University of Minnesota. College of Veterinary Medicine

The first courses in veterinary medicine at the University of Minnesota were offered to agriculture students in 1888 by Dr. Michael Treacy on the topics of physiology, anatomy and animal hygiene. In 1891, the University established a College of Veterinary Medicine, but it folded after one year due to poor planning and lack of interest. A diagnostic lab was established at the University in 1912 by the state Livestock Sanitary Board to conduct testing of animals for disease. In 1947, due to concern by regional farmers regarding the lack of veterinary training, the Minnesota Legislature appropriated funds to establish a School of Veterinary Medicine at the University. The school was a part of the College of Agriculture, Forestry and Home Economics until 1957 when the Board of Regents' designated the professional College of Veterinary Medicine. The first dean of the College was Dr. William Thorp.

The College offers an M.S., Ph.D. and Doctor of Veterinary Medicine degree. It oversees the Veterinary Medical Center (VMC), the largest care center for large and small animals in Minnesota, the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory (VDL), which conducts all tests for the Minnesota Board of Animal Health, and the Raptor Center, the internationally known program that specializes in the medical care, rehabilitation, and conservation of eagles, hawks, owls, and falcons.

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