College of Veterinary Medicine

For Jessie and her 11-year-old miniature schnauzer Moses, driving 190 miles from Pittsburgh, PA to The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center was just something they needed to do. When Moses’ vet recommended the cardiology department at OSU Jessie didn’t think twice about driving the distance. She understood that coming to Ohio State didn’t mean a cure or major change in the condition Moses had but she wanted to consult the experts. “I would travel to quality care for any other member of the family, Moses was no exception.”

Moses came to the Veterinary Medical Center in 2008 and was diagnosed with degenerative disease of the valves that separate the chambers on the right and left sides of the heart. Moses was seen by Dr. Agnieszka Kent one of the Cardiology Residents at the Veterinary Medical Center. This degeneration resulted in the valves leaking backwards and predisposed Moses to congestive heart failure as the disease progressed. Currently Moses takes medication to help decrease the progression into congestive heart failure and protect his heart. This medication has stabilized his disease and allows him to live a happy life.

When asked what Jessie would want others to know about the Cardiology Department she stated it was the commitment and attention at every visit and commitment to give Moses the most comprehensive care possible.  “Everyone was always thinking of ways to keep him in the good health.” Last year when Moses had surgery and had to spend the night she received several calls on her way home to Pittsburgh and back to get updates on his condition.

Her overall experience at the Veterinary Medical Center was quite similar. Having worked in a university academic medical center she said coming to Ohio State was one of the most amazing experiences she has had. “The art of caring appears to be an integral part of the science of the care for pets. This spirit of care is pervasive from the parking lot to the front door to the reception counter to the exam room.” Jessie really appreciated the level of detail and personalization in the summaries she received on Moses’ visits, especially after his surgery.

Jessie was so pleased with her experience that she decided to give back to support the future of the program. She wanted to give back because she realized that there were not many institutions like The Ohio State University Veterinary Medical Center who were on the cutting edge of advancing healthcare for animals. Coming from an academic background, she also realized receiving funding for, research, equipment and projects is a constant process and wanted to help. “If you spend a morning in the waiting room, wait for your dog to return from a procedure or surgery and know the comfort of the outstanding care the Veterinary Medical Center strives to provide, you understand this is the type of care we want available for all pets in the future.” Jessie knew that giving back would allow Ohio State to continue its rich history of educating future veterinarians as well as developing new treatments and making discoveries that will ultimately change the course of veterinary medicine.