New Foal Highlights Services at Tuskegee College of Veterinary Medicine
There’s nothing quite like the arrival of a newborn foal to remind us why we love veterinary medicine.
At the Tuskegee University College of Veterinary Medicine, students, faculty, and staff are celebrating the birth of Coco Chanel, the first foal born on campus in many years, and a moment that beautifully highlights the college’s hands-on training and deep community roots.
Coco Chanel arrived in the early morning hours of February 1 after weeks of careful monitoring by veterinary students and clinicians. Her dam, Dolly, had been under close observation throughout her pregnancy, offering students a rare and invaluable opportunity to follow an equine case from confirmation to delivery.
But Dolly’s story makes this birth even more meaningful.
Several years ago, Dolly was surrendered by a local owner who could no longer care for her. She later found a new home with the university’s Large Animal Farm/Barn manager, and last year her pregnancy was confirmed. From that point forward, veterinary students performed regular ultrasounds every other month, gaining real-world experience in equine reproduction and prenatal care.
Dean Dr. Ebony Gilbreath shared that the experience became far more than a routine case. It evolved into a story of resilience, rebirth, and education in action.
Students were involved in monitoring Dolly’s progress and are now participating in neonatal care for Coco Chanel — gaining critical skills in large animal medicine while witnessing the rewards of attentive, compassionate veterinary care.
A Teaching Hospital That Serves Its Community
While Coco Chanel’s arrival brought excitement to campus, it also underscores the broader mission of the college. Since its founding in 1945, the program has trained generations of veterinarians while delivering comprehensive care to animals throughout the region.
The Veterinary Teaching Hospital provides services for:
Small companion animals
Large animals and livestock
Exotic and pocket pets
Referred specialty cases
Clinical offerings include preventative wellness care, vaccinations, parasite prevention, diagnostic testing, surgery, internal medicine, dermatology, dentistry, imaging, ambulatory large animal services, and emergency care during business hours.
Dr. Nelson Diaz, Director of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital and Associate Professor of Small Animal Community Practice, emphasized that the hospital delivers advanced general and specialty-level care while serving as a dynamic learning environment for students.
For more than 80 years, the college has supported local pet owners and referring veterinarians, managing complex medical and surgical cases and offering in-house consultations across multiple disciplines.
More Than a Birth — A Reflection of Purpose
For the students who helped monitor Dolly and now care for Coco Chanel, this wasn’t just another case. It was a front-row seat to the full circle of veterinary medicine — community support, hands-on training, and the joy of healthy new life.
Moments like these remind us that teaching hospitals don’t just train future veterinarians — they strengthen the communities they serve.
And sometimes, they welcome a little filly named Coco Chanel who steals everyone’s heart along the way.
Read full article: https://www.tuskegee.edu/news/2026/02/New-Foal-Highlights-Services-at-College-of-Veterinary-Medicine.html
