Specialty Services

Each specialty service at the hospital is staffed by highly trained veterinarians and certified veterinary technicians (CVTs). Usually, clients are referred to a specialty service by their primary veterinarian. If a veterinarian referred you to our hospital, he or she will be kept informed about your animal’s condition and treatment to help ensure consistent future care.

Specialty Service Areas

• Anesthesiology/Pain Management

  Our top priority is your animal’s well-being and comfort.

  Any time your animal undergoes a test or procedure that requires anesthesia, we gather comprehensive data in advance to develop an individualized anesthetic plan specifically for your animal. We vigilantly monitor your animal’s vital signs before, during, and after anesthesia, and we deliver pain-relieving medications as needed.

  We also provide a range of pain management options for animals recovering from surgery or experiencing acute or chronic pain.

  Our Veterinarians

  Graeme Doodnaught B.Sc. (Hons.), BVM&S, M.Sc., DES, MRCVS, DACVAA
  Stephanie Keating, DVM, DVSc, DACVAA
  Ashley Mitek, DVM, MS, DACVAA
  Danielle Strahl-Heldreth, DVM, MS

  Aurelien Balleydier, DVM, Resident
  James Cryer, DVM, Resident
  Teodora Hristova, DVM, Resident

  Additional Anesthesia Staff
  Jacob Bough, CVT
  Grace Chaffin, CVT
  Tracy Clayton, CVT
  Caitlyn Cordell, CVT
  Justin Lancaster, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)
  Brittany O’Linc, CVT
  Kim Potempa, CVT
  Elizabeth Rappleyea, CVT
  Jessica Risley, CVT, VTS (Anesthesia & Analgesia)
  Ashley Wetzel, CVT
  Darci Winkler, CVT

  Read about pain management, anesthesia, and acupuncture in animals

• Cardiology

  Thank you to Dr. Ryan Fries and his staff in the cardiology department for taking the time to confirm Bamboo’s diagnosis, which sadly is HCM. We are glad to at least have a better understanding of what is truly wrong with him. The staff was incredibly patient with him. We look forward to doing his future visits with you. Your program is wonderful.

  Ashley B.

  

  Our hospital offers interventional cardiology procedures for animals and provides diagnosis and treatment of heart failure, heart murmurs, arrhythmia, hypertension, valvular heart disease, cardiomyopathies, congenital heart disease, and other cardiovascular diseases.

  Services

  • Cardiac ultrasound (echocardiogram including Color Flow Doppler) for non-invasive examination of the heart structure and function
  • ECG for examination of electrical activity of the heart
  • Holter and event monitoring for long-term evaluation of the heart rhythm in the home environment
  • Radiographs to examine the size and shape of the heart and lungs
  • Pacemaker implantation
  • Interventional procedures (PDA, balloon valvuloplasty, diagnostic angiography, intrahepatic shunt, vascular anomalies)

  Our Veterinarians
  Ryan Fries, DVM, DACVIM (Cardiology)
  Saki Kadotani, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Cardiology)

  Lindsey Humphries, DVM, MSc, Resident
  Leah Kruckman, DVM, Resident
  Gabrielle Wallace, DVM, Resident

  Additional Cardiology Clinic Staff
  Katie McConnell, CVT, VTS (Cardiology)
  Candice Simpson, CVT
  

  Read about cardiology in animals

• Dentistry and Oral Surgery

  

  Thanks to the dentistry and anesthesia departments! Zeke is feeling terrific after his root canal. I appreciated your attention to detail, including updates for me and great customer service.

  Amy W.

  Our dentistry service diagnoses and treats both simple and complicated dental and oral diseases. While we primarily see dogs and cats, we’re also trained and equipped for larger animals and exotics like chinchillas and ferrets. Dentistry services are available with or without a referral from your primary veterinarian.

  In dogs and cats, periodontal disease (gum disease) is the number one diagnosed problem. By the age of just two, 80% of dogs and 70% of cats have some form of periodontal disease, and gum diseases lead to other problems throughout the body. For this reason, it’s very important for animals to have their teeth examined and cleaned.

  Services

  • Dental prophylaxis (teeth cleaning)
  • Routine and advanced periodontal therapies
  • Extractions, including closed, multi-rooted, and complicated surgical extractions
  • Management for fractured or worn teeth (e.g., root canal, crowns)
  • Jaw fracture repair
  • Management of severe stomatitis
  • Management of unusual oral lesions, including myositis, osteomyelitis, bone sequestra, dentigerous cysts, dental caries, malocclusions, oronasal fistulas, and TMJ Disorders
  • Oral tumor identification and treatment planning

  Special Capabilities

  • Digital radiography
  • High-speed fiberoptic dental unit
  • LightSpeed endodonic technology
  • Osteoallograft, bone grafting for bone loss secondary to periodontal disease

  Our Veterinarians
  Katherine Kling, DVM, DAVDC
  Amy Somrak, MBA, DVM, DAVDC

  Mallory Kanwal, DVM, Resident

  Additional Dentistry Clinical Staff
  Misty Croy, CVT

  Read about dentistry in animals

• Dermatology and Otology

  

  After [Shadow’s] ear surgery he’s coming along wonderful again.

  Betty E.

  Does your pet shake his or her head? Have a head tilt? Stinky ears? Skin conditions are often the result of your animal’s body reacting to environmental and internal stimuli and may be caused by many different things. That’s why it’s important to see a board-certified specialist in veterinary dermatology to formulate a plan to help your animal. It’s better to treat the underlying disease now rather than wait till the symptoms turn into a serious disease with a poor or costly prognosis.

  Services

  We treat a wide range of dermatological issues. Common conditions include diseases such as:

  • Allergic skin
  • Blistering skin
  • Ear
  • Nail and nail bed
  • Hormonal
  • Immune-mediated
  • Thyroid
  • Parasitic skin

  Other skin issues we treat include:

  • Pruritus (itching, chewing)
  • Excessive skin scaling or crusting
  • Hair loss, alopecia
  • Seborrhea (greasy skin)
  • Skin cancers
  • Bacterial skin infections
  • Fungal and yeast skin infections

  Special Capabilities

  • Cryosurgery for treatment of small skin tumors
  • Customized subcutaneous and sublingual allergen-specific immunotherapy
  • Dermatoscopy to evaluate skin lesions
  • Intradermal testing to better define environmental allergies
  • Laser surgery to treat skin cancer and chronic skin alterations
  • Team approach with pathologists in diagnoses requiring interpretation of skin biopsies
  • Video-otoscopy to evaluate and treat ear diseases including laser therapy

  Our Veterinarians
  Clarissa Souza, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACVD

  Jennifer Clegg, DVM, Intern

  Additional Dermatology Clinical Staff

  Sandy Grable, CVT, VTS (Dermatology)
  Miriah Lareau, CVT

  Learn more about dermatology appointments.

  Read about dermatology in animals

• Equine Medicine and Surgery

  

  I felt their surgeons were extraordinary. … I showed [Blondie] last year and we won almost all the classes I had her in.

  Sandy B.

  We care for pleasure horses, race horses, breeding horses, and more. We have two climate-controlled equine wards, two equine surgery suites with state-of-the art equipment and padded recovery rooms, and the only 3-Tesla magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) system for horses in the state.

  Our service is staffed by specialized veterinarians 24 hours a day, 365 days a year, for emergencies and by appointment for all other services, including annual wellness exams and vaccinations.

  Additionally, if your horse needs the expertise of a specialist in cardiology, dentistry, dermatology, internal medicine, neurology, oncology, ophthalmology, anesthesiology, or imaging, our equine veterinarians can quickly and easily consult with one of our board-certified specialists.

  Services

  • Lameness and lameness locator system
  • High-speed treadmill examinations
  • Minimally invasive and laser surgery
  • Digital radiology, ultrasound, nuclear imaging, computed tomography,and high-field MRI
  • Reproductive surgery
  • Therapeutic shoeing
  • Mare and stallion fertility evaluation
  • Extracorporeal shock wave therapy
  • Traditional videoendoscopy
  • Overground videoendoscopy

  Special Interests

  • Arthroscopy
  • Colic
  • Critical care
  • Emergency medicine and surgery
  • Exercise physiology
  • Forensic detection of drugs
  • Infectious disease
  • Lameness diagnosis and treatment
  • Fracture repair
  • Neonatal medicine
  • Neurological disease
  • Osteoarthritis
  • Poor performance
  • Respiratory disease
  • Upper-airway surgery

  Special Capabilities

  • 24-hour emergency medicine and surgery care
  • 24-hour equine adult and foal critical care
  • Pulmonary function testing
  • Acupuncture
  • Over ground endoscopy
  • Biologic therapies for orthopedic applications
  • Minimally invasive coil embolization for guttural pouch mycosis
  • Transvenous electrical cardioversion for atrial fibrillation

  Our Veterinarians
  Scott Austin, DVM, MS, DACVIM-LAIM
  Jonathan Foreman, DVM, MS, DACVIM-LAIM
  Santiago Gutierrez-Nibeyro, DVM, MS, DACVS-LA, DACVSMR
  Ann Kemper, DVM
  Jordan Kirkpatrick, DVM, DACVS-LA
  Lori Madsen, DVM
  Annette McCoy, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVS-LA
  Matthew Stewart, BVSc, MVetClinStud, PhD, FACVSc-LA (Equine Surgery), DACVSMR-Equine
  Pamela Wilkins, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-LA, DACVECC

  Rebecca Bishop, DVM, Resident
  Pedro Raigosa Gomez, MVZ, Resident
  Alessandro Migliorisi, DVM, Resident
  Kathryn Slaughter-Mehfoud, DVM, Resident
  Kaitlyn Jonk, DVM, Intern
  Elizabeth Moyer, DVM, Surgical Intern
  Adrienne Rhodes, DVM, Intern
  Ruth Stewart, BVMS, Intern

  Additional Equine Clinical Staff

  Brittany Biehl, CVT
  Chelsea Foil, CVT
  Ashley Jiles, CVT
  Celeste Kappes, CVT
  Kristen Massey, CVT
  Merinda Venatta, CVT

  Read about horse health issues

• Exotic Animal Care

  

  Can’t say enough good about Dr. Ken Welle in the exotics department. He is by far the best and most skilled avian vet in the Midwest! Recently he identified an infection that my lovebird Elliott had and successfully treated it…. His ability to do blood draws on small birds with almost no stress is amazing.

  Betsy C.

  Our exotic/zoological medicine service provides care for lizards, parrots, hedgehogs, and just about any amphibians, reptiles, birds, and small exotic mammals.

  Beyond our general care service for exotic animals, our hospital offers surgery, ophthalmology, and many other specialty areas to improve the overall health of these pets. Our veterinarians will get to know you and your animal and work with you to maintain a healthy life for your animal.

  Services

  • 24-hour emergency care
  • Wellness examinations and vaccinations
  • Nutrition consulting
  • Complete diagnostics and comprehensive medicine
  • Reproductive procedures (sexing, spay/neuter, egg-binding) and other soft tissue and orthopedic surgeries
  • Husbandry consultations

  We are looking forward to serving you in our new location at Veterinary Medicine South Clinic.
  Phone Number: 217-244-2555
  New address: 2100 S Goodwin Ave, Urbana, IL 61801
  We moved just across Hazelwood Avenue to the south of the Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

  Our Veterinarians
  

  Krista Keller, DVM, DACZM
  Samantha Sander, DVM, DACZM
  William Sander, DVM, MPH, DACVPM
  Kenneth Welle, DVM, ABVP (Avian)

  Anthony Cerreta, DVM, Resident
  Joanna Webb, DVM, Resident
  Kelsey Trumpp, DVM, Intern

  Additional Exotics Staff
  

  Kim Byrne, CVT
  Veronica Millsap, CVT
  Jenny Trail, CVT

  Read about exotic animal health issues

• Farrier

  All aspects of equine hoof care, including advanced therapeutic shoeing, are offered. Professional farrier services are offered at the hospital on Wednesdays; we visit horses primarily at farms/stables throughout west-central Indiana and east-central Illinois on other days.

  Services

  • Trimming
  • Shoeing
  • Therapeutic trimming with veterinarian
  • Horse owner hoof care clinics

  Download a copy of our price list for professional services.

  Trimming and shoeing performed by Midwest Horseshoeing School students, and inspected by an AFA-certified farrier, are available at the hospital on Fridays at discounted rates.

  Our Farriers
  Mitch Gardner
  Steve Sermersheim, CJF TE, AWCF

  Read more about our farrier services 

• Food Animal Reproduction, Medicine, and Surgery

  

  Dr. Austin came out and explained my horse’s condition, “sweet itch,” which I had suspected with a realistic but sad prognosis. Came within a day of me calling and my horse was treated with vast improvement within 24 hours.

  Betty U.

  Our team consists of faculty veterinarians, residents, and veterinary technicians along with our veterinary students. We offer in-house, on-farm, and emergency care for livestock, including cattle, sheep, goats, pigs, camelids, and cervids.

  Services at the Veterinary Teaching Hospital

  Primary (routine) care. Working in our climate-controlled facility, our team members perform routine procedures such as pregnancy diagnosis, breeding soundness evaluation, vaccination, deworming, castration, and hoof trimming for all livestock species. The facility is designed for low-stress cattle handling and is equipped with a hydraulic squeeze chute and hydraulic tilt table.

  Specialty care. Specialists are available to deal with challenging medical and surgical problems. Imaging modalities, including ultrasound, digital radiography, computed tomography (CT), and magnetic resonance imaging (MRI), are available on site for our specialists. We utilize the services of the Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory for clinical pathology (e.g., blood counts, serum chemistry), microbiology, virology, and immunology tests to aid in the diagnosis of challenging cases. Animals with serious medical and surgical issues can be housed in our facility for intensive 24-hour care.

  Reproduction. Pregnancy diagnosis via palpation or ultrasound can be performed on all livestock species. Estrous cycle manipulation strategies can be developed for a variety of species. Transcervical or laparoscopic artificial insemination can be performed for all livestock species. Breeding soundness examinations can be performed for all livestock species.  Semen freezing is available for most livestock species. Embryo transfer via conventional flushing or in vitro fertilization is available with advance notice.

  On-Farm Services

  Our team members travel in a truck designed for mobile veterinary care to perform routine livestock procedures and treat ill animals on farms throughout east central Illinois. The typical practice radius is approximately 50 miles, although exceptions are made in special circumstances.

  Our Veterinarians
  Brian Aldridge, BVSc, MS, PhD, DACVIM, RCVS
  Edgar Garrett, DVM, MS, DACT
  Andy Hubner, DVM, PhD Candidate
  Thomas Lowery, DVM
  Tessa Marshall, BVSc, MS, DABVP (Dairy Practice)
  Suzanna Storms, DVM, PhD Candidate

  Additional FARMS Clinical Staff

  Brittany Biehl, CVT
  Betsy Laurence, CVT
  Kristen Massey, CVT
  Amy Saupe, CVT
  Shawn Stevens, CVT
  Merinda Venatta, CVT

• Imaging

  

  I have nothing but excellent things to say about this place. From the office staff to the health care professionals, [all] have always been so caring, helpful, and thorough. My Scottie had cancer and was treated here. She had her MRI, surgery, chemo, and aftercare all at U of I.

  Rebecca S.

  Our diagnostic imaging service is an integral part of the hospital’s diagnostic capabilities. Through the use of state-of-the-art equipment, and imaging specialists, we’re able to provide the information needed to best identify and treat your animal’s condition.

  Services

  • Computed Tomography (CT) for small and large animals (equine)
  • Digital radiography
  • 3T Magnetic Resonance Imaging (MRI) for small and large animals
  • Nuclear medicine
  • Ultrasonography

  Our Veterinarians

  Audrey Billhymer, DVM
  Cintia Oliveira, DVM, MS, DACVR
  

  Additional Imaging Clinical Staff

  Mel Fletcher, CVT
  Kayla Hasselbring, CVT
  Taylor Kauffman, CVT
  Dallas McCormike, CVT
  Melinda Smith, CVT
  Sarah Van Note B.S., R.T (R)(M)(CT)(BD)
  Megan Vite, CVT
  Stephanie Walker, CVT

• Internal Medicine

  

  My 12-year-old dog with Addison’s disease requires a lot of care, and my experience with internal medicine was awesome from start to finish. Emily, the vet student who worked with us, was outstanding. She had reviewed Wrigley’s chart thoroughly (not an easy feat!) and was compassionate and knowledgeable. Dr. Barko was also great, and I feel very comfortable having Wrigley’s care in his hands.

  Amy C.

  We’re here to find the cause of your pet’s condition with help from the hospital’s advanced diagnostic testing, veterinary pathology, and imaging capabilities, and to recommend or provide treatment.

  Services

  • Endocrine
    • Addison’s disease
    • Cushing’s disease
    • Diabetes
    • Hyperthyroidism
  • Gastrointestinal
    • Esophagus
    • Stomach
    • Small and large intestine
  • Infectious disease
    • Blastomycosis
    • Leptospirosis
    • Nasal aspergillosis
  • Inflammatory disease
    • Blood cells (IMHA, ITP)
    • Joints
    • Polymyocitis
  • Liver and gallbladder
  • Pancrease
  • Respiratory system (nose, larynx, trachea, bronchi, lung)
  • Urinary system
    • Acute and chronic kidney disease

  Special Procedures

  • Endoscopy
  • Radioiodine therapy

  Our Veterinarians
  

  Arnon Gal, DVM, PhD, DACVIM-SAIM, DACVP
  Jennifer Reinhart, DVM, MS, PhD, DACVIM-SAIM, DACVCP
  Marcella D. Ridgway, VMD, MS, DACVIM-SAIM
  David Williams, MA, VetMB, PhD, DACVIM-SAIM, DECVIM-CA

  Allison Bechtel, DVM, Resident
  Rebekah Brown, DVM, Resident
  Nicole Laia, DVM, Resident
  Antonia Ioannou, BVMS, Rotating Intern
  Twisha Jani, DVM, Rotating Intern
  Jaeyoung Kim, DVM, PhD, Rotating Intern
  Pedro Juan Soto-Elias, DVM, Rotating Intern
  Ashley Souza, DVM, Rotating Intern
  Regan Stoneburner, DVM, Rotating Intern
  Christine Tran Hoang, DVM, Rotating Intern
  Alexandra Varela Ortiz, DVM, Rotating Intern
  Mara Vernier, DVM, Rotating Intern

  Additional Internal Medicine Clinical Staff

  Carrie Bubb, CVT
  Sara Roy, CVT

  Read about diseases in animals

• Neurology and Neurosurgery

  

  The vet called and said, ‘Something’s not right.’ That’s when we decided she needed to go to the U of I. … We did not think [Mayzie] would ever walk again at all…. But we rushed her to the U of I and everyone up there was wonderful. They just took really good care of her and they talked us through everything.

  Sharon S.

  Compassionate care for neurological patients and their families is of the utmost importance to us. Our neurology service provides comprehensive diagnostic testing along with advanced medical and surgical treatment options for animals with disorders of the spinal cord, brain, and neuromuscular system.

  If your pet is showing these signs, consult your veterinarian to see if your pet might benefit from an appointment with our neurology team:

  • Head tilt
  • Circling
  • Falling over
  • Dizziness
  • Disorientation/behavior change
  • Weakness
  • Seizures

  Services

  We treat a variety of neurologic issues. Common conditions include:

  • Intervertebral disc disease (IVDD)
  • Spinal cord disease
  • Brain and spinal tumors
  • Inflammation of the brain and spinal cord (meningitis/encephalitis)
  • Seizures
  • Neuromuscular disorders

  Special Capabilities

  • Brain and spinal surgery
  • Cerebrospinal fluid collection and analysis
  • Computed tomography (CT)
  • Electrodiagnostics, including electroencephalogram (EEG), brainstem auditory evoked reflex/potential (BAER), electromyography (EMG), nerve conduction velocity (NCV)
  • Magnetic resonance imaging (MRI)

  Our Veterinarians
  Kari Foss, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Neurology)
  Devon Wallis Hague, DVM, DACVIM (Neurology)

  Lindsey Graham, DVM, Resident
  Francisco Guevara, DVM, Resident
  Hilary Levitin, DVM, Resident
  Aaron Paushter, DVM, Resident
  Amanda Xue, DVM, Intern

  Additional Neurology Clinical Staff
  Lindsey Cook, CVT
  Denise Weber, CVT

   

  Read about neurology in animals

• Oncology

  My guide dog, Bart, had osteosarcoma…. We were told that he would live only 1 to 3 months unless we had his leg amputated and then he may have an additional 3 months. When we met with the doctor at U of I, we were told about the study regarding Bart’s cancer and agreed to put Bart on the trial. Bart lived a very full life for an additional 13 months. … The doctors made sure that he was comfortable and relatively pain-free throughout his battle.

  Jeremy S.

  

  Facing the diagnosis of cancer in a beloved pet is an emotional and frightening experience. Our oncology specialists are here to help family members navigate testing and treatment options to find the plan that works best for everyone.

  Services

  • Medical oncology
    • Diagnosis
    • Staging (evaluating the extent of the disease)
    • Treatment (e.g. chemotherapy, immunotherapy, targeted therapies)
  • Radiation therapy
  • Clinical trials (cutting-edge therapies, some with financial support)

  Special Capabilities

  • Active clinical trials offering targeted cancer treatments
  • Partnering with the National Cancer Institute to evaluate new anti-cancer drugs for dogs and cats
  • Advanced equipment to assess bone health
  • Computerized pressure-sensing gait analysis equipment to evaluate pain in dogs with bone disease/tumors

  Our Veterinarians
  Timothy M. Fan, DVM, PhD, DACVIM (Oncology, Small Animal Internal Medicine)
  Laura D. Garrett, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology)
  Kimberly Selting, DVM, MS, DACVIM (Oncology), DACVR (Radiation Oncology)
  Alycen Lundberg, DVM, DACVIM (Oncology), PhD Candidate

  Matthew Berry, DVM, Resident
  Sunny Kao, DVM, Resident
  Alison Masyr, DVM, Resident
  Amanda Seelman, DVM, MS, Resident
  Jennifer Yee, DVM, Radiation Oncology Resident
  Rebecca Bernstein, DVM, Medical Oncology Clinical Trials Intern

  Additional Staff
  Jenny Byrd, CVT
  Tara Dolbert, CVT
  Darleen Drake, CVT, Radiation Oncology
  Becca Guess, CVT
  Rebecca Kamerer, CVT
  Valerie Wasinski, CVT, Radiation Oncology
  

  See a list of current clinical trials.

  Learn more about chemotherapy.

  Read about cancer care in animals

   

• Ophthalmology

  We took our young lab-mix rescue that had an injured eye that wasn’t responding to two months of treatment. The U of I exam was so very thorough and gentle. Their care and knowledge was very detailed.

  DeAnn R.

  Our ophthalmology service offers comprehensive eye care for small animals, large animals, and exotic animals. We use state-of-the-art equipment to diagnose and treat ocular diseases. Once we have made a diagnosis, we’ll work with you and your animal to treat the problem and help you learn to detect eye diseases in the early stages.

  Services

  We treat a wide variety of eye-related issues. Common conditions include:

  • Corneal ulcers
  • Cataract and cataract surgery
  • Dry eye
  • Glaucoma
  • Eyelid diseases and defects
  • Hereditary eye disease

  Special Capabilities

  • Endolaser treatment for glaucoma
  • Phacoemulsification for cataract removal
  • Corneal grafts and transplants
  • Cyclosporine implants in horses
  • Electroretinography
  • Iris cyst ablation

  Our Veterinarians
  Kathryn Fleming, DVM, PhD, DACVO

  Tatiane Villar, DVM, Resident

  Additional Ophthalmology Clinical Staff

  Shari Poruba, CVT
  Lorri Zoch, CVT

  Read about ophthalmology in animals

• Rehabilitation

  

  It’s been just phenomenal. It was practically an overnight turnaround. These people are so spectacular. They clearly love the animals, and the animals appear to absolutely love the team, too.

  Rob G.

  Our rehabilitation services are similar to the treatment approaches used in human physical therapy. Working with our rehabilitation specialists can help your animal with:

  • Improved post-operative recovery
  • Improved quality of life
  • Restored activity level and function

  If you or your veterinarian think rehabilitation might help your pet, contact us. All new patients will receive a full physical, neurologic, and orthopedic exams plus various baseline measurements to help us develop a personalized therapy plan. We offer a variety of appointment options including scheduling outpatient appointments, single-day drop-off appointments, and medical boarding with rehabilitation for extended therapy. No referral is needed, although one is helpful.

  Services

  • Aquatic therapy (swimming and underwater treadmill)
  • Land treadmill exercise and acclimation
  • Cart and/or wheelchair fitting/adjustment
  • Chiropractic
  • Electrical stimulation
  • Local hot and cold therapy
  • Passive range of motion exercises
  • Platelet rich plasma injections
  • Pulsed signal therapy
  • Soft tissue massage
  • Tailored home exercises
  • Therapeutic exercise
  • Therapeutic laser
  • Therapeutic ultrasound therapy
  • Weight management

  Special Capabilities

  • Athletic conditioning
  • Dogs with chronic or neurologic conditions
  • Chronic DJD
  • Post-operative patients

  Our Veterinarian

  Catherine Foreman-Hesterberg, DVM
  Tisha A.M. Harper, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, DACVSMR, CCRP*

  Rehabilitation Specialists
  Carrie Chandler, CVT, CCRP*
  Kim Knap, BS, CVT, CCRP*

  *Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

  Contact
  For more information on Physical Rehabilitation or to schedule an appointment, please contact our rehabilitation specialists Kim Knap or Carrie Chandler directly at 217-265-5314 or vthrehab@vetmed.illinois.edu

  Learn more about our rehabilitation treatment approaches.

• Reproduction (Bovine, Equine, Small Animal Ruminant)

  

  For large animals, we offer breeding services, also known as theriogenology.

   

   

   

   

  Equine Theriogenology

  Equine Services

  • Artificial insemination
  • Control of sexual behavior of mares and stallions
  • Foaling management
  • Manage of high-risk pregnancies
  • Consult on abortion and outbreaks
  • Stallion conditioning for breeding shed
  • Management of low fertility stallions and mares
  • Embryo transfer
  • Semen collection, evaluation, and shipping
  • Semen freezing and testing
  • Epididymal semen college and freezing
  • Breeding soundness evaluation of mares and stallions
  • Investigation of poor athletic performance
  • Dystocia managment
  • Management of post-partum complications

  Our Veterinarians
  Igor Canisso, DVM, MSc, PhD, DACT, DECAR (equine emphasis)

  Additional Staff
  Giorgia Podico, DVM, Resident
  Kianna Spencer, DVM, Resident
  Claire Kaplan, Assistant

  Food Animal Reproduction Medicine Services Theriogenology

  Bovine Services

  • Herd reproduction record analysis and consultation, including nutritional and cow comfort
  • Immunization schedules to maximize reproduction
  • In vitro fertilization
  • Ovum pick-up techniques
  • Synchronized breeding programs

  Small Animal Ruminant Services (Sheep, Goats, and Deer)

  • Laproscopic AI
  • Herd health plans
  • Fetal sexing and counting
  • Pregnancy exams
  • Sync programs
  • Infertility workup

  Our Veterinarians
  Edgar Garrett, DVM, MS, DACT
  Tessa Marshall, BVSc, MS, DABVP (Dairy Practice)

  Additional Staff
  Kianna Spencer, DVM, Resident
  

• Surgery

  

  Our dog suddenly fell ill. We brought him to our local vets; no one knew exactly what was wrong. We then brought him to the U of I animal clinic. They diagnosed him accurately that day and performed emergency surgery. Without them my dog would have died. I can’t thank them enough for their help and compassion.

  Tricia H.

  With the help of our diagnostic lab and imaging service, we’re able to diagnose your animal and offer state-of-the-art treatment options in both orthopedic and soft tissue surgery.

  Orthopedic Surgery

  This area focuses on surgical and medical treatments for orthopedic and neurological diseases.

  Common orthopedic conditions include:

  • Angular limb deformities
  • Arthroscopic joint exploration
  • Canine hip dysplasia
  • Cranial cruciate ligament disease
  • Degenerative joint disease
  • Diseases of the elbow and shoulder
  • Fracture repair
  • Patella luxation (dislocated knee)

  Special capabilities:

  • Arthroscopic joint exploration
  • Fluoroscopy-guided fracture repair
  • Locking plate fracture fixation
  • Platelet Rich Plasma
  • C-arm radiology during surgery

  Learn more about orthopedic surgery. Read our FAQ page.

  Soft Tissue/Oncologic Surgery

  This area works extensively with all small animals in our cancer care clinic and provides surgical expertise for animals with soft-tissue diseases.

  Common soft tissue surgeries and special capabilities include:

  • Head and neck surgery, such as total ear canal ablation and brachycephalic airway surgery, including the LATE procedure
  • Thoracic tissue and organ surgery, such as patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) and persistent right aortic arch
  • Abdominal tissue and organ surgery, from hernia repair to gastropexy, pancreatic surgery, and advanced urinary tract surgery, including microsurgery
  • Skin and reconstructive surgery for wounds and mass removal, as well as limb, digit, and tail amputation
  • Minimally invasive surgery
  • Thoracoscopy
  • Laparoscopy, including prophylactic gastropexy and liver and other tissue biopsy

  Our Veterinarians
  Tisha A.M. Harper, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA, DACVSMR, CCRP*
  Clara Moran, DVM, MS, DACVS-SA
  Heidi Phillips, VMD, DACVS-SA
  Jacqui Scott, DVSc, BVSc, DACVS-SA

  Jacqueline Cavalcanti, DVM, Resident
  Kyle Chu, DVM, Resident
  Jennifer Kuzminsky, DVM, MS, Resident
  Ava Song, DVM, Resident
  Monica Chen, DVM, Intern
  Alberto Oramas, DVM, Intern

  Additional Small Animal Surgery Clinical Staff

  Janelle Burke, CVT
  Carli Burris, CVT
  Rachel Dorney, CVT
  Kellie Gard, CVT
  Amanda Green, CVT
  Carrie Palmer, CVT
  Dana Robeck, CVT
  Shawn Stevens, CVT
  Amanda Widick, CVT

  *Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner

  Read about small animal surgery

Other Services

• Grief Counseling

  Client Counselor Specialist
  Gail Wallis Hague

  The Veterinary Teaching Hospital offers grief counseling to help clients through the process of healing. Gail Hague is a counseling psychologist with over 40 years of counseling experience. The special support of a therapeutic relationship can help anyone experiencing difficulty with the loss of a beloved animal to move forward. There is no charge for grief counseling for our clientele or for the clientele of our referring veterinarians. Please feel free to call for information about healing and support.

  Hours:
  Tuesday–Wednesday–Thursday
  9 am–6 pm
  (217) 300-3494

  In addition, a list of pet loss help centers can be found on the American Veterinary Medical Association website. See AVMA Important Resources for Veterinarians, under “Pet Loss Support – Grief Counseling.”

  Read about grief issues

   

• Medication Dispensary

  We have a full-service medication dispensary that fills prescriptions, provides intravenous admixture service, formulates and prepares compounded medications, and advises on dosages and pharmacy calculations. Medications may be dispensed to clients only for conditions currently being treated by hospital clinicians.

  NOTICE: Medical Dispensary Hours During Reduced Service Order

  • Monday—Friday: 8 a.m.- 5 p.m.
  • Please call the Medication Dispensary for refills of medications.
  • You will pick up the medication by parking in the VTH Small Animal Clinic client parking lot.
    • When you park call 217-333-5300 and notify a client service representative that you are here to pick up medications.

  Medication Dispensary hours:
  Monday–Friday: 8 a.m.-6 p.m.
  Saturday: 8 a.m.-noon

  Pharmacists
  Lauren Forsythe, PharmD, DICVP, FSVHP
  Alex Gochenauer, PharmD, FSVHP

  Medication Dispensary Technicians
  Jenny Chen, CPhT
  Linda Glynn, CPhT

  Watch tutorials developed by our pharmacist on how to administer certain medications to pets.

• Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory

  The University of Illinois Veterinary Diagnostic Laboratory provides diagnostic medical testing for infectious agents, toxins, and other causes of disease in animal diagnostic samples that are submitted by veterinary practitioners serving animal owners; public officials associated with public health, law, or wildlife management; and scientists with collaborative research projects. Faculty and staff are composed of pathologists, clinical pathologists, histotechnologists, microbiologists, virologists, immunologists, parasitologists, and serologists.

  Read the latest diagnostic updates