VETERINARIANS
Lisa A. Willis, DVM, CVAP
Night Ranger and Dr. Willis after horn surgery
Dr. Willis was raised on the western slope of Colorado and grew up riding mules on hunting trips in the Rocky Mountains. She completed graduate studies in Equine Reproduction at Texas A&M University and then worked for two years as the personal assistant to Dr. Tom Riddle of Rood and Riddle Equine Hospital in Lexington, KY. She attended veterinary school at Auburn University and then worked for Elgin Veterinary Hospital prior to moving closer to The Cowboy Capital of the World and opening up Mid-Texas Veterinary Associates, PC. She works with many other veterinarians throughout the country to bring the best care possible to your animals. She became certified in acupuncture in 2013 and continues to go back to CSU to assist with the course. When Dr. Willis is not working, she enjoys skiing, running, and spending time with her family and friends (including all of the animals she has accumulated...)
VETERINARY TECHNICIANS
Amber Miller was raised on her family's cattle ranch in Gustine, TX, where she lives with her husband, Neil, and daughters, Harper & Swayze. Amber is a graduate of Texas Tech University. Between raising her own herd of cattle and still helping on the family ranch, you will see her doing everything from wrangling bucking bulls to answering the phones at MTVA.
Felicia Spurlen grew up in Washington state. While spending time in the Army she met her husband, Waggoner (see below). While raising her 4 children, she is currently in Nursing school at Tarleton State University. She does everything from cleaning pens to handling all of the animals here at MTVA. We are very thankful to have Felicia on our team.
Carlos Boehm is the barn supervisor at MTVA. Anytime we need help with anything Carlos is there with a helping hand. Carlos is taking classes at Ranger College. We are happy to have Carlos on our team.
Waggoner Spurlen grew up in Comanche County. After spending time in the Army he came back to Comanche County with his family to raise his children. For a hobby Waggoner enjoys raising Shorthorn cattle with his beautiful wife, Felicia. He is currently enrolled at Tarleton State University, majoring Ag industries and Agencies. He does everything from cleaning to lab work.
Joe Chapman moved here from Chicago, IL. He has been doing a fantastic job of maintenance and helping out with the animals. Joe has an outgoing personality and works hard daily.
EQUIPMENT
Ultrasound - Chronic poor doing cow's abdomen
This is an ultrasound picture from a bucking stock cow with liver abscesses. Liver abscesses are not uncommon on feedlots where a lot of grain is fed to animals creating a condition that can make animals more susceptible to liver abscessation. Another cause can be due to septicemia (generalized infection due to navel ill, or other septic processes). This animal recovered after extensive antibiotic and supportive therapy and serial examinations assisted in monitoring the recovery.
Digital Radiographs - Stifle Radiograph of a Thoroughbred
This is a normal radiograph of a young Thoroughbred in preparation for Keeneland sales (views were taken with KY division of MTVA). Digital radiography has expanded our ability to diagnose things more accurately and quickly by making superb views readily available.
Family Affair
Dr. Willis' dad, Ben Willis (Palisade, CO and Challis, ID) , helped design and build the facilities. Ben Willis is a pipeliner which came in handy building the sturdy pipe bucking bull pens!
Newton
MTVA's mascot, Newton, is a miniature donkey. He loves to roam around begging for feed and hugs. His sidekick Butterfly is usually running around with him on these adventures. Be sure and keep your eye out for Newton as he tends to be the welcoming committee and will give a long farewell to the clients he falls in love with. He is quick to fall in love. Newton loves Hugs.
MTVA's mascot, Butterfly, is a young bucking stock heifer who came to us in March of 2019. She was not doing well and we nursed her back to health. We all became very attached to her. Even Newton loves Butterfly. They go everywhere together. Look for her wandering around with Newton when you come to visit us. She loves scratches.
MTVA utilizes many veterinarians throughout the country. If you have any questions about your animal, do not hesitate to call us. If we can find a veterinarian closer to you, we will help you in any way we can. We value our colleagues and value our clients. Thank you for visiting our website!