April 26, 2017

Dedication ceremony held for new Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital

Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital dedication The new Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana, was dedicated during a ceremony April 25. (Photo provided) Download image

WEST LAFAYETTE, Ind. — The new Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital in Shelbyville, Indiana, was dedicated during a ceremony April 25, in conjunction with the beginning of the racing season.

The ceremony included remarks from Willie Reed, dean of Purdue University’s College of Veterinary Medicine; Dr. Bob Jackman, retired state senator and Purdue alumnus; Dr. Timm Gudehus, the facility’s lead surgeon; and Jim Brown, president and COO of Centaur Gaming, which owns Indiana Grand Racing and Casino.

Gudehus came to the hospital from Germany, where he was the lead surgeon at one of the largest and fastest growing animal hospitals in Europe. Other members of the team include Dr. Kayla Le and three veterinary technologists.

The ceremony also featurde the Indianapolis Metropolitan Police Department Mounted Patrol Color Guard and a performance by Garry Lauziere, bugle player with Indiana Grand.

"The Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital is going to add diversity to the community while embracing our already rich agricultural heritage," Shelbyville Mayor Tom DeBaun said. "Centaur Gaming has made such a great contribution to the community with the Indiana Grand Racing and Casino and now with this state-of-the-art facility."

The hospital is a satellite facility of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine and is staffed by a team of specialists who will work with horse owners and trainers to provide the most current diagnostic tests and most effective therapeutics. The Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital offers:

* Advanced diagnostic imaging

* Shockwave therapy

* Nuclear medicine

* Regenerative medicine

* Endoscopic laser surgery

* Specialized equine orthopedic and soft tissue surgery

"The Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital’s mission is to maximize the performance of all horses used for sport, competition or pleasure by preventing, diagnosing and treating diseases or conditions that keep equine athletes from achieving their full potential," Reed said. "The hospital team will provide excellent patient care by delivering specialty medical and surgical services for horse owners while also supporting equine research and education of future equine specialists, thereby, complementing the existing services available through our Large Animal Hospital in West Lafayette."

The 17,000-square-foot structure cost $8.8 million. The local governments in Shelbyville and Shelby County committed $2.3 million for the project, and the college raised the balance of the funds, including a $3.1 million pledge from Centaur Gaming, which owns Indiana Grand, to name the facility. Features of the new hospital include an Equine 4DDI diagnostic imaging system, which contains two robotic arms, allowing a horse to walk in between for increased efficiency. The robotic features make it possible for the horse to stand as the unit performs all types of diagnostic techniques, including X-rays, fluoroscopy, CT and tomosynthesis. 

“This is a very exciting time for Indiana horse racing, and the addition of the new Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital is just another example of our commitment to the agri-business industry of Indiana,” said Rod Ratcliff, chairman and CEO of Centaur Gaming. “Purdue has worked hard to bring this state-of-the-art facility to our state and has recruited a top-notch staff. We are so proud to partner with them on this endeavor. It is a welcomed and much needed addition to our horse racing partners to have immediate and superior veterinary care for our equine athletes.”

For more information about the Centaur Equine Specialty Hospital, visit purdue.edu/CESH.

Writer: Megan Huckaby, 765-496-1325, mhuckaby@purdue.edu 

Sources: Tom DeBaun, mayor of Shelbyville, mayor@cityofshelbyvillein.com

Willie Reed, dean of the College of Veterinary Medicine, wreed@purdue.edu

Rod Ratcliff, chairman and CEO of Centaur Gaming

Allison Carey, communication specialist with the College of Veterinary Medicine, 765-496-3631, aacarey@purdue.edu

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