Purdue's College of Veterinary Medicine to host open house

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. - The "Teddy Bear Suture Clinic" will be a new feature of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine's annual open house, from 10 a.m. to 4 p.m. April 12 at Lynn Hall.

During the clinic, visitors can drop off their "injured" stuffed animals to have them "treated" by veterinary student surgeons. The students will perform surgery on them and then have them ready for their owners to pick up, stitched up and healthy

Held in conjunction with Purdue's Spring Fest weekend, the open house also will include a petting zoo, interactive exhibits for children, and tours of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. The event's theme is "Partners in Human and Animal Health."

"This is a great way for kids and adults to learn about what we do at the College of Veterinary Medicine to improve the lives of humans and animals," said veterinary student Ashley Bernacchi, the open house committee co-chair. "The hands-on activities are fun for the entire family."

Other activities scheduled throughout the day include opportunities to see blood donor and search-and-rescue dogs, along with two equine treadmill demonstrations. Visitors also will be able to participate in interactive demonstrations with Indiana University School of Medicine-Lafayette first-year students.

The Saturday-only open house is organized by College of Veterinary Medicine students and has been held annually since 1963, when the college graduated its first class of veterinarians.

For more information and a schedule of events, visit http://www.vet.purdue.edu/2014openhouse/#Agenda. Updates also are available on Twitter, at @PVMOpenHouse. 

Writer: Greg McClure, 765-496-9711, gmcclure@purdue.edu 

Sources: Ashley Bernacchi, 219-776-5885, abernac@purdue.edu

Katie Bennett, bennett2@purdue.edu