Cardiology Internal Medicine Oncology Ophthalmology
Veterinary cardiology is the specialty concerned with heart disease in animals. A veterinary cardiologist is trained in all aspects of diagnostic and interventional cardiology. Heart disease can be congenital (present from birth) or acquired. Heart disease can affect the valves, the heart muscle, and the electrical system. Diagnostic testing commonly used in veterinary cardiology includes radiographs (x-rays), electrocardiograms (EKG), echocardiograms, and blood pressure measurement. More invasive diagnostic testing includes cardiac catheterization with direct pressure measurements and angiography.
The cardiology service at VSCT is available for the diagnosis and management of several cardiac diseases, including the following:
Congestive heart failure
Valvular insufficiency
Arrhythmias
Cardiomyopathies (disease of the heart muscle)
Pericardial effusion
Pleural effusion
Congenital heart disease
Katie Meier, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology)
University of California Berkeley, Bachelor of Arts- 1994
University of Davis, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - 2003
Texas A&M University, Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery - 2004
University of Pennsylvania, Residency in Cardiology -2006
University of Pennsylvania, Lecturer in Cardiology 2006
Joined Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas (VSCT) in 2006
The internal medicine department of VSCT is responsible for the diagnosis and treatment of disorders of the gastrointestinal, renal, respiratory, immune, endocrine, and hemolymphatic systems. Because symptoms may be caused by a variety of reasons, our doctors have several sophisticated tools on hand to evaluate your pet and provide treatment. With dedicated technicians available to provide compassionate monitoring and care, the internal medicine department is VSCTs home for most patients needing supportive and critical care.
DIAGNOSTIC TOOLS AVAILABLE:
Gastroduodenoscopy
Colonoscopy
Bronchoscopy
Rhinoscopy
Cystoscopy
Ultrasonography
Radiology
Computed Tomography
Bone marrow aspirate/biopsy
Doctors serving the internal medicine department are specialists in the field of small animal internal medicine. In order to be called a specialist, one must become a diplomat of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. A specialist has completed training beyond the routine veterinary degree by competing approved internships and residency programs, as well as, passing certification examinations administered by the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine.
Lynda Melendez, DVM, MS, Diplomate ACVIM (SAIM)
Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science - 1984, 1992
Texas A&M University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine - 1993
Texas A&M University, Internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery - 1995
Colorado State University, Residency in Small Animal Internal Medicine - 1998
Colorado State University, Masters of Science in Veterinary Clinical Medicine -1998
University of Illinois, Clinical Instructor- 1999
Oklahoma State University, Assistant Professor - 2003
Affiliated Veterinary Specialists, Chief of Medicine - 2006
Joined Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas (VSCT) in 2006
Raquel Brown, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology, SAIM)
Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science 1990
Texas A&M University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1995
Private practice (General & Emergency medicine)
Texas A&M University, Internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery 1998
Texas A&M University, Residency in Internal Medicine 2002
Texas A&M University, Residency in Oncology 2005
Texas A&M University, Adjunct Professor Present
Joined Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas (VSCT) in 2005
It is heartbreaking when your beloved pet is diagnosed with cancer. It is our goal to help guide you through these trying times. We strive to educate you on the pathology of the disease process and help you make the right decisions regarding staging, treating, and caring for your pet. We understand that decisions that are made are based on what is best not only for your pet, but for your entire family as well.
We are fortunate to have many other specialists in our clinic to help with diagnostics and treatment decisions. We rely heavily on our radiologist to perform and interpret radiographs, ultrasounds, and CT scans. Our surgeons also play a big role in formulating diagnostic and treatment decisions. Our internal medicine specialist also helps manage the whole patient, not just their oncologic disease process.
In the patients best interest, we may elect to utilize chemotherapy, antiangiogenic therapy, immunotherapy, surgery, and / or radiation therapy in our treatment plan. We focus on quality of life as a whole; so many times pain management plays a significant part of our treatment protocol.
We work closely with Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine and collaborate with ongoing clinical research and publications.
Our goal is to maintain the highest quality of care while providing strong support for our patients and their guardians.
Raquel Brown, DVM, Diplomate ACVIM (Oncology, SAIM)
Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science 1990
Texas A&M University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1995
Private practice, General & Emergency Medicine & Surgery 1998
Texas A&M University, Internship in Small Animal Medicine & Surgery 1998
Texas A&M University, Residency in Internal Medicine 1999-2002
Texas A&M University, Residency in Oncology 2002-2005
Texas A&M University, Adjunct Professor 2005-present
Joined Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas (VSCT) in 2005
Please visit the Ophthalmology Clinic & www.veteyecenter.com
The pathology department at VSCT is unique in that VSCT is the only private referral practice in Texas, as well as, the United States with a full time veterinary pathologist on staff. This allows VSCT to meet the growing needs of our patients by delivering a timely diagnosis to their pets illness thus allowing the doctors of VSCT to initiate treatment sooner. The pathology department also provides support to the veterinarians throughout the state of Texas.
Services provided by the pathology department include surgical biopsy (histopathology), cytology, and fluid analysis (Cerebrospinal fluid- CSF, joint fluid analysis, or any other bodily fluid- both normal and diseased).
Sandra Lovering, DVM, Diplomate ACVP
Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science 1972
Texas A&M University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1973
Texas A&M University, Master of Science 1977
University of California- Davis, Post graduate work
Texas A&M University, Post graduate work
Texas Veterinary Medical Diagnostic Laboratory, Veterinary Pathologist and Head of Clinical Pathology 1987-2007
Joined Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas (VSCT) in 2007
Diagnostic imaging procedures performed at VSCT include radiography (x-ray), abdominal ultrasound, musculoskeletal ultrasound, computed tomography (CAT scan), and special procedures such as contrast studies (myelography, excretory urography, etc). The ability to rapidly perform state of the art imaging procedures provides the doctors at VSCT access to the highest level of diagnostic information prior to surgery or treatment of your pet.
The imaging procedures provided at VSCT are performed under the supervision of Dr. Ballegeer whose training provides expert image interpretation and the ability to perform minimally invasive procedures such as ultrasound-guided and CT-guided fine needle aspiration.
Elizabeth Ballegeer, DVM, Practice limited to radiolog
Notre Dame, Bachelor of Arts -- 1997
University of Wisconsin, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine -- 2001
Animal Medical Center, Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery 2002
University of Wisconsin, Residency in Radiology 2006
Joined Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas (VSCT) in 2007
VSCT has developed a highly trained, dedicated team of receptionist, veterinary technicians, and assistants to maintain efficient, quality patient/client care. Our staff has many years of experience and their dedication is reflected in the compassionate care they give each and every patient and pet owner.
The support staff works closely with the attending veterinarians to uphold the utmost in patient care and is instrumental in maintaining client communication. The support staff is readily available to field client phone call with updates and get the needed information in a timely manner.
Continuing education is a top priority for our entire staff. We conduct in-house lectures for our support staff and we also host seminars for the local veterinary community. Employees also attend local, state, and national continuing education outside the hospital in order to continue their education in their respective field.
Our team philosophy is to treat each pet as if it were our own and to provide quality compassionate care at any time of the day or night.
The surgeons of VSCT provide surgical solutions that demand specialized equipment and expertise. Doctors and highly trained technicians monitor vital signs such as your pets heartbeat, oxygen level, and blood pressure to ensure a safe and successful surgical procedure. A technician is present during the entire recovery process to ensure the safety of your pet from beginning to the end of the anesthetic and surgical procedure.
All surgical procedures at VSCT are performed by a board certified surgeon. The surgeons at the VSCT have received specialized training in the management and treatment of surgical diseases in the disciplines of orthopedic, soft tissue, and neurosurgery, as well as advanced training in radiology, anesthesia, pathology, and pain management. The surgeons of VSCT work closely with the other specialist within VSCT with the goal of restoring and maintaining healthy pets.
The surgical department at VSCT has placed an emphasis on care and compassion. Preoperative and postoperative pain management (local anesthetics, epidural administration of pain medications, injectable and oral therapies, ice packs, and tissue massage) are employed in an effort to promote and speed the healing process thus minimizing the anxiety and stress associated with hospitalization and surgery
The surgeons at VSCT perform surgeries in the following arenas:
Orthopedic procedures
Repair of fractured bones and dislocated joints using minimally invasive procedures
Repair of ruptured ligaments in the knee
Hip replacement and reconstruction for hip dysplasia
Arthroscopic surgery to decrease recovery time and postoperative pain
Soft tissue/ oncological procedures
- Correction of congenital heart defects and vascular anomalies
- Removal and reconstruction of tumors involving all body systems
- Foreign materials causing intestinal obstructions
Neurosurgical procedures
Spinal Surgeries (for disc disease, tumors, and congenital malformation)
- Brain Surgery (for tumor removal, biopsies)
Don Hulse, DVM, Diplomate ACVS, Diplomate ECVS
Texas A&M University, Bachelor of Science 1968
Texas A&M University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1970
Kansas State University, Residency in Surgery 1973
Texas A&M University, Professor Present
Founded Veterinary Orthopedic Center - 2001
Todd Murphy, DVM, Diplomate ACVS Texas A&M University, undergraduate studies- 1992
Texas A&M University, Doctor of Veterinary Medicine 1995
Animal Medical Center, Internship in Small Animal Medicine and Surgery- 1996
University of Pennsylvania, Residency in Surgery- 2000
Founded Veterinary Specialty Center of Texas (VSCT) - 2001
