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Come! Sit! Stay! Spend the Day at MU's College of Veterinary Medicine Open House 2008

April 14, 2008

Story Contact:  Christian Basi, (573) 882- 4430, BasiC@missouri.edu

COLUMBIA, Mo. – Seeing more than 16,000 patients annually in a 150,000 square-foot facility, students of the University of Missouri Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital have medical experience in emergency medicine, surgery, oncology, neurology, orthopedic surgery and cardiovascular medicine. On Saturday, April 19, the veterinary faculty, staff and students will host the 2008 open house to give the public and aspiring veterinarians the opportunity to see one of the state’s most advanced veterinary facilities that has been in existence for more than 50 years.

College of Veterinary Medicine students organized numerous demonstrations and workshops to give participants of all ages stimulating experiences. The theme this year is “Come, Sit, Stay.”

In previous years, the open house has captivated thousands of visitors for veterinary education and entertainment. This year, the event features demonstrations of the Anheuser-Bush Clydesdales, the Purina Incredible Agility Dogs, a petting zoo, horse shows, and reptile and bovine exhibits. Back by popular demand is Ralph Durden’s Call of the Wild. Hospital tours and information for prospective students also will be available.

“We have several activities for young children to learn about being a vet and taking care of their pets,” said Kacie Ulhorn, a tri-chair of the open house event. “High school students will benefit from the question-and-answer sessions about getting into, and being in, vet school. There will be entertainment for every age throughout the day and a chance to see the Budweiser Clydesdales and many other animals. The most exciting part of the open house is a rare chance to see the veterinary hospital behind the scenes.  Several students and veterinarians will be available to answer questions and demonstrate medical procedures available to the public for their livestock and pets.”

The hospital has trained faculty, staff, interns and students who employ sophisticated medical equipment and advanced techniques similar to what is available in hospitals treating humans to treat animals.

Sponsors of the open house include Anheuser Busch, Hill’s Pet Nutrition, Iams, Missouri Veterinary Medical Association, Purina, Schering Plough, VCA Animal Hospitals and the Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital.

This event is free and will occur from 9 a.m. to 4 p.m. at the MU College of Veterinary Medicine. For more information, visit www.cvm.missouri.edu/openhouse, or call 573-884-6239.

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