Lauren E. Cannon, DVM

Bios:

Dr. Cannon is a 2005 graduate of Texas A&M College of Veterinary Medicine. After graduation, she completed an internship in emergency medicine under Dr. Laurie Noaker, DVM, ACVIM at the Veterinary Emergency Referral Group in Houston, TX. She went on to work as a relief veterinarian in private practice in both Houston and Austin. Dr. Cannon joined Lake Austin Boulevard Animal Hospital in 2006 as an associate. During her three years there, she enjoyed the relationships formed with her patients and their families, as well as the challenge of managing complicated illnesses with the most current and effective treatment. Also at that time, Dr. Cannon also worked weekly at the Waco Animal Emergency Hospital. In January of 2010, she joined the Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Hospital team to be the Director of Emergency Services. She likes the excitement and variety of emergency medicine, and feels that it is her job to not only help heal the patient, but also assist their owners in dealing with situations that are often unexpected and tough. Dr. Cannon is experienced in the stabilization and management of traumatic, surgical, intoxication, and medical emergencies. She loves being part of the specialized group at HOTVSC in caring for the critically ill patients and those that are recovering after surgery. Dr. Cannon lives in Austin with her two dogs, four cats, and a horse. A message from Dr. Cannon: I know how overwhelming it can be when you are faced with a sick or hurt pet and you cannot reach your regular vet. We are committed to the highest quality of medicine for them and the utmost in communication with you. I appreciate you entrusting us with their care, and I promise to treat them like they were part of my own animal family.

Raquel Brown, DVM, DACVIM

Bios:

Dr. Brown is board certified in both oncology and internal medicine. This unique combination allows her to optimally manage many of the combinations of disease processes that cancer patients and-or geriatric patients face. Her primary focus is quality of life for the patient: new consultations are allotted between 1.5-2 hour time slots. She carefully takes a thorough history, discusses physical exam findings, differential diagnoses, diagnostic testing, and various treatments with each client. All avenues of potential therapy are discussed, but quality of life is the goal: she firmly believes that just because we “can” treat doesn’t necessarily mean that we should. Our service has three dedicated veterinary technicians that have been extensively trained in oncology and internal medicine support services. In fact, our lead technician has given continuing education seminars regarding chemotherapy safety and its proper administration. All three of our technicians have a gentle and compassionate bedside manner, as well as a drive to provide the best patient care available. In addition to Dr. Brown’s duties at Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center, she continues on as adjunct professor at Texas A&M University College of Veterinary Medicine. This allows her to maintain closer ties with the veterinary school, as well as to participate in clinical research and teaching. She is also an oncology consultant for IDEXX laboratory services. Dr. Brown’s areas of research have included everything from oncologic interests (telomerase, isoprostanes, lymphomas, primary tracheal tumors, anal sac adenocarcinomas, etc.) to internal medicine interests (protein-losing enteropathy, systemic candidiasis, nutrition, immune-mediated diseases, etc.). We are very pleased to have Dr. Raquel Brown and her dedicated team of veterinary technicians as part of our talented and committed group of health care professionals.

Sunil Vasanjee, BVSc, MS, ACVS, DAVCS

Bios:

Board certified surgeon and is a Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Surgeons. Dr. Vasanjee believes that we as veterinarians must provide the best possible care to our patients which may involve offering our clients the services of a board certified specialist. The foundation by which Dr. Vasanjee practices veterinary medicine is based on integrity, compassion, honesty and the most important of all, communication. Prior to joining the Heart of Texas Veterinary Specialty Center (HOT VSC), Dr. Vasanjee spent almost 8 years at Louisiana State University (LSU), where his last position was as Assistant Professor of Surgery. Before becoming a faculty member at LSU, Dr. Vasanjee completed a rigorous surgical residency, two surgical fellowships, an internship and a Masters degree, all at LSU. He was trained by some of the top surgeons in the country and utilized state of the art techniques and equipment. Dr. Vasanjee has published literature in peer reviewed journals related to cranial cruciate ligament rupture, hip dysplasia, liver surgery, vascular surgery and avian surgery. Dr. Vasanjee performs orthopedic, neurologic, soft tissue and oncologic surgery. There are very few surgeries that Dr. Vasanjee does not perform. Just some of the surgeries that he performs include: TPLO, TTA, Extracapsular stabilization for cranial cruciate ligament surgery, arthroscopy, fracture repair, TPO, FHO, THR, juvenile pubic sympysiodesis, tendon repair, stem cell therapy fat derived, angular limb deformity correction, arthrodesis, laminectomies, spinal fracture repair, AA luxation repair, removal of brain tumors, open and laparoscopic abdominal and thorascopic surgery, brachycephalic surgery, head and neck surgery, reconstructive surgery, urogenital surgery in heart surgery, complex wound management and various oncologic surgeries. Dr. Vasanjee has in the past and will continue to collaborate with other board certified specialists in other fields to ensure our patients are receiving the most current and the most appropriate treatment. Dr. Vasanjee is a strong proponent of teamwork and he will ensure that the referring veterinarian will be an integral component of the team. He will also strive to collaborate with the referring veterinary community to ensure a satisfied client. Dr. Vasanjee is thrilled to be part of the HOT VSC and is honored to be able to make his skills available to the greater Austin and surrounding areas.