|
Introduction
The Tufts New England Veterinary Medical Center (TNEVMC) was established in 1979 as a clinical component of the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Its teaching facilities include the Hospital for Large Animals which provides consultation, referral and emergency veterinary services, and 24-hour care for horses, cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, and llamas. 
Veterinary Services
Tufts New England Medical Center's Hospital for Large Animals offers medical and surgical care for horses and farm animals in the New England region. Our facility includes sophisticated diagnostic imaging capability, modern surgical suites, intensive care programs, reproduction, and a sports medicine laboratory, all of which are important in the diagnosis and treatment of difficult and complex diseases in your animals. Our veterinarians are often specialists in their fields. The well-being of your animal is our top priority.
Appointments
Appointments can be arranged through our appointment desk 508/ 839-5395, extension 4840. When calling, please ask to be connected to the Large Animal front desk. It is recommended that you bring your animal's records (including x-rays) from your referring veterinarian. Our appointment hours are normally 10:00 a.m. to 1:00 p.m., Monday through Friday. Horses that are arriving via public trucking agents may be dropped off at the hospital the night before the appointment, if scheduled accordingly.
The Medical Team
A dedicated team of people will be working with you and your animal during your visit with us. The team is composed of faculty members, who are trained in various specialties; residents, who are graduate veterinarians undergoing additional training in a particular specialty; veterinary students, who work under the direct supervision of our faculty; veterinary technicians, who perform tests and help with treatments; and our animal care attendants, who keep the animals' environment clean and provide feed. Our receptionists, secretaries and medical records staff help the administrative procedures run more smoothly.
Educational Mission
In one special way, we are different from a private hospital; we are a teaching hospital. Our fourth-year students learn all aspects of animal care by participating in the diagnosis and treatment of your animal during the final year of their education. They are dedicated individuals. Though the students are involved in the cases presented to our hospital, the responsibility of your animal's care rests with the attending veterinarian. The students are closely directed and supervised by faculty, residents, and technicians. Your patience and cooperation are greatly appreciated. You play an important role in our educational process.
Clinic Visit
Because of the educational aspect of our hospital and the complexity of many of the problems we see at Tufts, we emphasize thoroughness in evaluating each animal presented to us. Physical examinations, client interviews, and performance of various tests will generally take a little longer than a normal veterinary visit. During this time we will try to identify the problems that your animal is having and discuss the treatment options with you.
Hospitalization
After examination, one of the treatment options may involve hospitalization. We have 24-hour staffing, including technicians and fourth-year students, to provide the best in medical care. Faculty and residents are on call if needed. During your animal's hospitalization, one of the veterinarians will call you daily with a progress report. If you would like to speak to the doctor before they have had an opportunity to call you, please call (508)839-5395 between the hours of 10:00 a.m. and 5:00 p.m. and ask for the Large Animal front desk. If the veterinarian is unable to come to the phone, the receptionist will leave a message and your call will be returned. If the animal's condition changes during the night, the veterinarian in charge will contact you immediately. Some owners wish to visit their animals while they are hospitalized. Please arrange visiting hours with the appointment desk. Visits are limited to 15 minutes.
Discharge
Comprehensive treatment instructions will be sent home with your animal at discharge. If the animal has been transported by a service, the instructions may also be mailed or faxed to you.
|
