BVNS: What was your first job in the veterinary industry?

JJ: I started working for a mixed animal veterinarian at 11 yrs of age. My primary job was to take care of 100 canaries and 50 finches, but I quickly morphed into a general assistant going on farm call to deliver pigs and calves as well as assisting in small animal appointments and caring for hospitalized patients.

BVNS: Why did you get into veterinary neurology?
JJ: My “neurology” interest was cultivated while on clinics during the last year of veterinary schooling and was solidified while fulfilling my 3-month preceptor out rotation at a specialty clinic caring for Neuro-medical and Neuro-surgical patients.

BVNS: Where did you study?
JJ: Undergrad at Eastern Kentucky University for Bachelor’s degree
Auburn College of Veterinary Medicine for Veterinary degree
Missouri College of Veterinary Medicine for Neurology-Neurosurgery Residency

BVNS: If you weren’t a neurologist, what would you be doing?
JJ: I honestly can’t imagine doing anything else.

BVNS: What has been your most interesting/unique/memorable case?
JJ: All have been memorable in their own way but three stand out:

1. A little 9 month old Dachshund presented to me unable to walk, wag his tail, or chew his food from new back, sacral, and jaw fractures. He ended up having over 21 fractures of various ages and severity; I repaired his T12-T13 fracture and nursed him through a multitude of procedures to address his mandibular fractures while caring for him for the remainder of his life. He was able to walk after 8 weeks and became urinary and fecal continent a year later. He shared my home until he passed from a brain tumor at 14 yrs of age. Thank you, Jabez, for blessing me with your larger than life presence. You taught me so much!

2. A plant awn migration into the spinal canal on an Airedale causing pain and paresis; recovered following surgery and intensive care by the owners.

3. A young German Shepherd who had suffered a lumbosacral disc rupture and complications following surgery at another facility; stands out for many reasons: the complexity of the case and neurological deficits; the owners unwavering dedication; the extraordinary courage and happiness of this animal; she is truly one of the most remarkable dogs I’ve ever met.