4-H Veterinary Science Program

Each year the Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine invites 9th-12th grade 4-Hers exhibiting at the Indiana State Fair in Veterinary Sciences to participate in Purdue Veterinary Medicine's Open House. 4-Hers exhibit and discuss their projects with Open House visitors, members of the College of Veterinary Medicine Admissions committee, faculty, staff, and students. The exhibition is followed by a student panel where 4-Hers can ask current veterinary students about their experiences. Participants are given information on careers as veterinary technicians/ technologists and doctors of veterinary medicine. 4-Hers are then presented a certificate of participation. For more information, please contact your 4-H leader.

2025 Participants at the Purdue Veterinary Medicine Open House

Jalyn Allen

Artificial Insemination in Cattle This project discusses the process of artificial insemination in cattle. It explains the pros and cons, lists the important tools and supplies and answers frequently asked questions about artificial insemination.

Lauren Argotte

Zoonotic Diseases in Animals and Humans This project evaluates the impact of zoonotic diseases on humans, animals and agriculture. Current research and statistics are also evaluated, to see how we can minimize the impact of these diseases.

Lauren Degner

Heartworms This project is a trifold presentation about heartworms in dogs. Information on causes, treatment, and prevention is included. There is also an interactive element regarding ‘tall tales’ about heartworms.

Eva Maffioli

Paws Off Parasites My poster focuses on internal parasites, which are helminths and protozoans. It details the effects, how it’s contracted, how it would be treated by a veterinarian, and prevention. Four common parasites highlighted in my poster are roundworms, hookworms, giardia and coccidiosis.

Bradee McDonald

Breeding Swine and Being Prepared My project goes through the process of raising livestock. It includes what goes into breeding as well as illnesses and other risks.

Stephanie Onion

Persistent Right Aortic Arch Persistent Right Aortic Arch (PRAA) is a birth abnormality affecting a small percentage of puppies. This congenital anomaly results in the constriction of the esophagus. Surgery is the most frequently prescribed treatment. However, many dogs with this condition also require elevated feeding tools such as a Bailey Chair. A vet can help a dog with PRAA live and thrive.

Keeley Scott

Canine Osteosarcoma Canine osteosarcoma is a type of bone cancer found particularly in larger dog breeds. This project discusses what the disease is, where it is found, potential treatment options and the prognosis.

Heather Haley Stigall

Cash’s Castration During the summer of 2024, I had the rewarding opportunity to participate in the Purdue University Senior Vet Camp for a week. During the camp, I and a group of four other campers were tasked with preparing a shelter dog, Cash, for adoption. Cash is a playful, 2-year-old field labrador. Throughout the week, we took care of Cash’s health by conducting blood and fecal count tests, giving him a bath, and neutering him. My poster showcases a detailed, first-hand look at the neutering procedure.

Dana Thomas

Baby On the Way My project displays some basic knowledge on how to recognize both when a mare is pregnant and the signs she is about to go into labor. Once the mare has successfully given birth, there are certain things an owner should watch for. This project goes over the most important things to watch for in both a mare and foal 24 hours after birth.

Addison Thornburg

Antibiotic Resistance in Livestock My poster is about antibiotic resistance and how it impacts livestock and industry. It goes in depth of how antibiotic resistance becomes an issue, why it is an issue and how it can affect consumers.

Kate Whitmire

Veterinary Surgeries 101 This poster explains common elective surgeries and common urgent surgeries. This poster also shows the preparation needed before surgery for both the pet owner and veterinarian.

Parker Wicker

Johne’s Disease My project was a teaching aid poster over Johne’s in cattle and Chronic Wasting Disease in deer. We had Johne’s in our herd, which sparked my interest in learning more about the disease.

Mika Wisler

Sheep Reproduction My project was about the breeding process in sheep. I have four ewes on my farm and would like to start a herd. I decided to do my project on sheep reproduction to better educate myself and my family on what the whole process entails. The information in my project is very important to people who are not familiar with sheep and those who might need a refresher course.

Katie Wolford

Footrot in Hooved Livestock This poster talks about footrot in different hooved livestock. Footrot is a contagious disease that can quickly spread through your herd if not treated quickly. In this poster I talk about the clinical signs of footrot, how footrot is diagnosed, how footrot is transmitted, how to prevent footrot and how to treat footrot.

Adelynn Varble

Vet Science for Chickens I developed a poster regarding common diseases potentially affecting poultry. It contains information about how each disease is spread, possible, possible symptoms, the progression of the diseases, and forms of treatment.