Patient Stories – CSU Veterinary Health System

Collaborative care leads to a miniature horse’s full recovery

Spice is a miniature horse and patient at the CSU Veterinary Health System’s Johnson Family Equine Hospital. She arrived at CSU’s Equine Emergency and Critical Care service in early 2025 with a history of colic and acute laminitis that had developed in her front feet. While treating the laminitis, Spice was diagnosed with equine Cushing’s […]

How CSU clinical trials are giving dogs more time and a renewed hope

“We have historically been unable to cure many cancer types in pets, but today’s advancements now give us hope. The clinical trials program at the CSU Flint Animal Cancer Center enrolls client-owned pets into studies to evaluate the effectiveness of new drugs, find novel uses of old drugs, and investigate new approaches to surgery and/or […]

two veterinary professionals examine a patient

Dog days: The experience of a clinical trial for a dog and his family

Dog days: The experience of a clinical trial for a dog and his family.

a black lab wearing a CSU jersey, holding a tee in his mouth

Celebrating this season’s Kickoff K9s

The CSU Veterinary Health System teamed up with CSU Athletics for the Kickoff K9 tee dog sponsorship, featuring Wonder, a Labrador campus favorite and therapy dog, and Sunshine, a resilient tripawd rescued from Alaska.

a veterinarian wearing a hat and hair tied back, tends to their patient, a gray and white horse

With help from CSU’s Equine Field Service, Ranger kicks serious infection

When Ranger, a 6-year-old Quarter Horse, suffered a life-threatening leg injury, his owner and the CSU Equine Field Service team refused to give up.

a small, brown dog is smiling at the camera, laying on the floor of the vet office, missing her back hind leg

Juniper, the little brown dog that charmed a whole hospital

Juniper, a three-legged rescue dog, overcame life-threatening health issues at CSU’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital, inspiring her owner to join the team that saved her.

a small brown and white dog looks at the camera, sitting on a red examine table

CSU orthopedic surgeon gives dachshund puppy two new custom legs to stand on

When Kelly Cvanciger and Shannon Washburn noticed their dachshund puppy Chunk’s hind legs weren’t growing properly, they sought help from Colorado State University’s Veterinary Teaching Hospital.

a close up of a black and brown dog, the snout in focus

Silly Goose recovers from tummy trouble at CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital

Goose, a mischievous 70-pound Catahoula rescued from euthanasia, faced another health scare after recovering from abdominal surgery. His devoted owners turned to Colorado State University’s Small Animal Emergency and Urgent Care service, where compassionate care and financial support helped them navigate a difficult moment—and reminded them why CSU is a trusted resource for both pets and their people.

a brown and white small pony stands in a barn

The healing power of the horse: CSU surgeons, alum save mini’s broken leg

For Lisa and Jess Arie, the decision was simple: Horses saved Lisa’s life, so the couple would do anything to save their miniature horse, Mango, when he fractured his leg.

a brown and white dog poses for a picture, looking up at someone off camera

Clinical trial leads to surprise diagnosis: “We have to consider the whole patient”

Gina Barrios enrolled her dog, Charlie, in a CSU Veterinary Teaching Hospital clinical trial to help other dogs. The trial not only treated his arthritis but also discovered a hidden tumor, leading to successful surgery and a promising prognosis.

A person wearing a black vest over a long‑sleeve shirt stands beside a brown horse in a barn or veterinary facility. The person holds the horse’s lead rope while the horse faces them, wearing a bridle. The background includes green stall panels, equipment, and storage containers.

Overnight sensation: CSU “equine detectives” return horse to pain-free life

Dr. Lindi Kopecko’s horse, Ostentatious, undergoes innovative spinal surgery at CSU, leading to a remarkable recovery and a return to his competitive dressage career.

a blonde horse walking in a field with a red barn in the background

Curlicue’s courage: A winding road leads to a healthy foal

Curlicue’s miraculous survival is a testament to the power of preparation, training, and perseverance in equine care.

a close up of a gray cat with green eyes looking off in the distance, a green yard in the background

Tofu proves he’s got more lives to live after heart surgery at CSU

Tofu, rescued by Matt Rovero, faced severe medical challenges, including a liver shunt. Thanks to dedicated veterinarians and multiple surgeries, Tofu recovered and returned home, showcasing incredible resilience.

a yellow lab smiles at the camera wearing a bandage during her check up after surgery

A-Maisie-ing recovery: CSU saves the life of beloved therapy dog

After being struck by a car, Maisie Mae was rushed to CSU’s James L. Voss Veterinary Teaching Hospital, where a trauma team worked swiftly to save her life.

a veterinarian walks with his equine patient, a brown and white horse

Watched like a Hawke: Horse injured during wildfire recovers thanks to dedicated CSU veterinarians

Following a severe fetlock injury sustained during an emergency evacuation related to the Alexander Mountain Fire, Hawke, a seven-year-old horse, received two months of care at CSU’s Johnson Family Equine Hospital.