A new critical care center for horses and other large animals at Michigan State University will help keep animals and people safe from infectious diseases, treat sick animals in state-of-the-art facilities, and help maintain the state of Michigan’s nearly $2 billion equine industry.

Dedication ceremonies were held in late September for the Matilda R. Wilson Pegasus Critical Care Center, a nearly 9,000-square-foot facility that will not only provide care for ill animals, but also offer teaching and research opportunities for students and faculty.

Specifically, the center will improve patient care by providing intensive care to critically ill large animals, teach students about the proper diagnosis and treatment of stricken animals, and conduct research.

“The new information we generate will ultimately lead to improved diagnosis, treatment, and prevention,” said Lonnie King, dean of the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, who is currently working at the Centers for Disease Control. “In turn, the students will use the knowledge they gain to treat thousands of horses and other large animals in the future