Supporting the Mizzou Veterinary Health Center mission to Teach, Heal, Discover and Serve, the Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service is dedicated to providing a comprehensive program that:
- Promotes healing, activity and improved quality of life for small animals
- Supports the wellbeing, training and performance of athletic and working dogs
- Provides leading-edge training and educational opportunities for students, graduate professionals, and the community
- Advances the veterinary sports medicine and rehabilitation field through collaborative research
The new Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service aims to be Missouri’s premier performance and rehabilitation center for companion and working animals. With a team-based approach, we are committed to offering leading-edge care to optimize recovery, performance of daily life and sport activities, and quality of life for your pets. We specialize in the most advanced techniques available, including extensive imaging diagnostics, therapeutic modalities such as underwater and dry land treadmills, therapeutic ultrasound and laser, dry needle acupuncture and manual therapy, extracorporeal shock wave therapy, joint and soft tissue injection therapies, mobility aids, and therapeutic exercises.
Whether your dog or cat is a world-class athlete, a working animal, or a cherished pet, our hospital houses the personnel and facilities to care for your companion. Upon consultation, we will build a plan for your pet and work together with you as a valued part of the treatment team. We are sensitive to the financial requirements of veterinary care and work hard to offer our expert services at a reasonable price.
Our sports medicine and rehabilitation specialist is board-certified by the American College of Veterinary Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation and offers a full complement of related services:
- Lameness evaluation, diagnostics, and non-surgical therapies
- Pre- and post-operative rehabilitation for orthopedic and neurologic conditions
- Limb difference (congenital or acquired through amputation) rehabilitation
- Weight management
- Arthritis and pain management
- Athletic/working/service dog performance evaluation and conditioning programs
- Quality of life enhancement for pets affected by chronic disease
- Therapeutic exercise programs
The Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Service specialist provides the most advanced and safest care tailored specifically for both your pet and your expectations. Other services you will find at the VHC are:
- State-of-the-art gait analysis and motion capture laboratory
- Inpatient surgery and outpatient procedures
- Conscientious communication with you and your regular veterinarian
- Radiology imaging including X-ray, MRI, ultrasound and computed tomography
- Visitation amenities if you would like to regularly visit your hospitalized pet
Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation Faculty Veterinarian
Bess J. Pierce, DVM, MS, DABVP, DACVIM, DACVSMR
Chief of Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Teaching Professor of Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Board-Certified Specialist in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Board-Certified Specialist in Small Animal Internal Medicine
Board-Certified Specialist in Canine and Feline Practice
Melissa Franssen, DVM, CCRP, CVSMT, DACVSMR (Canine)
Assistant Teaching Professor of Small Animal Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Board Certified Specialist in Canine Sports Medicine and Rehabilitation
Veterinary Technician
Jill Ward, RVT, CCRVN
Veterinary Assistant
Topher Holland, Veterinary Assistant
Andrea Ward, Veterinary Assistant
