Houston – Dr. Leslie Easterwood has been a show veterinarian at the Houston Livestock Show and Rodeo since 2003. She leads a team of volunteers caring for 18,000 to 20,000 animals.
“I started as a student intern in 1987,” said Dr. Easterwood.
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Dr. Easterwood said she moved up the ranks before becoming a full-time veterinarian. She’s also a professor at Texas A & M University’s veterinary school.
Although her and her team are taking care of a large amount of animals, Dr. Easterwood said they rarely come across major problems.
“When they get here, they have to be healthy to come and show their best,” said Dr. Easterwood.
Before the animals get to the livestock show, they must see a veterinarian at least 30 days before, according to Texas animal rules and regulations.
“A lot can happen in 30 days. But at least we know that 30 days prior to getting on to our grounds, they were seen by a veterinarian and exam was done,” said Dr. Easterwood.
One important factor to ensuring animals' health during HLSR is their water.
“There’s the chance the water doesn’t taste exactly like it does at home,” said Dr. Easterwood. “The first exhibitor that we spoke to, they add Kool-Aid to the water so that wherever they go, the water has the same flavor.”
Dr. Easterwood said she stays 24 days a year during the event and the animals keep her coming back.
“There’s new shows every day. There’s new animals moving in and out,” said Dr. Easterwood. “There’s a lot going on here on a daily basis out here.”