Large Animal Hospital

For individuals across Minnesota who own or manage large animals—be it majestic horses, vital cattle, unique camelids, or valuable swine, sheep, and goats—access to highly specialized and compassionate veterinary care is not just a convenience, but a necessity. These animals, often integral to livelihoods, hobbies, or simply cherished companions, require a depth of veterinary expertise and dedicated facilities that general small animal clinics cannot provide. In the heart of our state's capital, St. Paul, stands a renowned institution dedicated to serving these needs: the Large Animal Hospital.

The Large Animal Hospital, an integral component of the University of Minnesota's esteemed Veterinary Medical Center, is a hub of advanced veterinary medicine, research, and education. This unique position means that the hospital is not only providing cutting-edge treatment today but is also actively shaping the future of large animal care. For Minnesota's large animal owners, this translates into an unparalleled resource: access to some of the most knowledgeable veterinary professionals, state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical equipment, and a commitment to pushing the boundaries of what's possible in animal health.

The core of the Large Animal Hospital's mission is exemplified by its staff. Reviews from clients consistently highlight the "very friendly staff that cares deeply." This compassionate approach, combined with their extensive expertise, creates an environment where both animals and their owners feel supported and understood. Managing the health of a large animal can be complex and often requires significant emotional and financial investment. Knowing that your animal is in the hands of individuals who genuinely care, in addition to being highly skilled, provides immense peace of mind.

Whether it’s a routine wellness check for a prized mare, an urgent medical emergency for a dairy cow, or specialized care for a unique camelid, the Large Animal Hospital is equipped to handle a diverse array of conditions across multiple large animal species. Their comprehensive services reflect a deep understanding of the unique physiological and behavioral aspects of these animals, ensuring tailored and effective treatment plans. This dedication to specialized care makes them an indispensable asset to the large animal community throughout Minnesota.

As local users, we appreciate having such a world-class facility within our state, capable of addressing the specific and often complex health challenges faced by large animals. This article will provide a detailed overview of the Large Animal Hospital, exploring its strategic location and accessibility, the extensive range of specialized services it offers for various large animal species, and the key features that solidify its reputation as a premier destination for large animal veterinary care in Minnesota.

The Large Animal Hospital is conveniently located at 1971 Commonwealth Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA. This address places it squarely within the University of Minnesota's St. Paul campus, an area specifically designed to accommodate large animal facilities. Its position within the greater Twin Cities metropolitan area ensures that it is highly accessible for farmers, breeders, and private owners transporting large animals from various regions across Minnesota.

Commonwealth Avenue is a well-known thoroughfare on the campus, simplifying navigation for those arriving with horse trailers or livestock vehicles. The hospital's infrastructure is built to manage the unique logistical challenges of large animal transportation, including dedicated receiving areas and spacious examination rooms. This ease of access is particularly critical during emergencies, allowing for prompt arrival and initiation of care, minimizing stress for both the animal and its owner.

The Large Animal Hospital provides an extensive range of specialized veterinary services for various large animal species, including but not limited to: bovine (cattle), camelids (llamas, alpacas), pet pigs, sheep, goats, and occasionally other zoo animals. Their comprehensive offerings are supported by a full spectrum of diagnostic and treatment capabilities, often representing the leading edge in veterinary medicine. Key services typically include:

• Internal Medicine & Critical Care: Diagnosis and treatment of complex medical conditions, including gastrointestinal disorders (like colic in horses, or digestive issues in ruminants), respiratory diseases, cardiovascular conditions, neurological disorders, metabolic diseases, and infectious diseases. This includes 24-hour/365-day intensive care for all large animal species.
• Surgery: A wide array of surgical procedures, encompassing both soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries. This includes elective procedures, emergency surgeries for conditions like colic, and specialized laser or laparoscopic surgeries. Dedicated standing and recumbent surgical suites are available.
• Reproductive Services: Comprehensive care for breeding animals, including ultrasonography, breeding soundness evaluations, breeding management, management of infertility, hormone analysis, pregnancy diagnosis, and treatment for dystocia (difficult birth).
• Advanced Medical Imaging: State-of-the-art diagnostic imaging technologies such as digital radiography (X-rays), ultrasonography, CT scanning, and potentially scintigraphy or MRI to accurately visualize internal structures and pinpoint pathologies.
• Neonatal Intensive Care: A specially designed Neonatal Intensive Care Unit (NICU) and ward, particularly for critically ill neonates like foals and camelids, as well as high-risk pregnant animals.
• Lameness Evaluations: In-depth assessments for lameness in horses and other large animals, utilizing advanced diagnostics to identify the cause of musculoskeletal issues.
• Dentistry: Specialized dental care for large animals, including advanced dental equipment for routine floating and complex extractions.
• Dermatology & Ophthalmology: Diagnosis and treatment of skin conditions and eye diseases specific to large animals.
• Nutritional Consultations: Expert advice on species-specific nutritional requirements, dietary management for various conditions, and herd health nutrition planning.
• Isolation Facilities: Dedicated isolation units for animals with contagious diseases to prevent spread within the hospital while providing intensive care.
• Complementary Therapies: Offering services like acupuncture and rehabilitation to support recovery and enhance well-being.
• Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory: Access to a full range of in-house and external laboratory services, including bacteriology, clinical chemistry, cytology, endocrinology, hematology, molecular diagnostics, and pathology.

Several distinctive features make the Large Animal Hospital a standout facility for large animal veterinary care in Minnesota:

• Specialized Species Focus: The hospital is purpose-built and staffed to cater exclusively to the unique needs of large animals. This includes dedicated animal-specific wards for bovine, camelids, and pet pigs, with specialized stocks for examinations, flotation tanks, and slings for recumbent animals.
• Integration with a Leading University: As part of the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center, the hospital is at the forefront of veterinary research, education, and clinical practice. This means patients benefit from the latest scientific advancements, collaborative expertise, and a commitment to high standards of care.
• Comprehensive, State-of-the-Art Facilities: The hospital boasts an impressive array of specialized equipment and facilities, including standing and recumbent surgical suites, a neonatal intensive care unit, and advanced diagnostic imaging technology like digital radiography, CT scanners, and videoendoscopy.
• Highly Compassionate and Skilled Staff: The consistent feedback from clients emphasizes a "very friendly staff that cares deeply." This dedication ensures that not only are animals receiving expert medical attention, but they are also treated with kindness and respect, providing comfort to both patients and their owners.
• Wide Range of Expertise: The hospital employs specialists across numerous veterinary disciplines, allowing for comprehensive care for even the most complex or multi-systemic conditions. This depth of knowledge is a significant advantage for owners facing challenging diagnoses.

For more information or to schedule an appointment for your large animal, please contact the Large Animal Hospital using the details below:

Address: 1971 Commonwealth Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA

Phone: (612) 625-6700

For large animal owners throughout Minnesota, the Large Animal Hospital in St. Paul stands as an indispensable resource for top-tier veterinary care. Its unique position as a teaching hospital within the University of Minnesota's Veterinary Medical Center ensures access to the very latest in veterinary science, advanced diagnostics, and specialized treatments across a wide range of species, including horses, cattle, camelids, and small ruminants.

The dedication of the staff, consistently described as "very friendly" and deeply caring, adds a crucial human element to the highly technical services provided. This combination of unparalleled expertise and genuine compassion creates an environment where both animals and their owners feel supported and confident in the care they receive. The accessibility of its St. Paul location further enhances its suitability, making it a practical choice for large animal transport from various parts of the state.

Whether your large animal needs routine preventative care, a specialized surgical procedure, or critical emergency attention, the Large Animal Hospital is equipped to provide comprehensive, species-specific care. For Minnesota's agricultural community, equine enthusiasts, and owners of unique large animal companions, this facility is not just a veterinary clinic, but a vital partner in maintaining the health and well-being of their cherished animals.

Large Animal Hospital

1971 Commonwealth Ave, St Paul, MN 55108, USA