If either Annie or Lily develop a medical issue, Bruce and Marcia Quinnell know exactly where they will take their Australian Shepherds.
The Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital in the College of Veterinary Medicine has become the Kansas City-area couple’s go-to spot for their pets.
And to recognize the care and treatment both Annie and Lily have received at Iowa State, the Quinnells have established a unique fund in the College of Veterinary Medicine, even though neither are Iowa State graduates.
“Marcia and I are always looking for opportunities to give back,” Bruce Quinnell said. “If something meaningful happens to us or our family and we’re intrigued by the organization’s need, we want to assist in any way we can.”
The Quinnells have created the Annie and Lily Board Certification Award, a fund that supports educational and research opportunities for residents in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital as they complete the required research elements for their board certification in internal medicine, cardiology, oncology or neurology. The funding specifically supports the design, implementation and publishing of original research for board certification in one of these veterinary specialties.
“We hope this fund in some small way can help young veterinarians launch their careers from Iowa State to bring the expertise that we experienced into local communities across the nation,” Bruce Quinnell said.
The Quinnells first became aware of the expertise of the clinicians in the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital when Annie developed symptoms their local Kansas City-area veterinarian couldn’t diagnose. Local specialists suggested she had a very rare condition and recommended a treatment that required radiation.
After researching treatment facilities at various veterinary hospitals, the Quinnells decided to bring Annie to Ames and the Hixson-Lied Small Animal Hospital where clinicians soon had a different diagnosis – Aspergillosis.
Aspergillosis is a common fungus found in certain parts of the country. When inhaled, it can cause a fungal infection in a dog’s nasal cavity and sinuses. Annie was put on medication and has responded well to treatment.
Soon after Annie’s issues, her fellow Australian Shepherd Lily also developed unusual symptoms. The Quinnells didn’t hesitate to bring Lily to Iowa State for diagnosis and treatment.
“We were very impressed with the treatment both Annie and Lily received at Iowa State,” Bruce Quinnell said.
September 2020
