University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center

For pet owners, livestock producers, and referring veterinarians across Missouri and beyond, the **University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center (MU VHC)** stands as a beacon of advanced, comprehensive animal medical care. Located in Columbia, this facility is far more than a routine clinic; it is a major academic veterinary medical center, combining a full-service animal hospital, a 24/7 emergency service, and a vital teaching hospital environment.

The MU VHC’s primary mission is threefold: to provide state-of-the-art patient care, to train the next generation of veterinarians and specialists, and to advance veterinary medicine through clinical research. This dedication ensures that companion animals, horses, and farm animals in the Missouri region have access to the absolute cutting edge in disease diagnosis, complex surgery, and specialty medical treatments, often involving clinical trials not available elsewhere in the state.

As a teaching hospital, the center features a vast team of board-certified specialists across numerous disciplines—from veterinary oncology and dermatology to advanced imaging and equine surgery. This depth of expertise allows the VHC to manage the most complex and critical animal health cases, serving as a tertiary referral center for private practices throughout Missouri and surrounding states. When a pet requires a specialist consultation, advanced diagnostic imaging like CT or MRI (beyond standard X-rays), or complex surgery, the VHC is often the destination of choice.

While the facility offers an incredible range of resources, pet owners should be aware of the nature of a major teaching hospital. As evidenced by customer reviews, costs can be substantial for advanced, life-saving procedures—a reality of highly specialized medical centers. While one client reported a disparity in cost and diagnosis compared to a local vet, another praised the staff’s compassion, clear communication of options, upfront pricing, and the overall affordability, especially regarding primary care elements and the quality of attention for their cat. The VHC aims to provide transparency and expert guidance, but the complexity of the cases handled often necessitates the highest standards of diagnostic work and intervention.

***

The University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center is prominently situated on the MU campus in Columbia, Missouri. Its dedicated location ensures easy access for clients arriving with patients needing both scheduled appointments and emergency care.

• **Address:** 900 E Campus Dr, Columbia, MO 65211, USA

Accessibility is a key priority for a facility serving a wide public:

• Wheelchair accessible entrance is provided for easy patient and client entry.
• Wheelchair accessible parking lot ensures convenience for all visitors.
• Wheelchair accessible restroom facilities are available.
• **Planning Note:** While the emergency service is 24/7, appointments are highly recommended for all non-emergency, specialty, and community practice visits to ensure timely service and access to the appropriate specialist.

***

The MU Veterinary Health Center functions as a specialty and critical care referral hospital, offering an unparalleled depth of services for small animals, horses (Equine Medicine/Surgery), and farm animals (Food Animal Medicine).

• **Emergency and Critical Care:**
  • Animal Emergency Center (Small Animal Emergency Service) available 24/7.
  • Emergency Medical Care and Emergency Treatment for life-threatening conditions.
  • Blood Bank services available.
  • IV Fluids and continuous patient care.
• **Advanced Diagnostics and Imaging:**
  • Advanced Diagnostic and Diagnostic Imaging (including CT, MRI, Ultrasound, beyond standard X-Rays).
  • Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for comprehensive Laboratory Tests.
  • Diagnostic Radiography and Pet Radiology.
  • Video Otoscopy for ear examinations.
• **Specialty Medicine and Surgery:**
  • Animal Internal Medicine and Specialty Medicine consultations.
  • Cancer Treatments: Medical Oncology (Chemotherapy Drugs) and Radiation Oncology (Radiation Oncologist, Radiation Therapist).
  • Veterinary Dermatology for Skin Diseases (including Allergen-Specific Immunotherapy).
  • Small Animal Surgical and Soft Tissue Surgery, plus Equine Surgery.
• **Wellness, Rehabilitation, and Behavioral Health:**
  • Community Practice for Regular Check-Ups, Physical Examination, and Preventive Health Care/Parasite Prevention.
  • Canine Rehabilitation and Physical Rehabilitation services.
  • Behavior Treatment consultation.
  • Grief Counselor and Pet Loss support services.
• **Ambulatory and Support Services:**
  • Ambulatory Medicine, Farm Calls, and House Calls for large animals and certain small animal needs.
  • Pharmacy Services and Prescription Refill managed by Veterinary Pharmacists.
  • Medical Boarding for patients requiring continuous medical observation.

***

The University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center offers features that distinguish it significantly from a typical private veterinary practice in Missouri.

• **24/7 Emergency and Critical Care:** Providing continuous, expert emergency medical care is a critical resource for the entire Central Missouri region, ensuring immediate help for life-threatening animal emergencies.
• **Academic and Research Excellence:** As a Veterinary Medical Teaching hospital, the center is staffed by board-certified specialists and is actively involved in Clinical Research and Clinical Trials, giving patients access to the newest diagnostic and therapeutic protocols.
• **Comprehensive Multispecies Care:** The center is equipped to provide high-level specialty care not just for companion animals (dogs, cats), but also for horses (Equine Medicine/Surgery) and food animals, fulfilling a vital need for the agricultural community in Missouri.
• **In-House Specialty Departments:** Access to disciplines like Radiation Oncology, Advanced Imaging, and the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory on site means faster, more integrated, and authoritative diagnoses and treatment plans for complex conditions.
• **Patient and Owner Support Services:** Offering non-medical support like a Grief Counselor, Pet Loss support, and a focus on detailed client education ensures that the emotional well-being of the animal and owner is considered during difficult health journeys.

***

For general inquiries, to schedule a specialty referral, or in the event of an animal health emergency in the Columbia area:

• **Address:** 900 E Campus Dr, Columbia, MO 65211, USA
• **Phone (General & Emergency):** (573) 882-7821

***

For Missouri pet owners, choosing the University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center is a decision based on **unmatched medical expertise, cutting-edge technology, and access to specialty care**. It is the essential choice when a pet’s condition moves beyond the scope of a standard general practice.

The ability to receive 24/7 specialized emergency care and have consultations with board-certified experts in fields like oncology, internal medicine, and advanced surgery, all under one roof, provides the highest level of comprehensive animal healthcare available in the region. While costs can be high for complex interventions, the VHC’s commitment to patient care, education, and research means your animal is benefiting from the very forefront of veterinary science. For critical, complex, or life-threatening conditions, the MU VHC offers the resources and specialist talent that can make the difference between a poor outcome and a successful, life-extending one.

University of Missouri Veterinary Health Center

900 E Campus Dr, Columbia, MO 65211, USA