically and mentally disabled to learn to ride and take care of horses.

For further information on the open house, contact Julita Ramirez at (303) 915-2855.

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