The Minnesota Urolith Center and Hill's: A Lasting Partnership

In 1981, Carl Osborne, DM PhD, founded the Minnesota Urolith Center located in the College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota. The Center investigates the causes, treatments and prevention of diseases of the urinary tract in animals. Since its inception, the Center has analyzed more than 300,000 urinary stones from more than 90 species of animals, submitted from veterinarians worldwide.

In 1984, Hill's Pet Nutrition, Inc. became the first corporate sponsor of the Center's research on feline and canine urinary tract disorders. Due in part to Hill's support, the Minnesota Urolith Center is the only urolith laboratory in the nation that does not charge a fee for veterinarians to submit samples for analysis. For over two decades, Hill's has generously supported the Center and contributed millions of dollars toward research projects and graduate student programs at the University.

Hill's is proud to honor Dr. Osborne's legacy by providing $50,000 as seed money toward the Osborne/Hill's Endowed Professorship in Nephrology/Urology. “Hill's Pet Nutrition is proud to pay tribute to Dr. Osborne's extraordinary contributions to the medical care of companion animals,” said Mary Beth Leininger, DVM, Director of Hill's Professional Affairs.

The Osborne/Hill's Endowed Professorship recognizes Dr. Osborne's significant contribution to veterinary science. Over $1 million has been raised, and the University of Minnesota has established the “Friends of Car[ Osborne Campaign,” with the goal of raising another $1 million to assure a permanent legacy in Dr. Osborne's honor. Further information about the campaign can be obtained by contacting the Director of Development, College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Minnesota at 612-624-5315.

Hill's is proud of the long-standing partnership with the Minnesota Urolith Center and the benefit this provides the entire veterinary community.

For more information, contact Pets Corner Sdn Bhd at 03-4043 2420 or visit www.HillsVet.com.

Hill's Managing Crystalluria & Urolithiasis pocket guides are now available for quick reference for crystal and urolith identification, at-risk pet profiles and initial and long- term management protocols. Contact your Hill's representative to obtain a copy.