Veterinary Specialty Center (VSC)

An affiliate of the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine

1207 Highway 182 W, Suite D
Starkville, MS 39759

Office: 662-325-7339
Fax: 662-325-3436

The Veterinary Specialty Center (VSC) is a satellite facility located at Premier Radiology in Starkville and is affiliated with the Mississippi State University College of Veterinary Medicine.

VSC provides expert veterinary care for your pet. Just as your family physician may refer you to a specialist when you need advanced or specialty care, your family veterinarian may suggest that your pet needs to be seen by a specialist at VSC. Currently, our center offers advanced imaging such as MRI and CT scans, radiation therapy using a linear accelerator, and advanced neurologic and ophthalmologic care for your pets. The advanced imaging equipment allows doctors an internal view of animals without the use of invasive procedures.

Our dedicated medical team use their specialized skills to provide the best possible care for your pet. Whether your pet has a brain tumor or suffered a traumatic spinal injury or has a cataract or other ocular trauma, our staff works closely with pet owners and referring veterinarians to ensure optimal treatment and case management.

Care does not end after diagnosis and treatment at our center. We keep referring veterinarians informed from start to finish, and communicate with them about the cases they have referred to us so they can keep clients on treatment plans after we have provided care. We also provide practicing veterinarians a second opinion on their more difficult cases.

Because VSC is affiliated with the MSU College of Veterinary Medicine, patients can be assessed and diagnostics can be performed at our facility, and then the pet can be easily transported to MSU-CVM for surgical procedures. The pet stays under the care of a VSC specialist and the surgical team can utilize the college’s Animal Health Center staff, including anesthesiologists and radiologists.

Staff

ANDY SHORES, DVM, MS, PhD

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)

Service Chief and Clinical Professor, Neurology/Neurosurgery

Dr. Shores received his DVM from the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine and then completed a small animal surgical residency at Purdue University and a neurology/neurosurgery residency at Auburn. The author of more than 100 scientific publications, Dr. Shores’ clinical interests are spinal and intracranial surgery. He is board certified in the Specialty of Neurology through the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine. Dr. Shores has recently been recognized among the first group of veterinary neurologists to have received the ACVIM Neurosurgery Certificate of Training.

CAROLINE BETBEZE, DVM, MS

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Ophthalmologists

Assistant Clinical Professor

Dr. Betbeze received her DVM at MSU-CVM and completed her Master of Science degree and residency in comparative veterinary ophthalmology at Purdue University College of Veterinary Medicine. Dr. Betbeze is board certified in the specialty of veterinary ophthalmology. She has practiced veterinary ophthalmology for 10 years and has extensive clinical expertise so as to offer the highest level of

eye care for all species. Commonly treated diseases include dry eye, glaucoma, cataracts, and corneal diseases. Dr. Betbeze also performs surgeries such as cataract, eyelid, and corneal surgery for pets. Her interests include teaching veterinary students and interns as well as practicing clinical ophthalmology.

MICHAELA BEASLEY, DVM, MS

Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine (Neurology)

Assistant Clinical Professor, Neurology/Neurosurgery

Dr. Beasley received her DVM at Mississippi State University and completed a rotating

internship and Master of Science degree at the Auburn University College of Veterinary Medicine. Her master’s research focused on extended release keppra in canines. Dr. Beasley completed her residency in neurology/neurosurgery at MSU and Auburn, and has an interest in anti-epileptic medications.

Technologists:

STEPHANIE DRAY, CVT

ASHLEY WICHA, ST

MAGGIE STEVENS, CVT

Referral Coordinator:
Margaret Lamons

Please call 662.325.7339 to schedule an appointment or to discuss a referral case.

Receptionist:
Bethany Eckhart

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