If you didn’t know it before you do now.
The Iowa State University Iron Dog Fund isn’t just for dogs.
The fund supports the medical and surgical treatment of animals hospitalized in the Lloyd Veterinary Medical Center. It is used for some LVMC clients when the increasing cost of veterinary care and economic conditions can force them to make difficult decisions based on financial constraints.
Most of the animals who have been assisted with the Iron Dog Fund are indeed dogs. But the treatment of cats, and even some farm animals, have been partially funded as Snip the steer can attest.
Born in February of this year, Snip had a slight bend inward on his left hoof caused by one bone growing faster than the other in his leg. Since Snip is a composite show steer (a combination of Angus, Charolais, Red Angus and Chianina), this condition would hinder his walk and gait, making it unlikely his owners could show him.
That’s when Mark Matlage brought Snip to the Large Animal Hospital for a consult.
“The veterinarians at Iowa State knew of a procedure whereby they could stunt the one leg bone and stimulate the shorter bone,” Matlage said.
That’s where the Iron Dog Fund comes into play. The procedure was more than the Matlage family could make work in their budget. After being approved for Iron Dog funding, a portion of the final bill was covered by the program.
“The Iron Dog Fund was the only way we could have afforded to have the procedure,” Matlage said.
The procedure was a success, and Snip is back at home where Matlage’s grandson Ansen, a member of the Jackson Hilltoppers 4-H Club, is prepping the steer for showing next summer, hopefully at both the county fair and the Iowa State Fair.
“The operation was successful and now Snip and his Ansen hope to have a successful show experience next year,” Martlage said.
Snip is just one example of how the ISU Iron Dog Fund can assist animal owners in need. Funding is made possible through contributions from generous donors. Individuals wishing to contribute to the Iron Dog Fund can find additional information online.
https://vetmed.iastate.edu/vmc/clients/giving-to-the-hospital/iron-dog-fund/
September 2025
