Surgery
Peter L. Vogel, VMD, DACVS
Christopher S. Eich, DVM, DACVS
Tom L. Walker, DVM, DACVS
Gayle Donner, DVM, DACVS
Adam Gassel, DVM, DACVS

Neurology/Neurosurgery
Wayne Berry, BVSc, MMedVet, MRCVS, DACVIM , DECVIM
Roger Pettigrew, DVM DACVIM

Internal Medicine
Julie Stegeman, DVM, DACVIM
Tracy Rossi, DVM, DACVIM

Oncology
Courtney Zwahlen, DVM, DACVIM
Océane Aubry, DVM, MS

Ophthalmology
Cindy Mar, DVM, DACVO

Cardiology
Sarah J. Miller, DVM DACVIM

Critical Care
Steven A. Simpson, B.SC., DVM

Rehabilitation
Rebecca Ringwald, DVM, CCRP




P Vogel

Peter L Vogel, VMD
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
VMD: University of Pennsylvania, 1990
Internship: California Animal Hospital, 1990 – 91
Residency: University of California, Davis, 1991 – 94
Adjunct Professor of Small Animal Surgery, Western University
College of Veterinary Medicine


One of the most experienced veterinary surgeons in Orange County, Dr. Peter Vogel specializes in small animal orthopedics and general surgery. He was a pioneer in minimally invasive surgical techniques, including arthroscopy, laparoscopy, and thoracoscopy. He has vast experience in treating cruciate deficient stifles, and was one of the first surgeons to perform the TPLO in Southern California. Total joint arthroplasty is an area of particular interest. Dr. Vogel uses a multi-modal approach to arthritis management, including medical therapy, regenerative medicine, rehabilitation, as well as surgical intervention to successfully alleviate the often crippling symptoms of degenerative joint disease. A much sought after teacher, Dr. Vogel lectures around the world on state of the art veterinary surgery.

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C Eich

Christopher S. Eich, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
DVM: University of Florida, 1992
Internship: The Animal Medical Center, 1992 ¬ 1993
Residency: The Animal Medical Center, 1995 – 1998
Adjunct Professor of Small Animal Surgery, Western University College of Veterinary Medicine

Dr. Eich is an experienced surgeon covering the fields of orthopedic, soft tissue and oncologic surgery. He is certified in the Slocum TPLO technique as well Total Hip Replacement (cemented and non-cemented). His special interests include: joint injuries and fracture repair. He remains an active member of multiple orthopedic societies and ongoing research projects.

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Tom Walker, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
DVM: Texas A & M University, 1974
Internship: Auburn University, 1975 – 77
Residency: University of Tennessee, 1978 – 81


Dr. Walker specializes in small animal neurosurgery and orthopedic surgery. He has contributed dozens of scientific articles and book chapters to the veterinary literature and has served on numerous editorial review boards. Dr. Walker actively lectures in the United States and Western Europe on state of the art veterinary diagnostic and surgical techniques.

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Gayle Donner, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
DVM: University of Georgia, 1981
Internship: University of Pennsylvania, 1981 – 82
Residency: University of Florida, 1984 – 87


Dr. Donner specializes exclusively in surgical oncology (the surgical treatment of cancers and tumors) and general soft tissue surgery. She was the first veterinary surgeon to specialize in surgical oncology in a private practice referral setting. Dr. Donner’s particular areas of interest include head and neck cancer surgery, and plastic and reconstructive surgery, however her caseload also includes cancers of the limbs and trunk, chest, abdomen, and urogenital system, as well as other soft tissue disorders and injuries. Dr. Donner is currently implementing a new technique that eliminates the need for post-operative radiation in many cases and she places the utmost emphasis on developing a course of treatment that is reasonable, fair, and humane for each patient's individual and unique needs.

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A Gassel

Adam D. Gassel, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Surgeons
DVM: Purdue University, 2001
Internship: Animal Specialty Group, 2001 - 02
Surgical Internship: Animal Specialty Group, 2002 - 03
Residency: University of Tennessee, 2006
Adjunct Professor of Small Animal Surgery, Western University
College of Veterinary Medicine


Dr. Gassel is an experienced surgeon covering the fields of orthopedic, soft tissue and oncologic surgery. He is considered an expert in the field of Regenerative Stem Cell with extensive experience in treating dogs with chronic osteoarthritis. In orthopedics he has considerable experience in the field of joint reconstruction including cruciate ligament injury repair utilizing the TPLO and TTA techniques, non-cemented total hip replacement (HELICA) and arthroscopy. In soft tissue and oncologic surgery, Dr. Gassel has developed extensive experience in reconstructive procedures of the thoracic, abdominal and oral cavities. He has a special interest in the surgical management of portosystemic shunts and minimally invasive surgical procedures (laparoscopy, thoracoscopy and tracheal stent placement). His research interests include: pain management, minimally invasive surgery and oncologic surgery.

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W Berry

Wayne Berry, BvSC, MMedVet
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)
BvSC, MMedVet: University of Pretoria, S. Africa, 1983
Internship: University of Pretoria, S. Africa, 1983 – 85
Residency (Internal Med): University of Pretoria, S. Africa, 1985 – 87
Residency (Neurology & Neurosurgery): University of California, Davis, 1996 – 99


Dr. Berry specializes in both medical and surgical neurology. He is particularly interested in neurosurgery of the spinal cord and brain, routinely operating on patients with spinal cord compression due to disc disease, wobbler syndrome, spinal tumors, and spinal fractures in addition to brain and skull tumors, skull fractures, and brain trauma. Dr. Berry lectures both locally and internationally on state-of-the-art veterinary neurology and neurosurgical technique.


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Roger Pettigrew, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
(Neurology)
DVM: Ross University School of Veterinary Medicine, St. Kitts, BWI 2000
Internship: Animal Specialty Group, Glendale, CA 2001-2002
Surgical Internship: Long Island Veterinary Specialists, 2002-2003
Neurology Internship: University of Georgia, 2003-2004
Residency: University of Wisconsin, 2005-2008


Dr. Pettigrew has diverse interests in the field of neurology including neurology including neuroimaging and the diagnosis and treatment of various medical and surgical conditions. He has extensive exposure to neuromuscular disease after completing a research program at the Comparative Neuromuscular Laboratory at University of CA, San Diego from 2004-2005. Prior to joining SCVSH in 2009, Dr. Pettigrew was on the faculty of the University of Wisconsin Veterinary Medical Teaching Hospital. He has experience lecturing on a variety of topics both locally and nationally.


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Julie Stegeman, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Medicine)
DVM: University of Wisconsin 1995
Residency: Michigan State University 2000-2003

Dr. Stegeman specializes in the diagnosis and treatment of endocrine cases, gastroenterology, infectious diseases and immunology. She is skilled at GI endoscopy, cystoscopy, rhinoscopy, bronchoscopy, ultrasonography and complex case management.

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Cindy Mar, DVM
Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists
DVM: Colorado State University, 2000
Internship: Cornell University Hospital for Animals, 2001
Residency: Eye Care for Animals, 2004

Dr. Mar specializes in the medical and surgical management of corneal ulcers, cataracts, glaucoma, uveitis, ectropion/entropion, trauma, cancer and other conditions related to the eye. She also performs pre-breeding or CERF (Canine Eye Registration Foundation) exams for dogs. Dr. Mar is particularly interested in determining the underlying cause of eye conditions and treating the patient as a whole through the integration of medical, surgical, nutritional, and supportive therapies. She works closely with other specialists to ensure the best care for the patientes. Dr. Mar is dedicated to improve the quality of the pet's life through the maintenance of ocular health.

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Tracey Rossi, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine DVM: North Carolina State University, 2003
Internship: Veterinary Referral & Emergency Center, Norwalk, Connecticut
Residency: Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University

Dr. Rossi grew up in Gaithersburg, Maryland and earned her bachelors degree from the University of North Carolina, Chapel Hill. While her research focus at TUFTS University was in infectious disease, she also has a strong interest in nephrology and endocrinology and enjoys all aspects of internal medicine. She joined SCVSH in November 2009. Outside of the hospital, Tracey enjoys traveling, running, reading and spending time with her 3 dogs, Charlie, Jack, and Chip who love going to dog beach.

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Courtney Zwahlen, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Oncology)
DVM: Michigan State University, 1994
Internship: All Care Animal Referral Center, 1995 – 96
Residency: University of California, Davis, 1996 – 98


Dr. Zwahlen has been treating cancer patients since 1995. Working within a multi-disciplinary specialty practice allows her to integrate therapies including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, radiation therapy and surgery, and participate in clinical trials. Dr. Zwahlen’s goal as an oncologist is to help relieve animal suffering, promote the human-animal bond and maintain excellent quality of life.

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Océane Aubry, DVM, MS
Practice Limited to Medical Oncology
DVM: Kansas State University, 2004
Oncology Internship: Florda Veterinary Specialists,
Tampa, Fl 2006-07
Residency: Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine 2007-10


Dr. Aubry joined the Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital in September of 2010 after completing her medical oncology residency and MS degree. She spent two years in general private practice in Southern California upon completion of her DVM. She then completed a one year oncology internship in Florida, followed by an oncology residency at Auburn University. Her main interest is to ensure the accurate diagnosis of cancer patients and provide the most appropriate and up-to-date treatments including chemotherapy, immunotherapy, and targeted therapy.

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S Simpson

Steven Simpson, DVM
DMV: Western College of Veterinary Medicine, University of Saskatchewan 2002
Internship: University of Pennsylvania 2003
Fellowship: University of Pennsylvania 2004
Residency: University of Pennsylvania 2005-2008

Dr. Simpson specializes in critical care and emergency medicine, including patients suffering from renal failure, heart failure, respiratory disorders, sepsis, and trauma. During his study he was part of a research team that was awarded major funding for the evaluation of low molecular weight heparins in cats. His primary research was in severe blunt trauma and hit by car injuries in ICU dogs. Dr. Simpson works closely with the other specialists to provide the best care for his patients, and also helps educate and train our emergency doctors and interns.

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Sarah Miller

Sarah J. Miller, DVM
Diplomate American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Cardiology)
DVM: The Ohio State University, 2001
Internship: Angell Animal Medical Center- Boston, MA 2001-200
Residency: University of California, Davis, 2002-2005

Dr. Miller’s expertise includes medical and interventional cardiology. Her residency research consisted of developing a new diagnostic tool for boxer cardiomyopathy as well as describing a novel approach for patent ductus arteriosus (PDA) closure in very small dogs. She is especially interested in interventional procedures such as, PDA correction, balloon valvuloplasty, and transvenous pacemaker implantation in addition to diagnosis and treatment of complex congenital heart disease. Dr. Miller was the first full time board certified veterinary cardiologist in Orange County. She continues to enjoy working with patients, clients, and referring veterinarians to devise a plan for each patient with the goal of providing quality of life. In her spare time, Dr. Miller likes sports, traveling, and spending time with her family, friends, two golden retrievers, and her big orange cat.

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Rebecca Ringwald, DVM
Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner
DVM: Purdue University, 1982
Internship: University of Illinois, 1982 – 83
Residency: The Ohio State University, 1983 – 86

Dr. Ringwald’s extensive experience in small animal surgery led her to pursue advanced training in canine rehabilitation at the University of Tennessee. Upon completion of the advanced training program, she became a Certified Canine Rehabilitation Practitioner. Dr. Ringwald is also certified in Stem Cell Regenerative medicine.

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