Colorado State University Veterinary Teaching Hospital Shares World of Animal Health with Public During Open House

The annual Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital open house is slated for April 2-3 and offers a behind-the-scenes glimpse at veterinary medicine with animal and equine first aid tips, opportunities for children to perform mock surgeries on stuffed animals and tours of the hospital.

The weekend also includes demonstrations by the Fort Collins Police K-9 unit, a therapeutic riding school for children with disabilities and the Air Force Falcons.

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

Additional events include lectures from veterinary experts on a variety of topics for animal lovers and those preparing for a career in veterinary medicine. The petting zoo provides youngsters a chance to visit baby goats, rabbits, hedgehogs and lizards.

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.

The 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, for a discussion of 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 more information on the open house, contact Julita Ramirez at (303) 915-2855.

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