A Life of Service: Dr. Don Shields’ Enduring Legacy in Veterinary Medicine

In this inspiring episode, we sit down with Dr. Don Shields, a true icon in veterinary medicine whose compassion, innovation, and work ethic continue to shine at age 88. With a career spanning more than six decades, Dr. Shields shares his remarkable journey from founding Bethayers Veterinary Hospital in 1964 to still practicing today, focusing on end-of-life care.

You’ll hear firsthand about his pioneering work with pacemakers in dogs (as early as 1974!), his travels to Switzerland to study innovative orthopedic techniques, and his contributions to the field through writing and mentorship. Whether caring for Bradley Cooper’s dog or co-authoring a piece on Myasthenia Gravis for Scientific American, Dr. Shields has always been ahead of the curve.

This episode highlights not only his clinical accomplishments but also his passion for feral cat welfare, along with his wife, Donna, his enduring athletic spirit (30+ RAGBRAI rides, skiing, tennis, and sailing!), and his belief that general practitioners were once the heart of a “golden era of veterinary medicine.”

What You’ll Learn:

• What veterinary medicine looked like in the 1960s and how it’s evolved
  
  
• The story behind two dogs with pacemakers - truly groundbreaking in the 1970-80s
  
  
• How human orthopedic techniques influenced animal surgery
  
  
• Why Dr. Shields still chooses to work at 88—and the cases he’s proudest of
  
  
• The joys and challenges of a life devoted to animals

Click here to learn about an organization called ReGen that collects and refurbishes donated human pacemakers for placement in animals.

Disclaimer

VitalVet.org, a platform for all things related to pet rehab - product information, education, and resources abound!
MedcoVet (show sponsor) Luma - advanced red-light therapy therapy that puts healing in the hands of the pet owner in the comfort of home!

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Optimum Pet Vitality - Education/coursework to help you and your pet!
Dr. Buzby’s - The Senior Dog Company – Toe grips to prevent slipping, Encore Mobility joint supplement, and Brain Boost cognitive supplement.
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