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Building Design for Animals
A Look Back: Purdue University Shelbyville Equine Center
Dedicated to the health and peak performance of equine athletes, Purdue University's state-of-the-art specialty equine hospital offers cutting-edge veterinary care.
Designed as an anchor facility for Purdue University's esteemed veterinary program in Shelbyville, Indiana, and now named Caesars Entertainment Equine Specialty Hospital, this leading equine veterinary hospital occupies 17,000 square feet on approximately 20 acres. This facility significantly enhances the university's animal care capabilities by offering specialty referral, medical, and surgical services while actively supporting equine research and education.
BDA Architecture collaborated closely with the university to deliver a project which prioritizes advanced medical care for equine patients. The facility's design reflects a commitment to advanced diagnostics and treatment. Notably, the hospital is among the first in the U.S. to offer the groundbreaking Qalibra Computed Tomography (CT) system. This unique CT system boasts the world's largest field-of-view and is height adjustable to accommodate horses of all sizes, allowing for safe scanning of patients while standing or under anesthesia or light sedation and providing invaluable diagnostic capabilities.
Beyond its cutting-edge imaging technology, the hospital features two large examination rooms, a fully equipped surgery suite with a dedicated prep room, and sophisticated suites for nuclear medicine and digital radiology. The design also incorporates two induction and recovery rooms and an internal layout optimized for workflow and patient care. Complementing these internal spaces are a performance arena and large paddocks/pastures located on the grounds.
A key feature is the interior lameness track, a diagnostic tool directly connected to the medical stall wing. This wing comprises eight standard stalls, two mare and foal stalls, and a large isolation stall with a separate entry and airflow system for enhanced biosecurity. Thoughtfully designed staff offices, administrative spaces, and conference facilities support the clinical functions, fostering collaboration and communication.
Current service offerings include extensive diagnostic and therapeutic modalities, advanced diagnostic imaging, shockwave therapy, nuclear medicine, regenerative medicine, endoscopic laser surgery and specialized equine orthopedic and soft tissue surgery. The master plan of this project also includes a strategic footprint allowing for future expansion of reproductive, rehabilitation, and research program wings.
This new equine specialty surgical and imaging facility elevates Purdue University's veterinary program and establishes a cutting-edge research campus dedicated to animal care, focusing on the needs of equine athletes while serving all breeds and disciplines. BDA's comprehensive design ensures a facility that meets current needs and anticipates future growth in equine veterinary medicine.
Visit the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine website to read more about this amazing facility and how it is advancing equine medical care:
Raising the Bar for Equine Care
