Large Animal Hospital Introduce
For owners of horses, cattle, swine, and other livestock across Iowa and the surrounding Midwest, the **Large Animal Hospital** in Ames, IA, stands as a critical resource for advanced and emergency veterinary care. As part of the prestigious Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (ISU CVM), this facility is not just an ordinary **Animal Hospital**; it functions as a state-of-the-art teaching, diagnostic, and specialty referral center dedicated entirely to **Large Animal** species and **Farm Animal** health.
This hospital is designed to handle the most complex cases, offering a level of **Specialty Care** and advanced resources that is often unavailable at regional primary care clinics. From complex **Animal Internal Medicine** and **Soft Tissue Surgery** to high-risk foaling management and cutting-edge **Production Animal** health programs, the Large Animal Hospital provides unparalleled expertise.
Client testimonials often highlight the exceptional level of care and the compassionate nature of the staff. As one horse owner stated, "I have been bringing my horses here for expert care when needed for over a decade, they provide specialized and **Emergency Veterinary Care** when a smaller practice cannot do so." Another client who experienced a successful foaling noted the staff's dedication: “They were kind enough to placate my neurotic need to know everything all the time and took great care of mom and baby. Super flexible and responsive.” This combination of high-level expertise and genuine compassion makes the Large Animal Hospital a preferred choice for specialty care throughout the region.
Furthermore, as a veterinary college hospital, it plays a vital role in **Medical Education** and advancing veterinary science. Bringing an animal here contributes to the learning opportunities for future veterinarians, ensuring the continuation of high standards in animal care for Iowa and beyond.
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### Location and Accessibility
The Large Animal Hospital is strategically located in Ames, Iowa, a central and easily accessible location for clients traveling from across the state. Its position near the Iowa State University campus makes it a well-known institution.
**Address:** 1809 S Riverside Dr, Ames, IA 50011, USA
The hospital is designed to accommodate the large scale of its patients and clients, ensuring convenient access for everyone:
- **Wheelchair accessible entrance** ensures ease of access for all visitors upon arrival.
- **Wheelchair accessible parking lot** provides close proximity and convenience, which is particularly important when dealing with the stress of a sick or injured animal.
- **Wheelchair accessible restroom** and general **Restroom** facilities are available within the hospital for client comfort.
- Due to the nature of specialized care and the teaching environment, **Appointments recommended** is the standard protocol. However, the hospital provides 24-hour, 7-day-a-week availability for true **Emergency Services**.
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### Services Offered
The Large Animal Hospital provides comprehensive and specialized **Veterinary Diagnostic** and medical services for horses, cattle, pigs, sheep, goats, and camelids. The range of services reflects its role as a major regional referral center.
- **Emergency and Critical Care:** Offers 24-hour **Emergency Services** and a specialized **Intensive Care Unit** (ICU) for the most critically ill or injured patients.
- **Advanced Diagnostics:** Utilizes state-of-the-art equipment for **Diagnostic Imaging** and **Advanced Imaging**, including CT and MRI, to support accurate **Diagnosis And Treatment**. This is backed by a full **Diagnostic Laboratory** for **Clinical Pathology** and **Pathology And Biopsy**.
- **Internal Medicine and Surgery:** Provides high-level **Animal Internal Medicine** and expert **Medical/Surgical Services** for a variety of conditions, from routine care to complex **Medicine & Surgery** needs. Specialty areas include **Soft Tissue Surgery**.
- **Production and Herd Health:** Offers extensive services for **Farm Animal** and **Production Animal** clients, including **Herd Health Services**, **Health Programs**, and sophisticated **Nutritional Consultation**.
- **Reproductive Services (Theriogenology):** Specialized care focusing on reproductive health, including high-risk foaling (as highlighted in customer reviews), breeding soundness exams, and advanced procedures like **Embryo Transfer**.
- **Preventative and Primary Care:** In addition to specialty services, the hospital provides **Primary Care** and **Preventive Medicine** consultations for various large animals, including **Pediatric Care** for newborns.
- **Specialized Consultations:** Access to specialists in fields like oncology (**Pet Cancer Care**) and specialized **Counseling Services** to assist clients with difficult decisions and patient management.
- **Operational Features:** Maintaining detailed **Electronic Medical Records** ensures seamless tracking of complex cases, and **Medicine Examining** facilities are specifically designed for the safe handling of large animals.
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### Features / Highlights
The unique nature of the Large Animal Hospital as a university teaching facility distinguishes it from general veterinary practices, offering specific advantages to Iowans.
- **24/7 Specialty Emergency and Critical Care:** This is the primary highlight. The availability of 24-hour **Emergency Services** supported by board-certified specialists and a dedicated **Intensive Care Unit** is vital for life-threatening conditions in large animals, where transport time is critical.
- **University Expertise and Faculty:** The hospital is staffed by board-certified specialists, residents, and interns—a team focused on the absolute latest advancements in veterinary science, driven by **Medical Education** and research. This provides patients with access to a team of experts collaborating on their care.
- **Advanced Diagnostic Technology:** Few facilities in the region have the capability to offer such extensive **Advanced Imaging** modalities, including CT and MRI, crucial for accurate diagnosis of subtle or complex conditions like lameness or neurological issues in horses and livestock.
- **Comprehensive Production Animal Focus:** The dedicated services for **Food Animal** and **Camelid** species, including **Herd Health Services** and specialized **Nutritional Consultation**, are invaluable to Iowa’s agricultural backbone, helping producers maintain the health and economic viability of their operations.
- **Integrated Teaching and Learning:** As noted by a client, the facility provides **Student Services** and **Employee Services**, contributing to a rigorous teaching environment. Clients benefit from a collaborative approach, often having multiple experts review their animal’s case.
- **Reproductive Excellence:** The specialized theriogenology service, including **Embryo Transfer** and high-risk pregnancy management, is a critical resource for equine and livestock breeders seeking to protect valuable genetics and ensure successful births.
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### Contact Information
For scheduling routine appointments (M-F, 8 am to 5 pm) or seeking immediate attention for a large animal emergency, please use the following contact information.
**Address:** 1809 S Riverside Dr, Ames, IA 50011, USA
**Phone:** (515) 294-1500 (For appointments and 24-hour emergencies)
**Mobile Phone:** +1 515-294-1500
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### What is Worth Choosing
Choosing the **Large Animal Hospital** in Ames is the choice for Iowans whose horses or production animals require the highest possible level of **Specialty Care** or a rapid, expert response to an emergency. What makes this hospital particularly worth choosing is its unrivaled access to talent, technology, and comprehensive service depth. As a university teaching hospital, it is staffed by specialists who are pioneers in **Animal Internal Medicine** and advanced **Soft Tissue Surgery**, and who have access to **Advanced Imaging** like CT and MRI—resources few other facilities in the state possess. The **24/7 Emergency Services** and dedicated **Intensive Care Unit** provide a life-saving safety net for the region's large animals. For breeders, the specialized **Embryo Transfer** and theriogenology services ensure reproductive success. Essentially, by choosing the Large Animal Hospital, you are ensuring your animal receives care from a comprehensive team focused on both leading veterinary medicine and compassionate treatment, offering peace of mind to owners facing complex or critical large animal health issues.
Large Animal Hospital Services
- Animal Hospital
- Advanced Imaging
- Animal Diagnostics
- Animal Internal Medicine
- Clinical Pathology
- Counseling Services
- Diagnosis And Treatment
- Diagnostic Imaging
- Diagnostic Laboratory
- Electronic Medical Records
- Embryo Transfer
- Emergency Services
- Employee Services
- Farm Animal
- Health Programs
- Herd Health Services
- Intensive Care Unit
- Large Animal
- Medical Education
- Medical/Surgical Services
- Medicine & Surgery
- Medicine Examining
- Nutritional Consultation
- Pathology And Biopsy
- Pediatric Care
- Pet Cancer Care
- Preventive Medicine
- Primary Care
- Production Animal
- Shelter Medicine
- Soft Tissue Surgery
- Specialty Care
- Student Services
- Veterinary Diagnostic
Large Animal Hospital Details
- Accessibility
- Wheelchair accessible entrance
- Wheelchair accessible parking lot
- Wheelchair accessible restroom
- Amenities
- Restroom
- Planning
- Appointments recommended
Large Animal Hospital Photos




Large Animal Hospital Location
Large Animal Hospital
1809 S Riverside Dr, Ames, IA 50011, USA
Large Animal Hospital Reviews
horseteachinglearningeuthanasiacollegefront deskcallcompassionate
★ 5★ 4★ 3★ 2★ 1- I have been bringing my horses here for expert care when needed for over a decade, they provide specialized and emergency veterinary care when a smaller practice cannot do so. I love that it is a veterinary college as well so bringing my horses here provides learning opportunities for future veterinarians. I have always experienced compassionate and caring staff at every visit. April 02 · Jenna Johnson
- Had a great foaling experience here for my mare. They were kind enough to placate my neurotic need to know everything all the time and took great care of mom and baby. Super flexible and responsive and didn't break the bank (as much as I expected). If I ever buy another horse that is unknowingly pregnant, I will totally bring her here again for care. June 10 · Haven Denny-Gillum
- It had been years since I had needed emergency vet care, but I was still in the system and the receptionist who took my call was sympathetic to my problem and made arrangements for me to bring my horse as soon as I could get him to the clinic. My horse was taken right in and examined and the Doctor came out and gave me the plan of care right away. A big weight was lifted off my shoulders and treatment began. Thanks for making a stressful day less stressful.Diane H. May 31 · Diane Hickman
- As a veterinarian I can not in good conscience recommend the equine department. I personally was treated in a way that I have still not been able to move past 7 months later. Residents are preforming unsupervised surgeries and procedures without obtaining consent which ultimately lead to death in my case. I was ask repeatedly to be told if my donkey was not going to make it so I could go down and be with him. No less than 6 times I made this request and ask it to be put on the record. On the morning he passed, Dr. Romano told me he was not in dire condition and was not going to die. I planned to go down the next day, only to receive a phone call that night at 9 pm that he was in the processes of passing. When I ask why I was not called per requested if his condition changed, Dr. Romano said I have been trying to save your donkey for 4 hours I did not have time to call you. He than recommended immediate euthanasia and hung up on me. I learned he was ethnized through a e-mail sent to my clinic lettings know that one of my clients patient had been euthanized. When I called upset to talk to his attending , Dr. Sponsellor, he responded after our conversation with a laughing winking emoji in a text. The unprofessionism is beyond belief. As a veterinarian and ISU graduate that has practice equine medicine my whole career, I can not be more disappointed in this college. October 10 · Shelly Reid
- I unfortunately have had to be at here with 2 horses this year. Both ended in euthanasia which was absolutely heartbreaking in both situations. I wish I could remember the veterinarian's name who treated both my horses because I have nothing but kind things to say about her. She was extremely knowledgeable, confident, understanding, and so so kind. She very clearly explained the facts in both situations and supported my decision and really just gave me alot of comfort being up there alone having to make these horrible decisions.The times I have interacted with the front desk staff they have been very friendly as well and polite on the phone and in person. I won't go anywhere else for an emergency and honestly I think it is quite affordable given the level of care I received here. October 22 · heather russell
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