Purdue dedicates equine specialty hospital

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(Courtesy of Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine)
The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine's Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana, will serve the equine industry statewide. It was dedicated in April.

The Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine held a dedication ceremony April 25 to celebrate the opening of the Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana.

The satellite facility is located about 90 miles southwest of West Lafayette and is near the Indiana Grand Racing and Casino, which hosts Thoroughbred and Quarter Horse racing. The facility provides specialized medical services for horses while supporting equine research and the veterinary education of future equine specialists, according to a university press release.

"Because of where we're located (in West Lafayette, Indiana), it precluded people from getting their sick and injured horses to us in a timely fashion. So to cut down on transportation time, and to provide better health care to animals, we built this facility," Dr. Willie Reed, dean of Purdue's veterinary college, told JAVMA. He says it will also enhance the equine sports medicine program's research efforts.

The $8.8 million to build the specialty hospital came entirely from philanthropy.

The hospital's team is led by Dr. Timm Gudehus, an equine orthopedic surgeon with an extensive international background in racehorse medicine and equine health care.

The 17,000-square-foot facility offers advanced diagnostic imaging, including a four-dimensional, stereodynamic robotics-driven diagnostic imaging system with two robotic arms, allowing a horse to walk in between for more efficient processing. Horse owners and trainers will have access to shock-wave therapy, nuclear medicine, regenerative medicine, endoscopic laser surgery, and specialized equine orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

During the ceremony, Dr. Gudehus detailed his plans to increase the size and scope of his team, over time, by showing the value of the high-end diagnostic equipment. He also emphasized the importance of building relationships with referring veterinarians.

"As much as equipment can do, we need to be there for our referring vets to take on as many critical cases as possible, 24 hours a day," Dr. Gudehus said.

Visit the Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital for more information.