Equine Necropsy Educational Demonstration

WHAT TO EXPECT

This is a unique opportunity to observe a respectful and professional necropsy of an approximately 12 year old mustang gelding. This horse has a scheduled euthanasia due to chronic lameness from a catastrophic injury to his right hind leg believed to be sustained while he was wild and healed without human intervention. 

Dr. Jessica Bramski, DVM, DACVS (LA) will discuss her findings and answer questions as she goes through a surgical post mortem examination. This will be what is known as a “gross examination” (what can be seen without a microscope) of the inside and outside of the body. Prior to the gross exam, we will review the case history, which includes details such as the known and assumed history as well as the signs the animal displayed that led to the decision to euthanize.   

• The funds collected from this event will be used for necessary supplies and respectful removal and disposal of the remains. Any additional funding will go to support our rescue that this horse was surrendered to: Hoof and Halo Equine Hospice & Pig Sanctuary. You can learn more about Hoof and Halo and the work we do through it at www.hoofandhalo.org

WHY YOU and/or YOUR STUDENT/4-Her SHOULD ATTEND

This is an informal educational event and interaction is welcome. Asking questions and taking notes, photos, and videos is highly encouraged! The entire procedure will be videoed to be shared at a later date. The learning that occurs courtesy of a necropsy is vastly different to that afforded by a lecture or textbook lesson. Drawing together many of the topics students have heard and read about, necropsy gives students first-hand experience in seeing the subject matter. This unique in-person learning environment can impart an appreciation and understanding of anatomy, unparalleled by second-hand teaching techniques. Seeing organs and understanding how they work within a single animal may strengthen students’ comprehension of biological systems. From inspiring students’ career prospects to providing valuable real-life examples, observing necropsy can also prove to be a good early experience for those wishing to pursue pertinent professions. Early exposure to tools and techniques, as well as familiarity with organ tissue,  may bolster some students’ ambitions.

Currently enrolled students receive a 25% Discount with code STUDENT25

Current 4-H members receive a 50% Discount with code 4HSAVE50

ABOUT THE DOCTOR

Dr. Jessica Bramski, DVM, DACVS (LA) is a native of Waterford, New York. She received her Doctor of Veterinary Medicine from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine. Following an internship at Rood & Riddle Equine Hospital in Saratoga, Dr. Bramski completed a large animal surgery residency at the University of Georgia. She stayed on as a clinical professor and became board certified in large animal surgery from the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Bramski's professional interests include acute abdomen and equine lameness and sports medicine. Dr. Bramski has articles published in Journal of Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care as well as a chapter on equine large colon volvulus in Comparative of Veterinary Anatomy Clinical Approach. She has also presented at the International Veterinary Emergency and Critical Care Symposium. With research centered around trauma, emergency and critical care has always been a passion of hers. Dr. Bramski pursued a career change to Small Animal emergency and critical care by joining the team at Animal Emergency and Specialty Center earlier this year.