Athens, Ga. (April 6, 2007) – Teddy bear surgery, a dancing dog demonstration, and veterinary hospital tours were just some of the activities available at the Open House sponsored by students of the University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine on Friday, April 6.

This annual event focused on veterinary medicine as an exciting, rewarding career and demonstrated the variety of career options available to veterinary medicine graduates by giving elementary and middle school students a peek at what goes on behind the scenes at the Teaching Hospital.

Other activities included horseshoeing, egg hatching, face painting, a parade of dog breeds, and question and answer sessions with current veterinary students. Children were also able to assist while veterinary students sutured their favorite stuffed playmates in the Teddy Bear Surgery area.

In addition, tours of the small and large animal hospitals were available all day, with scientific exhibits showcasing every kind of animal from dogs to horses to exotics. Visitors had the chance to see a variety of specialists working amongst the general practitioners, including radiologists, neurologists, oncologists, ophthalmologists, nutritionists, anesthesiologists, pathologists and exotic animal specialists.

The University of Georgia College of Veterinary Medicine, founded in 1946, is dedicated to training future veterinarians, providing services to animal owners and veterinarians, and conducting research to improve the health of animals as well as people. The college has more than 135 faculty members and enrolls 96 students each fall out of more than 500 who apply. This year, 543 individuals applied and 70 of the 96 who were admitted were from Georgia.

Through its hospital and diagnostic laboratories, the college benefits pets and their owners, food-producing animals, and wildlife. The laboratories safeguard public health through disease surveillance. Research conducted at the college improves the health and quality of life for companion animals and improves the productivity and health of poultry and livestock.

For more information, visit www.vet.uga.edu/ERC /openhouse/index.php

This article was posted on Friday, April 6th, 2007 at 12:58 pm and is filed under Event, News.