Widener Hospital for Large Animals

For owners of horses, livestock, and other large animals across Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic region, accessing specialized, cutting-edge veterinary care is crucial. The George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, a core component of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine's esteemed New Bolton Center in Kennett Square, PA, stands as a beacon of excellence in this specialized field. This isn't just a local veterinary clinic; it's one of the nation's busiest and most advanced large animal teaching veterinary hospitals. Since its establishment in 1958, the Widener Hospital has been at the forefront of treating a diverse range of large animals, providing unparalleled diagnostic, medical, and surgical services. This article will delve into the profound capabilities of Widener Hospital for Large Animals, highlighting its vital role in the Pennsylvania agricultural and equine communities, its accessible location, the comprehensive services it offers, and its distinguishing features as a world-class facility.

The George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals is strategically located at 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA. This address places it within the expansive 700-acre New Bolton Center campus, part of the University of Pennsylvania School of Veterinary Medicine. Situated in Kennett Square, within Chester County, this facility is ideally positioned to serve the extensive agricultural and equine communities of southeastern Pennsylvania, as well as clients from neighboring states. West Street Road provides direct access to the campus, and given the nature of large animal transport, the facility is designed with ample space for trailers and large vehicles, ensuring easy and safe access for patient drop-off and pick-up. While public transportation options for large animals are non-existent, the hospital's location is highly convenient for those traveling by private vehicle or commercial animal transport services. Its presence in Kennett Square, a historically rich area known for its equestrian heritage, further cements its role as a vital and accessible resource for large animal owners throughout Pennsylvania and beyond.

The George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals, as part of Penn Vet's New Bolton Center, offers a comprehensive suite of advanced veterinary services, making it a leading referral center for complex cases. Their specialized expertise covers a wide array of large animal species:

• Equine Services: As one of the world's largest equine surgical facilities, they provide advanced medical, diagnostic, and surgical care for horses, addressing everything from routine health to complex orthopedic, internal medicine, and reproductive issues. This includes specialized areas like sports medicine, lameness, and critical care.
• Food and Fiber Animal Services: Offering both routine and specialized care for a variety of large animals vital to agriculture, including bovids (cattle), camelids (alpacas, llamas), small ruminants (goats, sheep), and swine (pigs). They are noted as one of the few providers with expert large animal internists and an internationally recognized expert in camelid medicine.
• Emergency Services: Providing 24-hour emergency care for large animals, ensuring critical patients receive immediate attention and specialized treatment whenever needed.
• Diagnostic Laboratories: Collaborating with the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic System (PADLS), they offer extensive diagnostic testing, crucial for diagnosing diseases, monitoring animal agriculture health, and tracking emerging infectious diseases.
• Reproductive Services: Comprehensive services for breeding animals, including breeding soundness evaluations, reproductive diagnostics, infertility treatment, breeding management, and advanced reproductive techniques for mares, stallions, bulls, rams, and bucks.
• Surgical Expertise: Renowned for their surgical capabilities across all large animal species, addressing a vast array of conditions requiring surgical intervention.
• Field Service: In addition to hospital visits, their Field Service provides extensive ambulatory veterinary care to animals directly at farms, breeders, horse-training facilities, and agricultural enterprises throughout the region. This vastly expands their reach and impact.
• Specialty Clinics: Offering specialized clinics such as the Equine Behavior Clinic, addressing unique challenges in animal behavior.
• Imaging Services: Advanced imaging modalities for accurate diagnosis, crucial for complex cases in large animals.

The George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals is distinguished by several unique features that elevate it to a world-class institution in large animal veterinary care, research, and education:

• Part of Penn Vet's New Bolton Center: This affiliation means access to vast academic, research, and clinical resources. The New Bolton Center is a 700-acre campus dedicated to large animal medicine, making it a preeminent site for veterinary learning and innovation.
• High Patient Volume: Annually, the Widener Hospital sees over 4,000 patient visits, and its Field Service attends to more than 31,000 patient visits, making it one of the busiest large animal veterinary clinics in the nation. This high volume indicates extensive experience with a diverse range of conditions.
• Leading Equine Surgical Facility: It is recognized as one of the world's largest and most advanced equine surgical facilities, attracting complex cases and providing unparalleled care for horses.
• Board-Certified Specialists: The presence of numerous board-certified specialists across various disciplines (e.g., internal medicine, reproduction, surgery, critical care) ensures pets receive care from leaders in their respective fields. For example, they boast New England's largest team of board-certified specialists for equine care and multiple large animal internists, including an internationally recognized expert in camelid medicine.
• Integration of Clinical Care and Research: As a teaching hospital, it constantly integrates the latest research and advancements into clinical practice, ensuring that patients benefit from cutting-edge treatments. The campus also contains diagnostic laboratories that cooperate with the Pennsylvania Animal Diagnostic System.
• Focus on Specific Large Animal Needs: Unlike general veterinary practices, their singular focus on large animals allows for highly specialized equipment, facilities, and expertise tailored to the unique physiological and anatomical needs of horses, cattle, alpacas, and other livestock.
• Historical Significance: Opened in 1958 and named for horseman George D. Widener Jr., the hospital has a rich history of contributions to large animal health. Its establishment with contributions from figures like equestrienne Esther du Pont Thouron underscores its legacy.

For owners of large animals in Pennsylvania and beyond, or for veterinarians seeking to refer a case, connecting with the George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals is straightforward. Their dedicated team is available to assist with appointments, emergencies, and general inquiries.

• Address: 382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA
• Phone: (610) 444-5800
• Mobile Phone: +1 610-444-5800

For emergencies, the phone number operates 24 hours a day, reflecting their commitment to critical care for large animals. For routine appointments or specialized services, it is always recommended to call ahead to ensure availability and to discuss your specific needs with their knowledgeable staff.

The George D. Widener Hospital for Large Animals at the University of Pennsylvania's New Bolton Center is an unparalleled institution for large animal veterinary care in Pennsylvania and the broader Mid-Atlantic region. For local owners of horses, cattle, alpacas, goats, sheep, and pigs, this facility represents the pinnacle of veterinary excellence. Its combination of a world-class teaching hospital environment, a vast team of board-certified specialists, state-of-the-art diagnostic and surgical capabilities, and extensive field services ensures that animals receive the most comprehensive and advanced care available. The hospital's significant patient volume and its crucial role in agricultural health and disease monitoring further underscore its importance. Choosing Widener Hospital for Large Animals means entrusting your cherished large animal companion to a facility that is not only dedicated to clinical care but also to advancing veterinary medicine through research and education. For any large animal health need, from routine wellness to complex surgeries or emergencies, this Kennett Square institution is an indispensable and highly recommended resource for the entire Pennsylvania large animal community.

Widener Hospital for Large Animals

382 W Street Rd, Kennett Square, PA 19348, USA