Horse hospital world class

The multi-million dollar Equine Health and Performance Centre will be staffed by veterinarians specialising in equine surgery, sports medicine, internal medicine and reproduction, and is expected to attract leading researchers and veterinarians from around the world.

Head of the School of Animal and Veterinary Sciences Kym Abbott said the facility – the biggest of its kind in SA – would allow the University of Adelaide's vet school to offer a broad range of services, including some not previously available to horse owners and veterinary professionals.

"This will be of great benefit to the horse-owning community, the state's horse industry and the veterinary community," he said.

"The hospital will also serve as an outstanding teaching facility. These facilities compare favourably with any of the world's leading vet schools."

Prof Abbott said surgeons and staff helped design the centre.

"We looked around the world to find the best ideas to integrate," he said.

This includes special post-operative recovery stalls with catwalks on either side to allow staff to observe and assist from above if necessary.

Two operating theatres with state-of-the-art equipment will enable students to not only watch, but assist with some surgeries.

Part of the centre includes a standing surgery room for vets to conduct procedures on horses under local anaesthesia.