Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty

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

05/14/2026

As temperatures rise, so does the risk of heat stroke in pets. ☀️🐾

Heat stroke can become life-threatening in minutes, especially for brachycephalic breeds, senior pets, overweight pets, and active dogs spending extended time outdoors. Knowing the warning signs and acting quickly can save a life.

If your pet is showing signs of heat exhaustion or heat stroke:
➡️ Move them to a cool, shaded area immediately
➡️ Wet them down with cool water (avoid ice water)
➡️ Seek emergency veterinary care as soon as possible

Our teams at Mission and Overland Park are here 24/7 with Emergency & ICU care to help when every second counts.

📍Mission Veterinary Emergency & Specialty
📍Overland Park Veterinary Emergency & Specialty

05/12/2026

Please help us congratulate Rusty, our newest Neurology graduate! 🎓🐾

Rusty came to our Neurology team unable to use his rear limbs due to a severe thoracolumbar IVDD with hemorrhage, causing spinal cord compression. Under the care of board-certified neurologist Dr. David Weinstein, Rusty received an MRI and underwent an emergency hemilaminectomy at L1-L2 and L2-L3 to remove the herniated disc material and hemorrhage surrounding his spinal cord.

Just two weeks later, Rusty returned for his recheck bright, comfortable, and walking again with only mild rear limb weakness and ataxia, a huge improvement from where he started. 💙

We are so proud of Rusty and grateful to his family for trusting our team with his care. Stories like his are a reminder of how quickly advanced diagnostics, surgery, and specialized neurologic care can make a life-changing difference.

📲 To schedule a consultation with Dr. Weinstein, call us at 913-722-5566

05/10/2026

Happy Mother’s Day to every mom, grandmother, pet mom, caregiver, and mother figure who makes life a little softer and a lot more loved.

We hope your day is filled with cuddles, wagging tails, and the people (and pets) who mean the most to you. 🌷

05/08/2026

Got a social canine butterfly at home? 🦋
Avoid turning playtime into sick time by keeping them up-to-date with these vaccines that protect them from serious infections and diseases.

Talk to us about your dog’s vaccine history and how these vaccines can help them enjoy meet-ups and adventures without worry.
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