UC Davis Large Animal Hospital

09/04/2026

Please welcome Dr. Mimi von Zitzewitz, a new intern in equine integrative sports medicine. Dr. von Zitzewitz earned her veterinary degree from the University of Veterinary Medicine Vienna in Austria. Following veterinary school, she completed a one-year equine rotating internship at Alamo Pintado Equine Medical Center in Central California then a one-year internship in equine surgery and field service here at UC Davis. During veterinary school, she completed five externships, including one at the world-renowned Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Kentucky. We are thrilled Dr. von Zitzewitz is remaining with us for another year.

Image descriptions:
Photo 1: smiling woman in gray scrubs with two Australian cattle dogs
Photo 2: veterinarian in surgical attire operating on a horse
Photo 3: woman in formal white equestrian attire atop white horse jumping barrier in competition
Photo 4: veterinarian wearing headlamp suturing white horse

09/02/2026

Please welcome Dr. Julie Wright, a new resident in diagnostic imaging (equine focus). Dr. Wright earned her veterinary degree from the University of Pennsylvania. Following veterinary school, she completed a one-year equine rotating internship at the University of Illinois then a one-year imaging fellowship at Animal Imaging in Texas. During and immediately after veterinary school, Dr. Wright completed six externships at private practices in Connecticut, Pennsylvania, Texas, Utah, and Florida. As an undergraduate, Dr. Wright was president of the Dressage Club at Cornell University. In her spare time, she is an equestrian and a competitive mountain biker and enjoys spending time with her two dogs, Ranger and Murphy.

Image descriptions:
Photo 1: smiling woman in tan pants and green sweatshirt standing next to tall black horse
Photo 2: smiling woman in blue jeans and gray scrub top sits with baby donkey in veterinary medical facility
Photo 3: smiling woman with two large dogs in the wilderness; picturesque mountainous scenery behind them

09/01/2026

Dr. Jennifer Cassano, chief of Equine Field Service, will be a speaker at UC Davis Horse Day on October 10.

UC Davis Horse Day is for all horse enthusiasts! The day features a wide-array of equine topics so whether you are a seasoned horse owner or are new to the world of equids, there will be all kinds of things to learn at this event. For example, you can learn more about the value of equine bloodwork from Dr. Cassano!

https://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/horseday

08/31/2026

Please welcome Dr. Welf Bucken, a new intern in Equine Field Service. Dr. Bucken earned his veterinary degree from the University of Veterinary Medicine Hanover in Germany. Following veterinary school, he completed a 1-year equine rotating internship at Moore Equine Veterinary Centre in Calgary, Alberta with rotations in internal medicine, ambulatory practice, in–clinic appointments, surgery, and anesthesia, as well as helping train veterinary students from the University of Calgary. During veterinary school, Dr. Bucken participated in 8 externships at various equine clinics in Germany, Austria, Canada, and Argentina. In the summer of 2023, he participated in the Boehringer Ingelheim Veterinary Scholars Program here at UC Davis performing advanced research training in equine sports medicine. Welcome back, Dr. Bucken!

Image descriptions:
Photo 1: veterinarian in exam room in blue jacket wearing surgical gloves sitting next to brown horse performing procedure on horse's abdomen
Photo 2: veterinarian in operating room in blue surgical gown, cap, and gloves performing procedure on horse's leg
Photo 3: smiling man in red shorts and blue t-shirt standing next to brown horse in corral
Photo 4: smiling man in wetsuit on beach holding a fish next to small brown and white dog
Photo 5: smiling man in blue jeans, blue shirt, and cowboy hat atop a white horse; a decorative red, white, and black blanket is under the saddle
Photo 6: smiling man wearing brown attire, a winter cap with a Norwegian flag on it, and extended cuff medical gloves next to a newborn calf in a stall padded with hay

08/29/2026

Such well deserved recognition for Sarah, manager of the Large Animal Hospital

Journey to VTS spotlights RVT Sarah Blasczynsk path to VTS certification, challenges, career growth, and insights into clinical practice.

08/28/2026

Please welcome Dr. Amanda Mulholland, a new intern in Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction. Dr. Mulholland earned her veterinary degree from UC Davis in 2000. She is also currently completing a Master of Public Health, Epidemiology degree from Kent State University. As a veterinary student, Dr. Mulholland had an interest in bovine medicine and planned to work in a mixed animal practice. But that quickly became small animal practice, and after spending many years in high-quality, high-volume spay/neuter and shelter medicine, she decided to return to livestock medicine. Dr. Mulholland brings volumes of experience to her internship, including recent work with the California Department of Food and Agriculture (she is a Category II USDA-accredited veterinarian). Her decades of practice will be a tremendous asset in mentoring younger veterinarians and students in the Large Animal Hospital. Outside of work, Dr. Mulholland enjoys backpacking, surfing, triathlons, and ultra-endurance cycling, as well as spending time with her two Dachshunds, Ghrrken and Rufus.

Image descriptions:
Photo 1: Veterinarian in surgical attire in operating room.
Photo 2: Woman in car with Dachshund on her lap pressing his face against hers.
Photo 3: Smiling woman in livestock barn with several cattle behind her.

08/27/2026

Dr. Maria Calero, Equine Internal Medicine resident, will be a speaker at UC Davis Horse Day on October 10.

We know many of you are chomping at the bit to register for UC Davis Horse Day! Registration will be open very soon, in the meantime, you can head over to our website to get a preview of this year's topics and learn what Horse Day is all about. One of our sessions comes from Dr. Calero, who promises to deliver a very informational discussion centered around newborn foal care!

https://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/horseday

08/26/2026

Please welcome Dr. Christina Zeniou, a new resident in Livestock Herd Health and Reproduction. Dr. Zeniou earned her veterinary degree from the University of Sciences in Brno, Czechia. Following veterinary school, she returned to her native Cyprus to be a practicing livestock veterinarian working across small ruminants, dairy cattle, and swine farms, where she was actively involved in herd health management, reproduction, preventive medicine, and on-farm diagnostics. Dr. Zeniou also worked as a clinical associate veterinarian at the University of Nicosia School of Veterinary Medicine in Cyprus. Teaching has been a consistent component of her professional development, and she looks forward to mentoring students and contributing to a productive learning environment at UC Davis, as she did at the University of Nicosia.

Image descriptions:
Photo 1: Smiling woman in green overalls with stethoscope around her neck holding a baby goat (kid)
Photo 2: Smiling woman in black overalls holding two baby sheep (lambs)
Photo 3: Woman in white boots and protective gear in small stall comforting a baby cattle (calf)
Photo 4: Smiling woman in blue protective coat holding a baby pig (piglet)

08/25/2026

UC Davis Horse Day is October 10...

UC Davis Horse Day is just a couple months away! Join us for a day of informational discussions and demonstrations designed for horse enthusiasts of any age, experience level, or discipline! This event is open to the public and is your chance to learn from equine industry experts. Attendees can choose the sessions that are of most interest to them, and there is sure to be something for everyone! More information on speakers, session topics, and event registration is coming soon, so stay tuned!

You can get the latest information on the Horse Day website: https://animalscience.ucdavis.edu/horseday

08/24/2026

Please welcome Dr. Isabell Gross, a new intern in Equine Surgery. Dr. Gross recently earned her veterinary degree from UC Davis this past spring. She spent the summer completing a Medical Acupuncture for Veterinarians (equine focus) certificate program at the CuraCore Veterinary Academy. During vet school, she completed 5 equine-focused externships: 3 at private practices in California, 1 at a private practice in Pennsylvania, and 1 at Colorado State University where she worked in high level sports medicine, advanced diagnostic imaging, integrative medicine, and rehabilitation. As an undergraduate, Dr. Gross was captain of the dressage team at the University of Vermont and spent most of her undergraduate years working at various equine clinics and facilities throughout Vermont. She has owned her horse Kilika for the past 7 years, developing her from a green broke 3-year-old up through the dressage levels, and she is now schooling the Grand Prix. Dr. Gross credits Kilika, and their time together in the barn, with getting her to and through veterinary school.

Image descriptions:
Photo 1: front view of woman in blue formal equestrian attire atop a horse in a dressage competition
Photo 2: side view of woman in blue formal equestrian attire atop a horse in a dressage competition
Photo 3: woman with dark hair pulled back wearing maroon scrub top performing procedure on top of horse's head
Photo 4: smiling woman standing on house patio holding a light-colored puppy
Photo 5: smiling woman in graduation cap and gown atop horse