Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and Kislak Family Foundation Grant Enables Penn Vet to Repair Fractures of Animals in Need at Area Shelters
[October 28, 2015; Philadelphia, PA] – With a generous grant from the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association and the Kislak Family Foundation, Penn Vet is helping to save the limbs – and lives – of animals at shelter organizations. Through this pilot program, “Saving Lives by Saving Limbs,” surgeons and students repair the fractured limbs of animals at risk for amputation or euthanasia.
“The Humane Society VMA and the Kislak Family Foundation are pleased to provide funding for this pilot project to serve a population of previously overlooked homeless animals,” said Dr. Paula Kislak, President of the Humane Society Veterinary Medical Association. “We are thrilled with how Penn Vet has forged ahead so quickly and successfully with the implementation of this program, which also provides valuable learning opportunities for students, interns, and residents.”
In collaboration with shelter partners, eligible dogs and cats are identified and treated at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital, where their fractures are repaired at no cost to the shelter. The plates and screws necessary for these surgeries are generously provided by DePuy Synthes.
Following surgery, the animals are placed in foster care and made available for adoption. Potential owners must demonstrate a commitment to the follow-up care necessary for successful fracture healing. All follow-up care related to the fracture is provided at Penn Vet’s Ryan Hospital, at no cost to the owner.
Renowned for small animal surgery, Ryan Hospital is staffed by seven board-certified surgical specialists and six surgical residents.
“The Humane Society VMA and the Kislak Family Foundation have given us a wonderful opportunity to provide state-of-the-art care for Philadelphia’s stray animals,” said Dr. David Holt, Professor of Surgery. “Repairing these fractures also provides veterinary students, interns, and residents with greater exposure to fracture repair.”
About Penn Vet
Penn Vet is a global leader in veterinary education, research, and clinical care. Founded in 1884, Penn Vet is the only veterinary school developed in association with a medical school. The school is a proud member of the One Health Initiative, linking human, animal, and environmental health.
Penn Vet serves a diverse population of animals at its two campuses, which include extensive diagnostic and research laboratories. Ryan Hospital in Philadelphia provides care for dogs, cats, and other domestic/companion animals, handling more than 30,000 patient visits a year. New Bolton Center, Penn Vet’s large-animal hospital on nearly 700 acres in rural Kennett Square, PA, cares for horses and livestock/farm animals. The hospital handles more than 4,000 patient visits a year, while the Field Service treats nearly 37,000 patients at local farms. In addition, New Bolton Center’s campus includes a swine center, working dairy, and poultry unit that provide valuable research for the agriculture industry.