Skip to main content

Team

Tucson Veterinary Specialists is locally owned by veterinarians who truly care about our community. We live, work and enjoy all that Tucson has to offer. We are committed to providing the best specialty care possible through regularly attending and presenting at continuing education events, supporting clinical research through university collaborations and maintaining the latest veterinary technology for our practice.

Our Specialists

Cody Alcott

Cody Alcott, DVM

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Neurology and Large Animal Medicine

Veterinary medicine has been my passion since childhood and was solidified at my first job as a veterinary technician at age 16. The ultimate joy of helping people through the care of their pets was a calling. I am a graduate of Cal Poly Pomona and Iowa State University College of Veterinary Medicine (2004). Practicing small animal and equine practice at Grantline Veterinary Hospital in Sacramento California sparked a passion for service and an interest in specialty veterinary medicine. An invitation for an equine internal medicine residency was pursued at Iowa State University (2009) along with an adjunct professor position within the teaching hospital. Clinical research and a growing interest in neurology drove a residency in veterinary neurology (2014). A transition back to private practice in 2014 resulted in my arrival in Tucson with the penultimate goal of practice ownership in 2020.

I live in Tucson with my wife, Portia Alcott, who is also a practicing veterinarian in Tucson. We have been blessed with 3 beautiful children that keep everyday interesting with active involvement in dance, soccer and baseball. Our two dogs (Louie and Rosie), horses (Bud and Dolly) and a hamster (Buddy) remind us of why we enjoy veterinary medicine.

Casey Birkel

Casey Birkel, DVM

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine – Neurology

Like so many of my colleagues, I was drawn to both animals and science from an early age, and was fortunate to be able to develop the skills and compassion to pursue this amazing career. I received my DVM degree from The Ohio State University in 2008. We had a neurology course during my first year of vet school, and everything just clicked. I loved that neurologists could practice both medicine and surgery, and in my humble opinion, nothing is cooler than the brain. After graduation, I completed a small animal rotating internship in medicine and surgery at the Southern California Veterinary Specialty Hospital in Irvine, California. I then went on to complete my residency in neurology and neurosurgery at the Animal Specialty Center in Yonkers, New York, and became board certified in 2014. I really enjoy the diversity and caseload of a busy private practice, and have spent the last 12 years working outside Chicago. Because I feel like a miracle worker helping paralyzed dogs walk again, I have a special interest in the surgical treatment of cervical and thoracolumbar disc disease.

I share my home with my husband, Jonny, who works in the film industry, and a very petite Great Dane named Sonya Blade. I am excited to be relocating to my husband’s hometown of Tucson to continue my practice. Outside of work, I try to read as many fiction books as possible, though we watch lots of movies as well. I also enjoy exploring new breweries and restaurants, and am looking forward to hitting the hiking trails in this area and taking advantage of the year round outdoor activities.

Bunita Eichelberger

Bunita Eichelberger, DVM, MS

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Radiologists

“My path to veterinary medicine began after a long career as a respiratory therapist. By happenstance, I was introduced to veterinary medicine and immediately found my passion, volunteering in a research lab and in the large animal ICU. After this introduction, I started the process of applying to veterinary schools and was accepted into the veterinary medicine program at University of California, Davis. In addition to the rigorous demands of veterinary school, I was actively involved in many extracurricular activities, including accepting the role as class president for two years. During my veterinary training, I was recognized with many scholarships and awards for my academic achievements. My decision to pursue advanced training in diagnostic imaging occurred while a veterinary student at the University of California, Davis. Following veterinary school, I completed a one-year internship followed by a three-year diagnostic imaging residency at Colorado State University. My career as veterinary radiologist has spanned small and large animals in both private specialty practices and academia. I enjoy all aspects of diagnostic imaging with specific interests in cross-sectional computed tomography (CT), magnetic resonance imaging (MRI) and musculoskeletal imaging. My husband (helicopter pilot) and I actively enjoy the outdoors, traveling and reading and spending time with our precocious German Shorthaired Pointers; Lola, Passion and Rev and our horse, Balou.”

Robert Sanders, DVM

Dr. Sanders is a board-certified veterinary cardiologist. He enjoys research and teaching veterinary students, interns and residents. He is interested in the diagnosis and treatment of patients with arrhythmias, congenital heart disease and acquired heart disease.

Dr. Sanders graduated from University of Michigan with a bachelor’s degree. He then attended the University of Arizona as a PhD student in the Ecology and Evolutionary Biology department until he decided to go to veterinary school. He graduated from Michigan State University College of Veterinary Medicine (MSU CVM) with a DVM in 2000.

After vet school he worked as a general practice veterinarian for about two years. He then completed a two-year research fellowship at MSU CVM. Following this, Dr. Sanders began a cardiology residency at Purdue University. After completing his residency, Dr. Sanders worked as a veterinary cardiologist in a busy private practice in Indianapolis. Since 2007 Dr. Sanders has been teaching and practicing in an academic setting.

In his free time he enjoys spending time with his wife, kids, two French Bulldogs and working on his old Toyota Land Cruiser. “

Brisa Hsieh

Brisa Hsieh, DVM

Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine
Small Animal Internal Medicine

As soon as I could drive, I started working as a technician for our family friend, who was a veterinarian. I received my DVM from Kansas State University (2009) and after graduation, completed a one-year small animal internship at Veterinary Emergency and Referral Group in Brooklyn, NY. Having always enjoyed puzzles, I quickly developed an interest in the diagnostics and problem solving involved in internal medicine and pursued residency in small animal internal medicine at Gulf Coast Veterinary Specialists in Houston, TX (2013). I practiced as a small animal internist for several years, fulfilling my dream of being a veterinarian all while learning more about communication and the human animal bond. Once the U of A College of Veterinary Medicine opened (2020), I had the opportunity to help build the curriculum and teach veterinary medicine. I have developed a strong passion for teaching while helping others achieve their goal of becoming veterinarians.

Outside of work, I love spending time with my husband, Chris, and our son and daughter. We have two dogs (Hatch and Mochi), two cats (Bauer and Tacocat), a horse (Stormy), and two guinea pigs (Lucy and Koala). I also love horseback riding, dogs (especially Corgis!!), trying new restaurants, crosswords, games, and puzzles, and am always on the hunt for the perfect chai tea latte!

Lisa Shubitz, DVM

Research Scientist
Associate Research Professor, ACBS

Research Interest:

Dr. Shubitz is a Research Scientist at The Valley Fever Center for Excellence. Her research focus includes developing a vaccine for Valley fever, studying the epidemiology of the disease in canines, the ecological distribution of the fungus in Southern Arizona and interactions between the host (both animal and human) and the fungus that causes Valley fever, using animal models.

Contact Information:

lfshubit@email.arizona.edu

The University of Arizona College of Medicine
Medical Research Building
1656 E. Mabel Street, PO Box 245215
Tucson, AZ 85724

Christine Butkiewicz

Christine Butkiewicz

Associate Research Scientist

I grew up in a one-dog-only kind of household in Chicago, but I always knew that as an adult my own home would be loud and furry. This, combined with my interest in science, made my path clear. After completing my undergraduate work in forensic science at Michigan State University, I moved to Massachusetts to attend the Cummings School of Veterinary Medicine at Tufts University. Upon graduation I returned to Chicago for a year before relocating to Tucson, where I received a rapid education on rattlesnakes, javelinas, and Valley Fever.

My husband and I share our home with our two nearly grown human children, some chickens, and our three dogs, Toby, Mina, and Lizzie.

Powell DA, Hsu AP, Butkiewicz CD, Trinh HT, Frelinger JA, Holland SM, Galgiani JN, and Shubitz LF. Vaccine protection of mice with primary immunodeficiencies against disseminated coccidioidomycosis. Front Cell Infect Microbiol 2022.

Butkiewicz CD, Alcott CJ, Renschler J, Wheat LJ, Shubitz LF. The utility of Coccidioides antigen and antibody testing in cerebrospinal fluid in the diagnosis of canine central nervous system coccidioidomycosis. Am J Vet Res 2021; 83(1): 59-63.

Shubitz LF, Schlacks S, Vishkautsan P, Butkiewicz CD, Worthing KA. Posaconazole treatment of refractory coccidioidomycosis in dogs. J Vet Intern Med 2021; 35(6): 2772-2777.

Butkiewicz CD, Shubitz LF, Nix DE. A preliminary study of the plasma concentrations of orally administered fluconazole in alpacas (Vicugna pacos). J Vet Pharmacol and Ther 2022; 45(1): 99-106.

Schlacks S, Vishkautsan P, Butkiewicz C, & Shubitz L. Evaluation of a commercially available, point-of-care Coccidioides antibody lateral flow assay to aid in rapid diagnosis of coccidioidomycosis in dogs. Med Mycol 2019; 58(3):328-332.

Arbona N, Butkiewicz CD, Keyes M, & Shubitz LF. Clinical features of cats diagnosed with coccidioidomycosis in Arizona, 2004 – 2018. J Fel Med Surg 2020; 20(2):129-137.

Butkiewicz CD & Shubitz LF. Coccidioidomycosis in alpacas in the southwestern United States. Transbound Emerg Dis 2019; 66: 807-812.

Butkiewicz CD, Shubitz LF, & Dial SM. Risk factors associated with Coccidioides infection in dogs. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005; 226(11): 1851-1854.

Shubitz LF, Butkiewicz CD, Dial SM, & Lindan CP. Incidence of Coccidioides infection among dogs residing in a region in which the organism is endemic. J Am Vet Med Assoc 2005; 226(11): 1846-1850.

Our Staff

Bunita Eichelberger

Marissa Angulo, CVT

In elementary school, when asked what I wanted to do when I grow up, I answered “drive around in a van, pick up strays, fix them and find them homes.”  While I don’t do that exactly, I have fulfilled my dream of helping animals!

I started pre-vet at the University of Arizona, and while taking prerequisite classes at Pima Community College discovered the Veterinary Technician program.  This is where I belonged.

While in the program, I began working as a veterinary assistant at a local general practice and stayed there until I graduated the program in 2007.  Once I graduated and became certified, I applied to be an emergency technician at the Veterinary Specialty Center of Tucson.  A passion for emergency medicine was born- and I loved every second of it.  I worked as an ER/ICU technician for over two years when I decided to pursue another dream of mine… moving to New York City.

I started working as an ER/ICU technician at NYC Veterinary Specialists.  After being there for several months, I was approached to join the Neurology team- again, always wanting to learn something new and advance my skills, I thought I would give it a shot and I haven’t looked back. I worked with a great team for six years and eventually became the lead technician of our department.  While in New York, I helped to start a fund to help those who couldn’t afford surgery for their pets called the “Walk Again Fund.”  It was great to be able to help those families.   

I moved back to Arizona at the end of 2015 and the opportunity arose to join the Neurology service at a local specialty hospital in the beginning of 2016.  It was a wonderful opportunity to pursue my passion in my hometown.  I was able to work with rotating Neurologists and learned so much from each of them. Neurology is complex and exciting and I love building relationships with my patients and clients. I am thrilled to be a part of the first hospital in Tucson exclusively dedicated to Neurology and to have the opportunity to help even more pets. 

In my spare time, I enjoy walking Tumamoc, photography and hanging with my pack.

Ashley Eikrem

Ever since I was young, I have had a passion for animals big and small. I was (and still am!) that girl that would make friends with animals wherever we went. Luckily, I was able to turn my excitement and love for animals into a career I am so passionate about.

I have worked in Veterinary Medicine for 11 years, with my focus being on client relations/customer service. I love helping people and their pets. I take great pride in providing excellent customer service to our clients and the veterinary community. I look forward to helping many families and assisting with the referral process for veterinarians in Southern Arizona.

In my spare time, I love to be outdoors with my husband, 2 daughters and our 2 dogs. When my youngest daughter is not playing softball, we like to soak up as much of this beautiful Arizona weather as we can at the lake or camping.

Casey Shadd

I was born and raised in Yuma Arizona and have always had a large number of pets growing up. I have tremendous love and compassion for all animals. I’ve always been fascinated with the animal science field since childhood. I studied and performed hospital management for 9 years since starting in the Veterinary field in 2004. Recently I relocated to Tucson Arizona and have developed a strong passion for Neuro science. My four legged children consist of 3 dogs, 1 cat and 6 horses. I spend the majority of my free time with my horses where I have competed in barrel racing and team roping since I was a child.

Allison Gauthier, CVT

Since the third grade I have known I wanted to work with animals. I graduated from Pima Community College in 2020 with an Associates degree in veterinary technology and then obtained my certification to become a CVT. I worked at a local general practice for a couple of years before deciding to advance my career in speciality medicine here at TVS.  I am a Tucson native and enjoy going on adventures with my 3 dogs, Cooper, Kumar and Oakley in my spare time.  I also have a rabbit named Chubbs who rounds out my pack.  I am currently pursuing a bachelor’s degree in Veterinary Technology through the University of Missouri and am excited to learn more about Valley Fever since we are joining forces with doctors Shubitz and Butkiewicz. A fun fact about me is that I love Corgis!

Savanna Cooper

I grew up on a ranch right here in Tucson, Ariz. surrounded by horses, dogs, cats, and more, and knew from a young age that my passion was to work with animals. I acquired my Certificate of Veterinary Assistance directly out of high school, and completed an internship at a local Tucson emergency hospital for over a year. I also completed a 4 month externship at Pima Animal Care Centers clinic, where I was first introduced to fostering.

I am currently working on receiving my Bachelors at the University of Arizona with a major in Veterinary Science and a minor in Marine Science. I plan on furthering my career in Veterinary Medicine by going to vet school and acquiring my DVM so I can furthermore do what I love most. While working at Tucson Veterinary Specialists, I foster orphaned kittens and medical/hospice cats through two local organizations in my free time.

My love for animals is innate, though I did not always believe I had the stomach to work with them in a medical capacity. It was not until I started working at a general practice clinic at the front desk, did I realize I could handle that side of things. Once that dam broke I went full steam ahead into learning what I could to become a technician.

Four years later I am still learning every day on how I can improve to help our furry companions. I owe much of my continued passion to my own dog, Chloe, who is the first animal I’ve ever had. She has taught me a lot about how each animal is an individual. It is a privilege to be able to care for other pets the same way I would for her.