The LSU School of Veterinary Medicine kicked off its annual summer program Pets & Vets this week.
Pets & Vets is an educational lecture program that invites the public, particularly children, to explore the world of veterinary medicine. The word “lecture” may not sound like something that would appeal to children, but the veterinarians involved have turned the affair into an interactive experience.
Ginger Guttner, director of public relations, said the program introduces children to veterinary medicine and teaches them about animal care.
Baton Rouge’s youth gathered at the Vet School on Tuesday morning to learn and interact with the animals before heading toward the barn to see the first demonstration on horse anatomy.
Resident veterinarian Dan Burba gave an exhibition featuring a horse on a treadmill. He said treadmills allow doctors to monitor a horse’s health in a safe and efficient manner.
The audience was greeted by an ex-racehorse named Zingo. The bay thoroughbred gracefully glided on the equipment.
Burba gradually adjusted the speed of the treadmill to display the different speeds that horses move – walk, trot, canter and gallop. He pointed out how Zingo’s leg and hoof movements changed as he transitioned between the speeds. Burba also defined some common horse terminology and facts for the onlookers.