Veterinary Medicine began with livestock and that focus remains

LSU Vet Med's first dean, Everett D. Besh, said, "The origin of veterinary medicine occurred when someone of influence and property concluded that the accumulation of domestic animals reflected wealth, that continued annual losses to animal plagues could no longer be tolerated economically, and that the domesticated animal that remained healthy for as long as possible became a more valuable animal. Public acceptance of this concept created a demand for help dedicated to the care for animals.”

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As one of only 35 veterinary schools in the U.S., the mission of LSU Vet Med is to improve and protect the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care.
We TeachWe HealWe DiscoverWe ProtectOur Blog: Veterinary Matters

Dean Oliver Garden and Madeline Cerise

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Apply to LSU Vet Med

Interested in applying to LSU Vet Med to pursue your Doctor of Veterinary Medicine (DVM) degree, Master's (MS) degree or Doctoral (PhD) degree, Advanced Training (internships or residencies), Externship, or Career (Job Opportunities)?

Please note that MS and PhD candidates do not need to have a research interest in veterinary medicine and research does not need to benefit animals. LSU Vet Med is a biomedical research institution as well as a veterinary school. Our researchers' investigations cover a wide range of disciplines, including cancer biology, disease processes, cardiovascular disease, infectious and parasitic diseases, neurosciences, toxicology, bacteriology, and more.

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Veterinary Teaching Hospital

We care for an array of species and see approximately 21,000 cases each year. We offer specialty services as well as primary care. Our comprehensive care allows us to treat a variety of illness and injuries. We are open 24/7, 365 to provide care for your animal.

Events

Thursday, January 22, 2026, 12 PM

PBS Seminar Series
VMED 1212C

Friday, January 23, 2026, 12 PM

PBS Work-in-Progress Seminar
VMED 1212C

Saturday, January 24-25, 2026

24th Annual LBRN Meeting
 

Thursday, January 29, 2026, 12 PM

CBS Seminar Series
VMED 1212B

Friday, January 30, 2026, 10:30 AM to 2 PM

Blood Drive
Front Parking Lot
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Winter weather tips for pet and livestock owners

As temperatures drop, the LSU School of Veterinary Medicine reminds pet and livestock owners to take extra precautions to keep animals safe and healthy during the coldest months of the year. Cold weather can worsen medical conditions such as arthritis, and animals—like people—have different tolerances for low temperatures. LSU Vet Med veterinarians encourage owners to schedule preventive care exams to ensure pets and livestock are ready for winter.

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Astra, a military working dog, got life-saving assistance at LSU Vet Med

Astra, a military working dog (MWD) who has deployed on Secret Service missions to protect U.S. presidents and assisted soldiers in Middle East war zones, faced a life-threatening crisis of her own in December.

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Vision

Bettering lives through education, public service, and discovery

Mission

Improving and protecting the lives of animals and people through superior education, transformational research, and compassionate care

Values

Integrity. Compassion. Innovation.

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