The Lincoln Memorial University-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine (LMU-CVM) is offering large animal ambulatory care services, bringing essential veterinary care to farmers and horse owners across the Cumberland Gap region. The program continues its commitment to providing hands-on learning experiences for veterinary students while supporting the tri-state agricultural community.
"Our goal is to provide students with real-world experience in large animal veterinary medicine while meeting the needs of farmers in our region," said Dr. Paul T. Riedel, assistant professor of veterinary medicine and large animal clinician at LMU.
The large animal ambulatory service operates within a one-hour radius of the DeBusk Veterinary Teaching Center in Ewing, Virginia. LMU veterinarians and senior veterinary students travel in fully equipped mobile units to provide on-farm care by appointment during regular business hours, Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m. Emergency services are not available.
"We offer a range of services including pregnancy checks, breeding soundness exams, vaccinations, health certificates, Coggins testing, equine dentistry, lameness exams, castrations, dehorning, and minor surgeries," Riedel said. "We can also perform mobile diagnostic imaging using radiography, ultrasound, and endoscopy."
Each LMU senior student participates in a two-week rotation with the ambulatory care team during their final clinical year. Under the direct supervision of licensed veterinarians, students gain valuable experience in large animal medicine while assisting with farm calls.
"It’s one thing to learn from a textbook, but it’s another to be out in the field, interacting with animals and their owners," Riedel said.
Unlike traditional clinics, the LMU ambulatory service does not treat companion animals such as dogs and cats and does not receive animals on campus. All services are delivered in the field. One area of particular focus in recent months has been equine dentistry. Unlike other species, horses’ teeth continue to grow throughout their lives. Improper wear can lead to painful dental issues.
"We often see horses with sharp points on their teeth that cause discomfort and affect their eating habits," Riedel said. "Routine dental care, including a procedure known as floating to smooth out these sharp points, can significantly improve a horse's well-being."
The LMU ambulatory service is dedicated to offering veterinary care at a reasonable cost, ensuring access to high-quality services for local farmers and horse owners.
"We want the community to know we’re here to support them," Riedel said. "Whether it’s a routine check-up or preventive care, we’re ready to help."
Farm owners interested in scheduling an appointment can contact the LMU ambulatory care team at 423-441-2662. Appointments are available Monday through Friday from 8:30 a.m. to 4:30 p.m.
Lincoln Memorial University (LMU) is a values-based learning community dedicated to providing educational experiences in liberal arts and professional studies. The LMU-Richard A. Gillespie College of Veterinary Medicine is located on LMU’s main campus in Harrogate, Tennessee, with additional academic facilities in nearby Lee County, Virginia. LMU-CVM is an integral part of the University’s medical programs and provides real-world, community-based education in a collaborative learning environment. For more information about LMU-CVM, call 1.800.325.0900, ext. 6600 or visit us online at vetmed.LMUnet.edu.
