Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty

06/18/2026

A Tiny Device. A Life-Changing Difference. ❤️

This fluoroscopy footage captures one of the advanced procedures performed by our cardiology team to treat Patent Ductus Arteriosus (PDA), a congenital heart defect that can place significant strain on a pet's heart and lungs if left untreated.

Using a minimally invasive, catheter-based approach, board-certified veterinary cardiologist Dr. Shane Murphy can close the abnormal blood vessel through a small incision, avoiding the need for open-chest surgery while helping pets return to a healthier, more active life.

Pets with PDA may experience:
🐾 A heart murmur
🐾 Exercise intolerance or tiring easily
🐾 Rapid breathing
🐾 Poor growth or weight gain
🐾 Coughing
🐾 Signs of heart failure in severe cases

Thanks to advanced imaging technology like fluoroscopy and specialized cardiac expertise, many patients can be treated with shorter recovery times and excellent long-term outcomes.

If you have a patient with a heart murmur or suspected congenital heart disease, our cardiology team is here to help. Referrals can be made directly to our cardiology service for consultation and advanced treatment options.

📞 To schedule a cardiology consultation, give us a call at 913-722-5566.

For more information, visit: https://www.missionveterinaryspecialists.com/services/cardiology/minimally-invasive

06/16/2026

🐱 A One-Time Treatment. A Lifelong Solution.

Hyperthyroidism is one of the most common endocrine disorders in older cats, often requiring lifelong management with medication or prescription diets.

At MVES, we offer I-131 (radioiodine) therapy, the gold-standard treatment for feline hyperthyroidism. This advanced therapy targets abnormal thyroid tissue with a single injection, providing a potential cure for many cats without surgery or daily medication.

If your cat has been diagnosed with hyperthyroidism, our Internal Medicine team can help determine whether I-131 therapy is the right option.

To schedule a consultation with Dr. Ellen Heinrich and learn if your cat is a candidate for radioiodine therapy, call MVES at 913-722-5566.

For more information on our I-131 treatment, and the injection process, please visit our website: https://www.missionveterinaryspecialists.com/services/radioiodine-i-131-treatment

06/11/2026

✨ Advanced Imaging, Better Outcomes ✨

Fluoroscopy provides our surgery team with real-time X-ray imaging during procedures, allowing for precise fracture repair while minimizing surgical trauma.

Recently, Dr. Annie Marquiss used fluoroscopic guidance to repair Bandit's proximal tibial physeal (growth plate) fracture. Continuous imaging throughout the procedure allowed for accurate fracture alignment and implant placement with minimal tissue disruption.

For growing patients like Bandit, proper alignment is critical for healing and long-term limb function. By combining advanced technology with specialized surgical expertise, we're able to provide innovative treatment options for our patients and referring veterinarians.

🐾 Have a fracture case? Our surgery team is happy to review radiographs and help determine if fluoroscopic repair may be an option.

06/09/2026

Investing in our team means investing in the future of veterinary medicine. 🐾

We are proud to congratulate Taylor, Maddie, and Hailey on their acceptance into the Maple Woods Veterinary Technology Program as they begin their journey toward becoming Registered Veterinary Technicians (RVTs).

Their commitment to professional growth, lifelong learning, and exceptional patient care reflects the values that drive our hospitals forward every day. We are excited to support them throughout this next chapter and look forward to seeing the impact they will continue to make for our patients, clients, and veterinary community.

Congratulations to these three team members and to all future RVTs embarking on this rewarding career path. We are cheering you on every step of the way.

06/04/2026

Please join us in welcoming four talented new veterinarians to Mission and Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty! 🎉

Under the guidance of our ER Medical Director, Dr. Christa Heilman, Drs. Danny Rosen, Payton Pierce, Christopher Fearnley, and Taylor Boian are beginning their emergency medicine careers through Ethos Veterinary Health's ER Immerse Program, a comprehensive mentorship experience designed to help new veterinarians build confidence, develop advanced clinical skills, and thrive in emergency practice.

🐾 Dr. Danny Rosen earned his DVM from Kansas State University after discovering his passion for veterinary medicine while working with shelter animals at KC Pet Project. His experience advocating for a long-term shelter dog named Walker inspired his commitment to making a difference in the lives of pets and their families.

🐾 Dr. Payton Pierce graduated from Kansas State University and previously worked as an emergency assistant at OPVES. It was there she realized she wanted to be the veterinarian helping families navigate some of their pets' most difficult days with compassion and clarity.

🐾 Dr. Christopher Fearnley earned his DVM from Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine after completing his undergraduate studies at the University of Missouri. His love for veterinary medicine stems from the variety of species and cases that make every day in emergency medicine unique.

🐾 Dr. Taylor Boian graduated from Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and has been passionate about animal welfare since childhood. From rescuing wildlife and strays to pursuing a career in veterinary medicine, her dedication to helping vulnerable animals has been lifelong.

The ER Immerse Program provides structured, competency-based training through hands-on mentorship, specialist-led education, live continuing education events, and a comprehensive curriculum designed to support the next generation of emergency veterinarians.

We're excited to watch these doctors grow, learn, and make an impact as they begin serving pets and their families alongside our exceptional emergency and specialty teams. Welcome to the team! 💙

06/02/2026

Meet our sweet Patient of the Month, Theo! ⭐

When Theo first arrived at our Mission hospital, his family thought they were dealing with intermittent vomiting. What they soon learned was that Theo had a large cranial mediastinal mass suspected to be a thymoma that was compressing structures within his chest and even affecting blood flow near his heart.

Theo’s case quickly became a true multidisciplinary effort involving several of our specialty departments working together to create the best possible treatment plan for him.

Our Oncology team, led by board-certified oncologist Dr. Brian Flesner, helped guide Theo’s diagnostics, staging, and treatment recommendations. Advanced imaging and CT planning were critical for evaluating whether surgery was possible.

Before anesthesia and surgery, Theo underwent a cardiology evaluation with our board-certified cardiologist, Dr. Shane Murphy, after developing a heart murmur secondary to compression from the mass. Thankfully, his echocardiogram showed no underlying structural heart disease and helped clear the way for surgery.

Theo’s anesthesia plan was overseen by board-certified veterinary anesthesiologist, Dr. Charlotte Marquis, whose team managed advanced monitoring, pain control, blood pressure support, transfusion management, and perioperative care throughout his complex thoracic surgery.

Finally, Theo underwent a median sternotomy and complete thymoma removal performed by board-certified surgeon, Dr. Stacy Friesen, with surgical resident, Dr. Brandon Pate, assisting. Despite the procedure's complexity, the team successfully removed the mass in its entirety.

From Oncology and Cardiology to Surgery, Anesthesia, and ICU care, Theo’s journey is a powerful example of the collaborative medicine that happens every day at MVES, where multiple specialties work together to provide advanced, compassionate care for pets facing complex conditions.

Way to go, Theo! 🐾

05/25/2026

As we remember and honor the brave men and women who made the ultimate sacrifice for our country this Memorial Day, we also want to wish everyone a safe and peaceful holiday weekend. ❤️💙

Whether you’re spending the weekend on the road, at the lake, or relaxing at home with your pets, our teams at Mission and Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty are here for you 24/7, including holidays. Our emergency doctors and ICU teams remain in-hospital around the clock to provide advanced care whenever pets need us most.

Wishing you a safe Memorial Day weekend from all of us at MVES!

05/21/2026

Memorial Day weekend is almost here! As you celebrate, remember to keep your pets safe around grills, BBQ foods, water, heat, fishing gear, and fireworks. 🐾

Swipe through for 5 common holiday hazards and tips to help keep your furry family members safe all weekend long.

If your pet experiences an emergency, our teams are here 24/7, with emergency veterinarians and ICU teams in-hospital at all times. No referral needed. 🚑

📍 MVES – 5914 Johnson Drive, Mission, KS 66202
913-722-5566

📍 OPVES – Overland Park, KS
8301 W. 163rd Street, Overland Park, KS 66223
913-361-3800

05/20/2026

🐾 Every rescue has a story, and every one deserves a second chance ❤️

This National Rescue Dog Day, we’re celebrating some of our team members’ rescue pups who found their forever homes and became part of our families. From shy beginnings to happy tails, these dogs remind us every day just how special rescue pets are.

Thank you to the shelters, rescues, fosters, and adopters who help give animals the love and fresh start they deserve 🐶

05/19/2026

Wrinkly tails can sometimes hide a painful problem. 🐾

“Screw tail” is a condition commonly seen in bulldogs and other brachycephalic breeds where the tightly curled tail creates deep skin folds that trap moisture and bacteria, often leading to chronic infections, irritation, and discomfort.

In our latest blog, we follow Bruce’s journey through a high caudectomy procedure performed by attending surgeon Dr. Annie Marquiss, alongside our board-certified anesthesiologist, Dr. Charlotte Marquis, to help improve his comfort and quality of life.

📖 Read Bruce’s full story and learn more about screw tail surgery here: https://www.missionveterinaryspecialists.com/blog/understanding-screw-tail-in-dogs-bruce-s-journey-through-high-caudectomy-surgery

At Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty, our board-certified surgeons and anesthesia team work together to provide advanced surgical care with patient safety and comfort at the forefront every step of the way.

📞 To schedule a surgical consultation with our team, please call us today at 913-722-5566.

Understanding Screw Tail in Dogs: Bruce’s Journey Through High Caudectomy Surgery