Sonya Wesselowski
Associate ProfessorResearch and Scholarly Interests
Cardiology:
- Echocardiographic imaging; Degenerative Valve disease; Vascular imaging
Biography
"I am a veterinary cardiologist, clinician scientist, teacher, and mentor. My research centers largely on degenerative mitral valve disease in dogs, as it is the most common acquired heart disease and the leading cause of congestive heart failure in this species. Specific research examples include development of prediction models of acquired canine heart disease and breed-specific mitral valve disease research in Cavalier King Charles spaniels. I also study Borzoi dogs, with an active emphasis on discovering causes for sudden cardiac death in the breed and investigation of their translational potential. I also evaluate and treat veterinary patients referred from the entirety of Texas and surrounding states for congenital and acquired cardiac disease, working as both a medical and interventional cardiologist. Along with my colleagues, I continue to push the envelope with regard to offering new interventional procedures and accommodating an ever-growing interventional caseload at Texas A&M. I teach, train, and mentor veterinary students and post-graduate veterinarian trainees including interns and cardiology residents. I also serve on the house officer wellness committee, focused on improved wellness support and burnout prevention for veterinary interns and residents in the Texas A&M Small Animal Teaching Hospital."
Education
Diplomate of the American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine | Englewood, CO
Small Animal Cardiology, 2014
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine | Blacksburg, VA
Master of Science in Biomedical & Veterinary Sciences, 2014
Virginia Polytechnic Institute and State University, Virginia-Maryland College of Veterinary Medicine | Blacksburg, VA
Small Animal Cardiology Residency, 2014
VCA Veterinary Care Animal Hospital & Referral Center | Albuquerque, NM
Small Animal Medicine and Surgery Rotating Internship, 2009
Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine | Manhattan, KS
Doctor of Veterinary Medicine, 2008
Kansas State University, College of Veterinary Medicine | Manhattan, KS
Master of Science in Veterinary Clinical Sciences, 2008
Kansas State University, College of Agriculture | Manhattan, KS
Bachelor of Science in Biology, 2004
Licensure
- Texas Veterinary Medical License (14156), start 2016
- Diplomate ACVIM (Cardiology), start 2014, Board Certified
Honors & Awards
| Award/Honor | Organization | Year |
|---|---|---|
- Bente Flatland Resident Award, 2014
- City of Albuquerque, NM Move-Up Volunteerism Award, 2009
- Pet Tribute Award, 2008
- Merck Veterinary Manual Award, 2008
- Phi Zeta Honor Society Member, Kansas State University, 2007
- Dr. Leo Magrath Scholarship in Veterinary Medicine, 2007
- Dr. G. Roger and Irene J. Spencer DVM/MS Award, 2006, 2007
- Pet Trust Human-Animal Bond Award, 2005
- Kansas Veterinary Medical Association Foundation Award, 2004, 2006
- Phi Kappa Phi Honor Society Member, Kansas State University, 2004
Professional Organizations
- Diplomate, American College of Veterinary Internal Medicine,2014-Present
- Member, American Veterinary Medical Association, 2008-Present
- Affiliate Member, American College of Cardiology, 2019-Present
- Project: Echocardiographic anatomy of the mitral valve in normal Cavalier King Charles spaniels. S. Wesselowski (PI). GINN Funds, funded May 2017.
- Goal: To better elucidate the normal anatomy of the mitral valve in the Cavalier King Charles spaniel to facilitate improved screening for degenerative mitral valve disease within this highly affected breed and to provide a foundation for future research involving early stages of degenerative mitral valve disease.
- Role: PI
- Project: Correlation between cardiac biomarkers and cardiac enlargement in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with pre-clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease. S. Wesselowski (PI), S. Gordon (Co-PI). Cavalier King Charles Spaniel, USA Health Foundation, funded Aug. 2018.
- Goal: To determine a breed-specific cut-off for cardiac biomarkers that correlates to the degree of heart enlargement that warrants initiation of medical therapy in Cavalier King Charles spaniels with pre-clinical myxomatous mitral valve disease.
- Role: PI
- Project: Characterizing cardiac disease and developing screening recommendations for asymptomatic dogs seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi. AB Saunders (PI), S. Wesselowski (Co-PI). American Kennel Club Canine Health Foundation, OAK Grant, funded July 2019.
- Goal: To characterize the extent of cardiac disease in asymptomatic dogs that are seropositive for Trypanosoma cruzi and develop screening recommendations for veterinarians managing these dogs.
- Role: Co-PI
- VTPP 910 Physiology - Introduction to ECG Lab
- VTPB 932 Organ Dysfunction
- VSCS 948-324 Small Animal ECG Elective
- VSCS 948 Cardiology Elective
- VSCS 954 Small Animal Medicine - Cardiology case presentations lab
- VSCS 948-323 Clinical Application of Small Animal Diagnostics and Treatment
- VSCS 958 Career-Focused Track: Companion Animal
- VSCS 945 Small Animal Cardiology Rotation
- Dr. Kelley Doocy
- Dr. Bruno Boutet
- Dr. Derek Matthews
- Dr. Katrina Cusack
- Dr. Blakeley Janacek
- Dr. Caitlin Stoner
- Dr. K. Tess Sykes
- Dr. Sage Hubert
- Dr. Elizabeth Malcolm
Journal Article
39. S.G. Gordon, A.B. Saunders, S. Wesselowski, E. Malcolm, A. Watson. Practical use of pimobendan in cats: an evidence-based review. Accepted by J. Feline Med & Surg. Aug. 2025.
38. S. Lim, S. Wesselowski, S. Kadotani, R. Winter, A.B. Saunders. Clinical and imaging characteristics of patent ductus arteriosus in standard poodles and their cross-breeds. J. Vet Cardiology 2025; 59:48-60.
37. A. Coleman, K. Creevy, R. Anderson, M. Reed, V. Fajt, K. Aicher, G. Atiee, B. Barnett, R. Baumwart, B. Boudreau, S. Cunningham, B. Ditzler, A. Ferguson, K. Forsyth, A. Gambino, S. Gordon, H. Hammond, S. Holland, M. Iannaccone, K. Illing, S. Kadotani, S. Knowles, E. Maclean, B. Maran, L. Markovic, S. McGrath, R. Melvin, M. Mueller, L. Nelson, N. Olby, T. Pancotto, E. Parsley, B. Potter, J. Prescott, A. Saunders, H. Sawyer, B. Scansen, S. Schmid, C. Smith, S. Tjostheim, K. Tolbert, M. Tropf, L. Visser, J. Ward, S. Wesselowski, R. Windsor, V. Yang, A. Ruple, D. Promislow, M. Kaberlein. Test of Rapamycin in Aging Dogs (TRIAD): Study design and rationale for a prospective, parallel-group, double-masked, randomized, placebo-controlled, multicenter trial of rapamycin in healthy middle-aged dogs from the Dog Aging Project. Geroscience 47, 2851-2877 (2025). https://doi.org/10.1007/s11357-024-01484-7.
36. I. Yankina, K.K. Ida, S.R. Wesselowski, C.L. Baetge, K.L. Moreno, M.A.L. Lepiz, M.B.G. Espinoza, I. Yankin. Anesthetic management and anesthesia-related complications in dogs with a dilated cardiomyopathy phenotype: a retrospective study of 30 dogs (2010-2024). J. Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024 Aug 23:1-8. doii: 10.2460/javma.24.04.0280.
35. S. Wesselowski, B. Janacek, K.T. Sykes, A.B. Saunders. Electrocardiographic abnormalities are frequently detected in healthy, adult Borzoi with a normal echocardiogram. J. Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024 Jul 31:1-10. doi: 10.2460/javma.24.04.0247.
34. B.A. Wilson**, S. Wesselowski. Myxomatous mitral valve disease in Labrador Retrievers and Golden Retrievers. J. Am Vet Med Assoc. 2024 Jun 21:1-9. doi: 10.2460/javma.24.05.0303.
33. S Min, S.R. Wesselowski, M.B. Nabity, I. Yankin. Pulmonary hypertension is associated with hypocoagulability in dogs: a retrospective analysis of 66 cases (2013-2021). Am J Vet Research. 2024 Feb 12; 85 (4):ajvr.23.11.0252. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.23.11.0252. PMID: 38330592.
32. M. Denton*, J.P. Vitt, A.B. Saunders, S. Wesselowskià. Double outlet right atrium in a domestic shorthair cat. CASE 2024; 8(3), 241-246.
31. S. Wesselowski, A.B. Saunders. Transesophageal echocardiography using a microprobe for determination of transcatheter procedural candidacy, device selection and procedural monitoring in small dogs with patent ductus arteriosus, J. Vet Cardiology. 2024; 52:35-42.
30. S. Wesselowski, K.T. Sykes, A.B. Saunders, S.R. Were. Echocardiographic values and prevalence of cardiac abnormalities in clinically healthy adult Borzoi dogs. Am J Vet Research. 2024 Jan 2:1-10. doi: 10.2460/ajvr.23.11.0255. [Citations: 2]
29. S. Wesselowski, S.G. Gordon, R. Fries, A.B. Saunders, K.T. Sykes, J. Vitt, B. Boutet, J. Haggstrom, S. Kadotani, J. Stack, B.G. Barnett. Use of physical examination, electrocardiography, radiography and biomarkers to predict stage B2 myxomatous mitral valve disease in preclinical Cavalier King Charles Spaniels. J. Vet Cardiology. 2023; 50:1-16. [Citations: 1]
28. C McGrath, A. Dixon, C. Hirst, E.F. Bode, T. DeFrancesco, R. Fries, S.G. Gordon, D. Hogan, Y. Martinez Pereira, E. Mederska, S. Ostenkamp, K.T. Sykes, J. Vitt, S. Wesselowski, J. Payne. Pacemaker-lead-associated thrombosis in dogs; a multicenter retrospective study. J. Vet. Cardiology. 2023; 49:9-28. [Citations: 3]
27. S. Wesselowski, J. Lidbury, A.B. Saunders, S.G. Gordon, J.S. Suchodolski, J.M. Steiner. Analytical validation, sample stability, and clinical evaluation of a new high-sensitivity cardiac troponin I immunoassay for use in dogs, with comparison to a previous ultrasensitive assay. PLoS ONE 18(7): e0288801. https://doi.org/10.1371/journal.pone.0288801. [Citations: 2]
26. A. Molli*, S. Wesselowski, A.B. Saunders, S.G. Gordon. Advanced imaging in an adult dog with anomalous origin of the left coronary artery from the pulmonary artery and extensive collateral coronary circulation. J Vet Cardiology. 2023 Aug; 48: 31-36. [Citations: 1]
25. B.G. Barnett*, S. Wesselowski, S.G. Gordon, A.B. Saunders, D. Promislow, S. Schwartz, L. Chou, J. Evans, M. Kaeberlein, K. Creevy. A masked, placebo-controlled, randomized clinical trial evaluating safety and the effect on cardiac function of low-dose rapamycin in 17 healthy client-owned dogs. Front. Vet. Sci., Vol 10-2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1168711. [Citations: 3]
24. S. Wesselowski, Resolution of congestive heart failure and reverse remodeling in two chihuahuas with flail mitral valve leaflets. J. Vet Cardiology, 2023; 47, 55-63.
23. K Tess Sykes*, Sonya Wesselowski, Ashley B Saunders, Sonja S Tjostheim, Brianna M Potter, Anna R M Gelzer, Natalie Katz, Jessica L Ward, Emily T Karlin, Lauren E Markovic, Aliya N Magee, Jonathan A Abbott, Saki Kadotani, Giulio Menciotti. A multicenter, retrospective study of cardiac disease in Borzoi dogs. Front. Vet. Sci., 26 Jan 2023, Vol 10-2023, https://doi.org/10.3389/fvets.2023.1102494. [Citations: 2]
22. S. Wesselowski, A.B. Blake, S.G. Gordon, J.S. Suchodolski, J.M. Steiner. Taurine concentrations in Cavalier King Charles Spaniels: whole blood and plasma reference intervals and effects of diet and mitral valve disease. J. Am. Vet. Med. Assoc. 2022, 260 (S3), S71-S76. [Citations: 2]
21. J.N. Hertzer*, S.G. Gordon, S. Wesselowski. Effects of recording device, body position, electrode placement, and sedation on electrocardiogram intervals in dogs. Vet J., 2022: 288, 105885. [Citations: 4]
20. S. Wesselowski, A.B. Saunders, S. Werre, S.G. Gordon. Echocardiographic measurement of the mitral valve in normal Cavalier King Charles spaniels: repeatability, optimal future study methods, and preliminary reference intervals. J. Vet Cardiology, 2022; 43, 81-92. [Citations: 2]
19. B. Boutet, S.G. Gordon, C. Navas De Solis, M. Loria Lepiz, A.B. Saunders, S. Wesselowski. Feasibility and clinical utility of transvenous intracardiac echocardiography in conscious, sedated horses. J. Vet Cardiology, 2022 Aug; 42:15-22. [Citations: 1]
18. S. Wesselowski, B. Janacek, K. Landsgaard, A. Aceino, B.F. Porter. Pancarditis as the sole clinical manifestation of protothecosis in a Boxer dog. J. Vet Cardiology, 2022; 41, 128-133. [Citations: 2]
17. S.G. Gordon, A.B. Saunders, S. Wesselowski. Asymptomatic Canine Degenerative Valve Disease: Diagnosis and Current and Future Therapies. Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract., 2022 May; 52 (3): 819-840. [Citations: 4]
16. S.G. Gordon, S. Wesselowski, A. Estrada, L. Braz-Ruivo, N. Morris, J. Haggstrom, M. O’Grady, E. Malcolm. Prospective evaluation of the combined value of physical examination, electrocardiographic and biomarker variables in screening for preclinical dilated cardiomyopathy in Doberman Pinschers. J Vet Cardiology, 2022 Apr; 40, 69-83. [Citations: 5]
15. S. Wesselowski, K. Cusack, A. Saunders, N. Jeffery. Pre-procedural femoral vessel ultrasound in dogs with patent ductus arteriosus: diameter, image quality and relationship with arterial catheterization. J. Vet Cardiology, 2022 Feb; 39, 69-78. [Citations: 1]
14. S. Wesselowski, S.G. Gordon, N. Meddaugh**, A.B. Saunders, J. Haggstrom, K. Cusack, B.W. Janacek, D.J. Matthews. Prediction of acquired cardiac disease without an echocardiogram in large breed dogs using a combination of clinical, radiographic and electrocardiographic variables. J. Vet Cardiology, 2022 Apr; 40; 126-141. [Citations: 16]
13. A. Romano, A. Saunders, S. Gordon, S. Wesselowski. Intracardiac Heartworms in Dogs: Clinical and Echocardiographic Characteristics in 72 cases (2010-2019). J Vet Intern Med, 2021 Jan; 35 (1): 88-97. [Citations: 26]
12. K. Cusack*, S. Wesselowski, A. Saunders, N. Jeffery. Correlations between age, body size, sex, and conformation and ultrasound-measured femoral vessel diameter in the dog, with implications for transvascular procedural planning. Vet Rad Ultra, 2021 Jan; 62 (1): 98-107. [Citations: 2]
11. A. Saunders, S. Wesselowski, K. Cusack. Transesophageal Echocardiography-Guided Dirofilaria immitis Extraction from the Right Atrium in a Dog. CASE, 2020; 4 (4), 299. [Citations: 5]
10. S. Wesselowski, A. Saunders, S. Gordon. Anatomy, baseline characteristics and procedural outcome of patent ductus arteriosus in German shepherd dogs. J Vet Intern Med, 2019 Mar; 33 (2): 471-477. [Citations: 13]
9. S. Wesselowski, K. Cusack, S. Gordon, N. Jeffery, A. Saunders. Artificial cardiac pacemaker placement in dogs with a cohort of myocarditis suspects and association of ultrasensitive cardiac troponin I with survival. J Vet Cardiology, 2019; Apr; 22: 84-95. [Citations:13]
8. A. Shelden**, S. Wesselowski, S. Gordon, A. Saunders. Transcatheter closure of a small atrial septal defect with an Amplatzer patent foramen ovale occluder in a working dog with cyanosis and exercise intolerance at high altitude. J Vet Cardiology, 2017 Dec; 19(6) 523-529. [Citations: 6]
7. S. Wesselowski, A. Saunders, S. Gordon. Relationship between devices size and body weight in dogs with patent ductus arteriosus undergoing Amplatz canine duct occluder deployment. J Vet Intern Med. 2017 Sept; 31(5): 1388-1391. [Citations:12]
6. S. Gordon, A. Saunders, S. Wesselowski. Asymptomatic canine degenerative valve disease: Current and future therapies; Vet. Clin. North Am. Small Anim. Pract., 2017 June; 47 (5): 955-975. [Citations: 42]
5. S. Wesselowski, J. Abbott, M. Borgarelli, M. Tursi. Presumptive partial atrial standstill secondary to atrial cardiomyopathy in a Greyhound; J Vet Cardiology, 2017 June; 19 (3): 276-282. [Citations: 11]
4. G. Menciotti, M. Borgarelli, M. Aherne, S. Wesselowski, J. Haggstrom, I. Ljungvall, S. Lahmers, J. Abbott. Mitral valve morphology assessed by three-dimensional transthoracic echocardiography in healthy dogs and dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease; J Vet Cardiology, 2017 April; 19 (2): 113-123. [Citations: 24]
3. S. Wesselowski, M. Borgarelli, G. Menciotti, J. Abbott. Echocardiographic anatomy of the mitral valve in healthy dogs and dogs with myxomatous mitral valve disease. J Vet Cardiology. 2015 Jun; 17(2): 97-106. [Citations: 27]
2. S. Wesselowski, M. Borgarelli, N.M. Bello, J.A. Abbott. Discrepancies in identification of left atrial enlargement using left atrial volume versus left atrial-to-aortic root ratio in dogs. J Vet Intern Med. 2014 Sept; 28(5): 1527-33. [Citations: 70]
1. N. Songsasen, S. Wesselowski, JW Carpenter, DE Wildt. The ability to achieve meiotic maturation in the dog oocyte is linked to glycolysis and glutamine oxidation. Mol Reprod Dev. 2012 Mar; 79 (3): 186-96. [Citations: 16]