PVM Open House Returns Following Pandemic Hiatus

April 15, 2022

A young girl wears a surgical hat, mask, and gloves as she and a PVM student intently look at the task at hand in the Teddy Bear Clinic — A future veterinary surgeon “scrubs in” to help a teddy bear in need of TLC at the 2022 Open House on Saturday, April 9.

Both young and old alike enjoyed coming to Lynn Hall on Saturday, April 9 for the return of the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine Open House. The annual event coincided with Purdue’s Spring Fest to promote education about all the different aspects of veterinary medicine. This year’s Open House was extra special as it offered visitors a chance to tour the new David and Bonnie Brunner Purdue Veterinary Medical Hospital Complex, which was officially dedicated the day before (Friday, April 8).

PVM Open House attendees were able to learn about the many roles veterinarians and veterinary nurses play in the veterinary medical profession by participating in hands-on exhibits and activities. They also got a glimpse of what it’s like to be a student in veterinary school by practicing their ultrasound skills, learning about creepy crawly critters that can affect pets, “scrubbing in” for surgery to save a furry teddy bear friend that appeared to have consumed something it shouldn’t have, and practicing bandaging skills with veterinary nursing students. Participants also enjoyed a visit with special guests from the Indianapolis Zoo who brought a collection of bones and radiographs, and had the chance to meet some exotic animals courtesy of the PVM Exotics Club and learn about the animals’ favorite treats.

An ever-popular special demonstration involved Leila the horse running on the high speed equine treadmill at the newly named Donald J. McCrosky Equine Sports Medicine Center. The Open House also featured outdoor fun that included visiting farm animals in the petting zoo, an anatomy lesson with a painted horse, and visiting with the college’s Canine Educators. Open House guests also had a chance to refuel at the food tent in support of the Food Animal and Equine Clubs, and lend a hand with the Cat and Shelter Medicine Clubs’ philanthropic project by creating fleece tie blankets for local animal shelters.

Thank you to the many student and staff volunteers who helped make this great event a success!

Click here to view a collection of photos highlighting the Open House and other Spring Fest events.

A girl smiles up at the camera as she pets an exotic animal inside its enclosure as another girl joins in and a young boy looks on — Activities included a chance to meet some exotic animals.

A small girl with blonde hair pets a goat as a PVM student holds it up. — Activities included a chance to meet some exotic animals.

Writer(s): Allison Gardner | pvmnews@purdue.edu

Recent Stories

Keeping Your Pets Safe from Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI)

The Purdue Veterinary Hospital has not detected Highly Pathogenic Avian Influenza (HPAI) in its practices but is providing important information to help pet and livestock owners stay informed. HPAI affects various species, including birds, cats, dogs, and livestock, and can spread through contact with infected animals or raw food. To reduce risk, avoid feeding raw meat or unpasteurized dairy to pets, limit wildlife exposure, and use protective gear when handling animals. Owners of feline and avian patients will be asked screening questions during appointments.

Purdue Engineering Hosts PVM Canine Educators for ‘Canines, Cookies, and Calm’ During Mental Health Action Week

Purdue Veterinary Medicine’s beloved Canine Educators found themselves amidst a throng of engineering students last Friday, March 7, in the Herman & Heddy Kurz Atrum of Armstrong Hall, where they were the center of attention during an event on the final day of Purdue’s Mental Health Action Week (MHAW). Named “Canines, Cookies, and Calm,” the event hosted by the College of Engineering fostered smiles, laughter, and endless thanks from a total of some 300 engineering students.

“Paws Up” – brought to you by the PVM Wellness Committee

March is National Social Work Month! It’s a perfect time to recognize our very own Veterinary Hospital Social Worker, Jennifer Dehn, LSW, MSW.

In Memory – Dr. Raymond Backe (PU DVM ’66)

The Purdue Veterinary Medicine community mourns the passing of Dr. Ray Backe, an alumnus who was a member of the college’s fourth graduating class – the Class of 1966. Dr. Backe, of Amherst Junction, Wisconsin, formerly of Greendale, Wisconsin, passed away January 19, 2025. He was 84.

Purdue Veterinary Alumni Meet up in Las Vegas at WVC Annual Conference

Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine alumni stood out from the large crowds of veterinary professionals attending the Viticus Group 2025 WVC Annual Conference in Las Vegas, Nevada as they gathered for the Purdue Veterinary Alumni Reception held in conjunction with the conference. The event Monday evening, March 3, attracted close to 70 alumni who met up at the Rhythm and Rifts lounge located just off the Mandalay Bay casino floor.

Purdue Veterinary Student and Small Animal Surgery Resident Achieve Recognition at Major Specialty Conference

A Purdue second-year veterinary student and a third-year small animal surgery resident helped put the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine in the spotlight at the 52nd Annual Conference of the Veterinary Orthopedic Society (VOS) this year.

PVM Associate Dean for Academic Affairs Announces Plans to Retire

An esteemed and dedicated Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine faculty member and administrator, Dr. S. Kathleen Salisbury, has announced that she will conclude her Purdue career of more than 40 years when she retires effective June 30, 2025. Her decision was shared with the college’s faculty, staff and students by Dean Bret Marsh, DVM, Wednesday (3/12).