National Dog Day spotlight: WSU hospital sees more than 12,000 dogs a year

Aug. 26 is National Dog Day, a fitting moment to recognize the range of care Washington State University provides for more than 12,000 canine patients each year.

On any given day, the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital may see more than 100 dogs, including those needing emergency surgery, advanced imaging, or routine services like vaccinations and dental cleanings.

One of those patients is Zeus, a pit-lab mix who collapsed from a heart condition and received a pacemaker at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital. He recently returned for a magnet-triggered EKG to ensure the device is working properly, just one of the specialized diagnostics offered at the hospital.

"Because we're a referral hospital, we see the uncommon," said Dr. Raelynn Farnsworth, the hospital's chief medical officer. "From emergency care to specialty surgeries, our team is here 24/7 for pets who need treatment that goes beyond what most clinics can provide."

In addition to services like MRI, CT scans, targeted radiation therapy for cancer, and critical care with ventilators, the hospital also houses a full-service community practice clinic for local pets. There, veterinary students gain experience treating everyday conditions in a setting that mirrors general practice.

"What makes this work special is not just helping dogs - it's what those dogs mean to their humans," Farnsworth said. "That bond is powerful."

From routine visits to life-saving procedures, the WSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital plays a central role in caring for man's best friend across the Northwest.

To learn more or support the hospital's work, visit the College of Veterinary Medicine's giving website.